Segment:
        
        
            Compact sedan and wagon, competing in a highly saturated segment known for value and reliability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Nissan Sentra.
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            The 2004 Lancer offered a compelling blend of affordability, distinctive styling (especially the Ralliart versions), and generally good mechanicals, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers and enthusiasts alike.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Importance:
        
        
            This manual is essential for maintaining the vehicle's performance, addressing potential issues, and ensuring longevity, especially for owners performing their own maintenance or repairs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Electrical:
        
        
            Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), emission control systems, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed INVECS-II), including clutch, torque converter, valve body, and shift control.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD - for specific models/trims), driveshafts, CV joints, differentials.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front suspension (MacPherson strut), Rear suspension (Multi-link beam for wagon, independent for sedan variants), shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system (hydraulic or electric assist), steering column, tie rods, steering gear.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc brakes, Rear drum or disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake hydraulics, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            12V battery system, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, wipers, horn.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk/tailgate, bumpers, seats, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC system.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Air conditioning (A/C) system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) diagnostics.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common symptoms and DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
        
     
    
        
            Component Repair Rebuild:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for repairing or rebuilding major components like engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, circuit analysis.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications And Tolerances:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, wear limits, and critical measurement data for all components.
        
     
    
        
            Alignment And Balancing:
        
        
            Wheel alignment specifications, balancing procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Lubrication And Capacities:
        
        
            Fluid types, capacities, and lubrication points for all systems.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnosis.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            References to factory diagnostic tools (e.g., MUT-III) and generic OBD-II scanners for troubleshooting.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase Wagon:
        
        
            Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Length Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 177.1 inches (4498 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Length Wagon:
        
        
            Approx. 179.5 inches (4560 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height Wagon:
        
        
            Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Sedan:
        
        
            Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 L)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Wagon:
        
        
            Approx. 21.3 cu ft (603 L) with rear seats up
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Varies by model and options, typically 2,700 - 3,100 lbs (1225 - 1406 kg)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            Good (for 2004 models tested)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            Good (for 2004 models tested)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Offset Score:
        
        
            Acceptable to Good (depending on specific test year and minor structural changes)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims and AWD models.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available on some AWD models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front dual-stage airbags standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags optional on some trims.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts with pretensioners in front, 3-point seatbelts in rear. LATCH child seat anchors.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine oil recommendations).
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (check manual for exact type and interval).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years for 4G63/4G94 engines (critical maintenance item, check manual for exact interval and type).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 L) for 2.0L/2.4L, 3.5 quarts (3.3 L) for 1.6L (check manual for exact capacity and viscosity).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4.
        
     
    
    
        
            Ignition Coils:
        
        
            Intermittent misfires can be caused by failing ignition coils or spark plug wires.
        
     
    
        
            ABS Sensors:
        
        
            ABS warning lights can indicate faulty wheel speed sensors.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Suspension Bushings:
        
        
            Worn rear suspension bushings can lead to clunks or poor handling, especially on the wagon.
        
     
    
        
            Evaporative Emission Control:
        
        
            Check Engine Light may illuminate due to EVAP system leaks (e.g., gas cap, purge valve).