Segment:
Affordable and reliable compact car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, reliable daily transportation seekers
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mazda 323
Attributes:
Fuel efficiency, durability, straightforward engineering, often available with all-wheel drive (AWD) on certain models (e.g., Lancer GSR, Evolution variants within this generation's broader family)
Attributes:
Official factory data, comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, repair procedures, diagnostic information
Region:
Global (specific to markets where Colt Lancer was sold)
Market Segments:
Compact Sedan, Hatchback, Coupe
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact count varies by edition, but specified as comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Disc & Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Power Windows, Power Locks, Audio System, ECU/ECM Diagnostics
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points, Inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics Interpretation
Repair Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild Procedures, Transmission Overhaul, Component Replacement (e.g., suspension arms, brake calipers), Bodywork Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-I Code Retrieval (if applicable), Component Testing, Sensor Data Interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level - Suitable for Professional Technicians and Advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using specialized tools and diagnostic equipment
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if converted from a digital source, enhancing usability
Quality:
High-resolution scans or digital native files suitable for clear printing
Binding Recommendation:
Printable on demand, allowing users to bind to their preference (e.g., spiral-bound, three-ring binder)
Recommended Paper:
Standard printer paper for home/shop printing
Engine Codes And Types:
4G13 (1.3L SOHC I4), 4G15 (1.5L SOHC I4), 4G91 (1.5L DOHC I4), 4G92 (1.6L SOHC/DOHC I4), 4G93 (1.8L SOHC/DOHC I4 - including turbocharged variants like GSR/Ralliart), 6A10 (1.6L V6 - less common in this specific manual's scope but part of the broader Lancer family of the era)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 70 HP (1.3L) to 145 HP (1.8L Turbocharged GSR) and upwards for performance variants
Torque Range:
Approx. 100 Nm (1.3L) to 200+ Nm (1.8L Turbocharged)
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carbureted (on some base models/regions)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based or Distributorless Ignition System - DIS on later/higher trims)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, 2-door Coupe
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Length:
Approx. 4320 - 4380 mm (170.1 - 172.4 in) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 1690 - 1700 mm (66.5 - 66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 - 1400 mm (53.9 - 55.1 in) depending on body style
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1000 - 1250 kg (2205 - 2756 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, detailed in manual
Crash Test Results:
Information typically detailed in specific market OEM safety reports; manual focuses on passive safety system components.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes (Ventilated on higher trims), Rear Drum Brakes (Disc on some performance variants). ABS was optional or standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on base models of this era; may be present on performance variants.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag often standard or optional; Passenger airbag less common on base models of this generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners (on some models), three-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Typically AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, optional CD Player on higher trims. Manual covers basic installation and removal of head unit.
Speakers:
Standard 2 or 4 speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models, particularly higher trim levels.
Anti Lock Brakes:
ABS available as an option or standard on performance/luxury trims.
Standard Connectivity:
None (pre-internet era of automotive tech)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Level, Engine Temperature. Warning lights for various systems. Manual details gauge functions and warning indicators.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Specifics in manual.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines. Generally recommended every 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 60,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Manual provides specific interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity typically 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate. Manual specifies exact grades.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Manual specifies mixture ratio and type (e.g., Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III equivalent. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual specifies type.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid. Manual specifies.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, exhaust system components, clutch wear, oxygen sensors, fuel injectors.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur with age, particularly related to wiring harnesses, grounds, and certain sensor failures. Manual's troubleshooting section is key.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade with age.
Cooling System:
Radiator hoses and thermostat can fail over time.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Manufacturer Specialty:
Known for rally heritage (especially the Lancer Evolution line) and reliable, affordable transportation.
Predecessor:
Mitsubishi Lancer (previous generations, e.g., Lancer Fiore/Colt)
Successor:
Mitsubishi Lancer (Generation VII, CY/CZ)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primarily), potentially other Mitsubishi assembly plants globally.
Notable Variants:
While this manual covers the standard Colt Lancer, it provides foundational knowledge for the performance-oriented Lancer Evolution variants (Evo I-III) which share significant underlying architecture.
Historical Awards Related To Lancer Line:
The broader Lancer lineage, particularly the performance variants, has received numerous accolades in motorsport and automotive journalism for handling and performance. While this specific model is a base compact, its lineage contributes to its desirability.
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered reliable and durable with proper maintenance.
Manual Certification:
Factory Original Equipment (OE) documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness for repairs.
