🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt Lancer

Chassis Codes:

CK1A, CK2A, CK4A, CK6A, CK8A, CK9A, CM4A, CM5A, CM6A, CN9A, CP9A (varies by market and specific model)

Generation Name:

Sixth Generation (CJ/CK/CM/CN/CP)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car (C-segment), known for affordability, reliability, and practicality.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Mazda Protege, Hyundai Elantra.

Vehicle Appeal:

Durable engineering, fuel efficiency, sporty styling (especially in certain trims), practical interior space, and accessible pricing.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual)

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (primary, common for global service manuals)

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Mechanical:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveshaft, axles, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Engine control system (ECU), ignition system, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instruments and indicators, wipers and washers, horn, audio system, climate control system (HVAC), power windows, power mirrors, central locking, airbags, anti-theft system.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance checks, fluid level checks and top-ups, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor inspection/replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Repair Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all systems, troubleshooting charts, component testing, removal and installation procedures for major components, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system bleeding and repair, steering and suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, typically searchable text and clear image reproduction.

Printability:

Designed for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4G92 (1.6L SOHC/DOHC), 4G93 (1.8L SOHC/DOHC), 4G63 (2.0L DOHC - often in performance variants like GSR and RS).

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 100 hp (1.6L SOHC) to 150 hp (1.8L DOHC) and 200+ hp (2.0L turbo 4G63).

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI).

4G93 Variants:

4G93 (1.8L SOHC MPI), 4G93T (1.8L Turbocharged - less common in global markets for this generation, but present in some regions).

4G63 Variants:

4G63 (2.0L DOHC MPI), 4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged - iconic in the Lancer Evolution models).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission.

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission.

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on performance models (e.g., Lancer Evolution).

📐 Dimensions

Length Overall:

Approximately 4,345 mm (varies slightly by body style).

Width Overall:

Approximately 1,690 mm.

Height Overall:

Approximately 1,405 mm (varies by trim and suspension).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,050 kg - 1,300 kg (depending on engine and drivetrain).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not extensively rated in global markets for this specific period; generally considered safe for its class and era.

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard; optional rear disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard on many later models and higher trims.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

ABS:

Available on higher trims and optional for most models.

Features:

Basic connectivity, primarily for audio. No integrated Bluetooth or navigation systems from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (100,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years, crucial for interference engines.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Coolant:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SP II M or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon spec ATF.

Common Problems:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan, worn engine mounts, occasional ABS sensor failures, catalytic converter issues, manual transmission synchro wear (especially on higher mileage vehicles).

Oil Filter Example:

Mitsubishi MD069782 or equivalent from manufacturers like Fram (PH5525), Wix (51334), or Bosch (3323).

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan.

Predecessor:

Mitsubishi Lancer (Fifth Generation).

Production Period:

1995-2007 (This generation phased out for Lancer Evolution and standard Lancer models with introduction of the Cedia).

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan, and various overseas assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

Known for its affordability and reliability, particularly in non-performance trims. The Lancer Evolution variants are iconic in motorsport and performance tuning circles.