🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt Lancer

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact/Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, younger drivers, and small families.

Key Competitors 1997:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.

Competitive Advantage:

Often offered competitive pricing and a good balance of features and fuel economy.

Body Styles:

Available as a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and potentially a 5-door wagon depending on region.

Design Philosophy:

Practical, reliable, and economical transportation.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical and Electrical Systems

Body And Chassis:

Included

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full coverage for all 1997 Colt Lancer engine options.

Fuel System:

Injection system diagnostics, fuel pump, injectors, and lines.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan operation, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust manifold repairs.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, and differential service.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including disc and drum configurations, ABS (if equipped).

Suspension:

MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, shock absorbers, and springs.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, and column repairs.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter motor, and ignition system.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and bulb specifications.

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and component replacement.

Body And Interior:

Door mechanisms, glass, seats, trim panels, and exterior body panel alignment.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame construction and corrosion protection.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbag system (if equipped), and associated diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and fluid checks.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures.

Transmission Rebuild:

Detailed steps for overhauling both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake Service:

Pad and shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, rotor machining/replacement.

Suspension Repair:

Component replacement (struts, ball joints, control arms), alignment procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures.

Fuel Injection Diagnosis:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel pressure checks.

Tune Up Procedures:

Ignition timing, idle speed adjustment, emissions component testing.

Body Panel Replacement:

Steps for removing and installing fenders, doors, and hoods.

Air Conditioning Recharge:

Refrigerant handling and system charging procedures.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

DTC lookup and interpretation (OBD-I or early OBD-II depending on model variant).

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed, step-by-step instructions with torque specifications and diagrams.

Diagnostic Flowcharts:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.

Wiring Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Exploded Views:

Included for most assemblies to aid in part identification and disassembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

Common engines include the 4G9 family (e.g., 4G92, 4G93).

Engine Displacement Options:

Typically 1.3L (4G13), 1.5L (4G15), 1.6L (4G92), and 1.8L (4G93).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 75 hp to 125 hp depending on engine and market.

Torque Range:

Approximately 100 Nm to 160 Nm depending on engine and market.

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Fuel Requirement:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per manufacturer specification, typically 87-91 RON).

Cylinder Arrangement:

Inline 4-cylinder.

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on the engine variant.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Transmission Type Optional:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific grade).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Sedan:

Approximately 2500 mm (98.4 inches).

Wheelbase Hatchback:

Approximately 2440 mm (96.1 inches).

Length Sedan:

Approximately 4300 mm (169.3 inches).

Width:

Approximately 1690 mm (66.5 inches).

Height:

Approximately 1380-1415 mm (54.3-55.7 inches) depending on body style.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 980-1150 kg (2160-2535 lbs) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and configuration (refer to vehicle placard).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 1997 models are not readily available or may vary by market. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its class and era.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims/markets.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags were often standard or optional depending on the trim level and market.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts; pretensioners may be present on front seats.

Crumple Zones:

Incorporated front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player may have been available on higher trims.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Available on some higher trim levels.

Anti Theft System:

Basic factory immobilizer or alarm system may be present on certain markets.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Relies on aftermarket solutions for advanced audio integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Often recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage on interference engines.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (viscosity may vary with temperature, refer to manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.5 - 4.0 liters (3.7 - 4.2 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent green/blue type).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual).

Engine Mounts:

Worn engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.

Suspension Components:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can wear out over time, affecting steering and ride quality.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common in older vehicles, especially in areas with salted roads. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans.

Automatic Transmission Slippage:

Older automatics can develop slippage issues due to wear and fluid degradation. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

Power Steering Leaks:

Hoses and seals in the power steering system can degrade and leak.

Ignition Coil Failure:

Ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors History:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has a long history dating back to 1917 with its origins in shipbuilding.

Lancer Lineage:

The Colt Lancer is part of the Lancer family, which has been in continuous production since 1973. The 1997 model is part of the sixth generation (CB/CD/CE platform) of the Lancer, which ran from 1991 to 1996, though some variations and updates continued into 1997 in certain markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, with assembly plants in various other countries through joint ventures and subsidiaries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognition:

While specific awards for the 1997 model year are scarce, the Lancer lineage has historically been recognized for its value, reliability, and fuel efficiency in its segment.