Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Chassis Codes:
CSA (Sedan), CSW (Wagon)
Engine Codes Primary:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC), 4G94 (2.4L SOHC)
Engine Codes Secondary:
4G15 (1.5L SOHC - some markets)
Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra
Reputation:
Known for value, reliability (especially with certain engines), and sporty driving dynamics, particularly in performance variants (e.g., GT).
Variants Availability:
Offered in sedan and wagon body styles, with various trim levels and engine options catering to different markets.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control system (ECU, sensors, actuators).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT), Automatic transmission (AT), clutch system, driveline components (axles, driveshafts).
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instruments and gauges, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, audio system, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine repair (e.g., head gasket, timing belt replacement), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagram interpretation.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, dimensional data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all major repair and maintenance procedures from basic servicing to major component overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.0 Liters
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
SOHC (4G63/4G15), DOHC (4G63 - performance variants)
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Power Output:
Approx. 120-160 hp (SOHC 2.0L), 140-150 hp (2.4L), up to 271 hp (2.0L Turbocharged in Evo models, though not typical for standard Lancer models covered).
Engine 1 Torque Output:
Approx. 130-170 lb-ft (SOHC 2.0L), 150-160 lb-ft (2.4L).
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.4 Liters
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
SOHC
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 14.5 gallons (55 Liters)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4AT) with overdrive
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select performance variants (e.g., Evolution models, not standard Lancer).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Verify specific viscosity and spec with manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent (Verify with manual).
Length:
Approx. 174.5 - 177.8 inches (4432 - 4516 mm) depending on body style and trim.
Width:
Approx. 66.7 - 67.5 inches (1694 - 1715 mm).
Height:
Approx. 56.1 - 57.7 inches (1425 - 1466 mm).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.4 inches (2575 mm).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 3000 lbs (1180 - 1360 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3700-4000 lbs.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (Varies by year and specific testing, generally good for its class).
IIHS Front Overlap Small Overlap:
Good to Acceptable (Varies by year, older models may not have undergone specific tests for newer standards).
ABS:
Standard on most trims, with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Traction Control:
Available on some higher trims or as an option.
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims or optional.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and varying speaker configurations depending on trim level. Aux input was not standard on early models.
Cruise Control:
Available on mid to higher trim levels.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available from the factory during this period. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Power Windows Locks:
Standard on most trims, with driver's window often featuring auto-down functionality.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Typically 30,000-100,000 miles. Consult manual for specific types and intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G63/4G94 engines. Typically around 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km). Failure is catastrophic on these interference engines. **Extremely important to follow this interval.**
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter for 2.0L/2.4L engines. **Verify with manual.**
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, pre-mixed 50/50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Timing Belt:
As mentioned, critical maintenance item. Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley should also be replaced with the belt.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket can degrade over time and leak.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail, leading to performance issues and check engine lights.
Cv Joints:
Front CV joint boots can tear, leading to joint failure if not addressed promptly.
Suspension Components:
Bushings and ball joints can wear, leading to noise and handling issues, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Japanese automaker with a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for performance (Lancer Evolution), SUVs, and innovative technology.
Lancer Generation:
This period (2000-2007) covers the 8th generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer, codenamed CS (CSA/CSW).
Performance Variants:
While the standard Lancer is a mainstream compact, this generation is also famously associated with the Lancer Evolution (Evo) performance models, which featured advanced AWD systems and turbocharged engines.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with significant assembly in other global locations including Australia, Thailand, and the United States for specific markets.
