Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Positioning:
Sporty, affordable, and reliable compact car with a reputation for good handling.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza.
Vehicle Strengths:
Engaging handling, practical interior, available all-wheel drive (on some variants), strong value proposition.
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians, DIY Enthusiasts, Fleet Maintenance Managers.
Benefit Statement:
Empowers users with the detailed technical knowledge required to service, diagnose, and repair the Mitsubishi Lancer CJ effectively.
Powertrain:
Engine (4A91, 4B10, 4B11), Transmission (Manual, CVT, Automatic), Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Electric Power Steering - EPS), Brakes (ABS, EBD, Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting Systems, Audio Systems, HVAC Controls, SRS Airbag System, Instrument Cluster, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable for specific trims), Body Repair and Alignment
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Trouble Codes, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Tool Usage, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Repair and Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Installation:
Accessory Installation, Component Replacement Procedures
Depth:
From basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code 1:
4A91 (1.5L MIVEC)
Engine Displacement 1:
1499 cc
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 109 PS (80 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2:
4B10 (1.8L MIVEC)
Engine Displacement 2:
1798 cc
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, MIVEC
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 143 PS (105 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 176 Nm (130 lb-ft) @ 4250 rpm
Engine Code 3:
4B11 (2.0L MIVEC)
Engine Displacement 3:
1998 cc
Engine Configuration 3:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, MIVEC
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 155 PS (114 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3:
Approx. 199 Nm (147 lb-ft) @ 4250 rpm
Engine Technology:
MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system for optimized power and efficiency.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System.
Transmission Type 1:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type 2:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT - INVECS-III)
Transmission Type 3:
4-Speed Automatic (for some early models/markets)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD - on select Sportback/Ralliart models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific part numbers and exact specs)
Cvt Fluid:
J1 or J4 CVT Fluid (specific Mitsubishi brand fluid recommended, refer to manual for part numbers)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIAQueen ATF SP-III (refer to manual for specific part numbers and exact specs)
NHTSA Rating:
Generally good ratings, often achieving 4 or 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests (refer to specific year and market testing).
IIHS Rating:
Good to Acceptable ratings in various crashworthiness tests (refer to specific year and market testing).
Brake Assist:
Included on most models.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
EBD standard.
Traction Control:
Standard on many variants.
Electronic Stability Control:
ESC standard on later models and specific trims.
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Impact, and Curtain Airbags (standard/optional depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioners and force limiters on front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on certain trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most models.
Smart Key System:
Optional keyless ignition and entry system available on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming on select trims.
Usb Port:
Optional USB port for media playback and device charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace around 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace around 15,000-30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual. Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.
Timing Belt Chain:
Engines utilize a timing chain, which generally does not require periodic replacement but should be inspected for wear/noise.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters (refer to manual for specific engine and filter type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (API SN, ILSAC GF-5 compliant or higher, refer to manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent phosphate-free OAT coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual).
Common Complaints:
CVT transmission issues (especially on higher mileage vehicles), occasional electrical gremlins, suspension wear (bushings, struts), potential for exhaust system rust in certain climates.
Recommendations:
Adhering strictly to the maintenance schedule, particularly for CVT fluid changes, is crucial for longevity. Regular checks for leaks and corrosion are advised.
Brand Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a history of producing reliable and performance-oriented vehicles, including rally successes with the Lancer Evolution.
Generation Context:
The CJ generation represents the tenth generation of the Lancer, often referred to as the Lancer EX or Lancer Sportback depending on the body style and market. It introduced a more sophisticated design and enhanced driving dynamics compared to its predecessors.
Key Variants:
Includes standard sedan, Sportback hatchback, Ralliart (performance-oriented AWD model), and the high-performance Evolution (though Evo models have distinct manuals).
Production Period:
2007–2017 (Globally for this generation, with CJ covering 2008-2013 specifically).
Manufacturing Sites:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, but also assembled in other global locations like Thailand and the Philippines.
Design Awards:
The Lancer CJ generation received positive reviews for its 'jet fighter' grille design and overall styling upon its release.
Safety Awards:
Many models achieved good safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to its appeal as a safe choice.
Consumer Reports:
Varies by model year and powertrain. Generally considered average to above average in reliability by consumer reporting agencies, with specific powertrain configurations having stronger track records than others.
