Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact to Compact Car Segment
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mazda 323/Familia
Value Proposition:
Reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable transportation, offering a good balance of practicality and driving dynamics. Available in various body styles including sedan, hatchback, and coupe.
Manual Benefit:
Provides comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to save on service costs and maintain their vehicle effectively.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), fuel system (carburetor, injection), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, fluid specifications, shifting mechanisms
Drivetrain:
Axles, drive shafts, CV joints, differentials, transfer case (if applicable)
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, steering gear, power steering system, alignment procedures
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), component replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting system, gauges, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, wiring diagrams, sensor diagnostics, ECU troubleshooting
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping, chassis structural components, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis and repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation and pressure checks, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspections and replacement
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds (e.g., piston replacement, ring replacement, bearing replacement, head gasket replacement, camshaft installation), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms), electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (for OBD-I systems), component testing procedures
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment, suspension geometry adjustments, engine timing procedures, clutch bleeding, brake bleeding, refrigerant charging, torque specifications for all fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed disassembly and reassembly steps, specifications, and diagrams.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.3L (1345 cc) - 4G13
Engine 1 Cylinders:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.5L (1468 cc) - 4G15
Engine 2 Cylinders:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 HP
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 75-80 lb-ft
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 80-90 HP
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 85-95 lb-ft
Engine 3 Displacement:
1.6L (1590 cc) DOHC - 4G92 MIVEC
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 110-130 HP (MIVEC variant)
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 100-110 lb-ft (MIVEC variant)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (or as specified in manual)
Fuel Pump Type:
Electric (in-tank or external)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (refer to manual for specific engine)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-Speed or 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 Gear Oil (specific viscosity may vary, consult manual)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Crash Test History:
Limited official crash test data available for this era and model, but generally considered average for its class. Consult specific market safety reports if available.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Optional ABS available on higher trims.
Tire Size:
Common sizes include 175/70R14, 185/65R14, 195/60R15 (varies by trim and wheel size)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on many later models or as an option. Passenger airbag was rare.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners, three-point rear seat belts (center may be lap belt).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Standard speaker configurations.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temp), warning lights, basic HVAC controls.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels or specific models.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System available on some models/trims.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic radio and speaker system. No integrated Bluetooth or USB in this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (or as specified)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific OAT/HOAT requirements if applicable.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Timing belts (critical failure if breaks), front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system (rust), clutch wear, starter motor issues, aging rubber hoses and seals.
Engine Specific Notes:
Some 4G15 engines can develop oil consumption issues with age. MIVEC engines (4G92) require precise timing and maintenance.
Manufacturer Origins:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan
Predecessors:
Preceded by earlier generations of Mitsubishi Lancer and Colt models, which established the brand's reputation for reliable and affordable vehicles.
Fourth Generation Introduction:
The fourth generation (CJ) Lancer/Mirage/Colt was introduced in 1991 for the 1992 model year. It featured a new chassis and styling, becoming a significant step forward in design and technology.
Production Years:
1992-1995 (for this specific generation covered by the manual)
Assembly Locations:
Japan, and potentially other global assembly plants depending on market
