🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt Lancer

Year:

1999

Chassis Code Prefix:

CJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Subcompact Car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their 1999 Mitsubishi Colt Lancer.

Key Competitors:

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

Reliability:

The 1999 Lancer is generally known for its robust mechanicals and good reliability when properly maintained.

Affordability:

Often praised for its accessible price point and reasonable running costs.

Driving Dynamics:

While not overtly sporty in base trims, the Lancer offered decent handling for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul and repair of all engine variants, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing systems, and lubrication.

Engine Fuel System:

Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel lines, fuel filters, and evaporative emission control systems.

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, coolant specifications, and diagnosis of overheating issues.

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, and electronic ignition control module (ICM).

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, and emission control components.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system (actuation, disc, pressure plate, flywheel), gearbox overhaul, gearshift mechanism, and fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter, and electronic control systems.

Drivetrain Axles:

Front and rear drive axles, CV joints, propeller shafts (if applicable), and differential maintenance.

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, ball joints, sway bars), alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack/gearbox, steering column, tie rods, and fluid specifications.

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), drum brakes (shoes, drums, wheel cylinders), hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, fluid specifications), parking brake, and ABS system diagnosis.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery maintenance, and charging system diagnosis.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter solenoid, and ignition switch diagnosis.

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, brake lights, turn signals, and bulb specifications.

Electrical System Instruments:

Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, and related sensors.

Electrical System Body Controls:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, and HVAC controls.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, dryer, expansion valve, evaporator, condenser), heater core, blower motor, climate controls, and cabin air filter replacement.

Body Exterior:

Door panel removal, bumper repair, fender replacement, hood and trunk alignment, glass replacement (windshield, side windows, rear glass), and body panel repairs.

Body Interior:

Seat removal and installation, dashboard disassembly, headliner replacement, and interior trim repairs.

Body Chassis Frame:

Structural integrity checks and basic chassis component maintenance.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), tire rotation, brake inspections, fluid level checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all major vehicle systems, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution.

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing virtually every mechanical and electrical component.

Rebuilding Overhaul:

Comprehensive procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, brake calipers, and other major components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all major circuits, facilitating diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.

Specifications Tolerances:

Precise torque values, clearances, and alignment specifications for engine components, chassis parts, and fasteners.

Depth:

Expert level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

4G9 Series (e.g., 4G92, 4G93)

Displacement Common:

1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L (depending on market and trim)

Engine Type Common:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC, naturally aspirated

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 75 hp to 135 hp (depending on engine variant and tuning)

Torque Range:

Approximately 100 Nm to 160 Nm (depending on engine variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, dry single-plate clutch

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled for shift points and torque converter lock-up.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door), Hatchback (3-door and 5-door)

Wheelbase Common:

Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 inches)

Length Common:

Approx. 4320 mm (170.1 inches) for Sedan

Width Common:

Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 inches)

Height Common:

Approx. 1395 mm (54.9 inches) for Sedan

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1050 - 1200 kg (2315 - 2645 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model, typically around 1500-1600 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

NHTSA and IIHS ratings for this era vary; generally considered acceptable for its class, but less advanced than modern vehicles. Specific ratings depend on testing protocols of the time and region.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or as an option.

Traction Control:

Generally not available.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on many models, with side airbags very rarely offered.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for front and rear occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced impact zones and crumple zones designed to absorb energy in a collision.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. CD player optional on higher trims or later production runs.

Speakers:

Typically 2 or 4 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions required for modern device connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as specified by the manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for interference engines. Replacement is crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Spec Viscosity:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common. Check manual for exact specification based on temperature.

Engine Oil Capacity Common:

Approx. 3.8 - 4.5 liters (4.0 - 4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based, silicate-free coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Dexron II/III ATF or specific power steering fluid as per manual.

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron II/III ATF (check manual for exact type).

Timing Belt Failure:

If the timing belt breaks on interference engines, severe engine damage can occur. Regular replacement is critical.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and struts can wear over time, leading to noise and poor handling.

Rust Corrosion:

Common in areas prone to salt and moisture, particularly on body panels, subframes, and exhaust systems.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft seals can degrade and leak oil.

Cooling System Issues:

Radiator leaks, hose degradation, and water pump failures can lead to overheating.

Automatic Transmission Reliability:

Some automatic transmissions may exhibit harsh shifting or slipping as they age, often related to fluid degradation or internal wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1917 (as part of Mitsubishi Group), known for its diverse range of vehicles and industrial products.

Lancer Generations:

The 1999 model year falls within the sixth generation (1995-2000) of the Lancer, which saw significant styling updates and improvements in technology and safety.

Colt Lancer Naming:

In many markets, the 'Colt' prefix was used in conjunction with 'Lancer' for this generation, or the Lancer name was used directly. The 'Colt' name was often used for smaller Mitsubishi models globally.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, with production facilities in other countries for regional markets.

Production Years For Gen:

1995-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Awards:

While the 1999 model itself may not have specific widely publicized awards, the Lancer lineage has historically been recognized for value and reliability in its segments. The performance-oriented Lancer Evolution variants have garnered significant motorsport accolades.