🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer

Generation Codes:

CE, CG

Generation Years:

Approximately 1996-2003 (specific to CE/CG designations, often overlapping with 7th and 8th generation globally)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mitsubishi Lancer CE/CG series occupied a significant segment in the compact/small family car market, known for its affordability, reliability, and increasingly sporty variants like the Ralliart and Evolution (though this manual primarily covers standard models).

Target Audience:

Owners of Mitsubishi Lancer CE/CG models seeking to perform DIY maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics. Professional mechanics working on these vehicles. Automotive students and enthusiasts.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda 323/Familia. The Lancer offered a balance of practicality, fuel economy, and often a more engaging driving experience, especially in higher trims.

Key Features:

Practicality, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, durable powertrain options, and a reputation for solid build quality. Available in sedan and hatchback body styles. The manual's comprehensiveness makes it invaluable for owners wanting to perform their own maintenance or diagnostics.

Availability Body Styles:

Sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles were commonly available.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete Workshop Service & Repair for Mitsubishi Lancer CE and CG series

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Accessible on any device capable of opening PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones).

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, Engine fuel & emissions, Engine electrical, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Ignition system, Starting system, Charging system, Automatic transmission, Manual transmission, Clutch, Drivetrain (FWD/AWD if applicable), Suspension (front & rear), Steering system, Brake system (front & rear), ABS, Body electrical, Body panels, Interior trim, HVAC, Fuel tank & lines, SRS (Airbag), Cruise control, Lighting, Wipers & washers, Audio system, Body repair, Electrical troubleshooting.

Body Repair Coverage:

Includes procedures for body panel removal/installation, collision repair guidelines, and alignment specifications. Covers structural components, doors, hoods, trunks, and bumpers.

Instrument Cluster Diagnostics:

Covers the operation and troubleshooting of the instrument cluster, including warning lights, gauges, and odometer.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, Scheduled maintenance, Troubleshooting diagnostics, Component removal & installation, Overhaul procedures, Reassembly, Adjustment, Lubrication, Replacement, Electrical wiring diagrams, Torque specifications, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Component testing, Fluid capacities and types, Wear limits, Special tools.

Troubleshooting Depth:

Detailed step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex electrical and mechanical faults, including symptom-based diagnostics and logic flowcharts.

Wheel Alignment Specs:

Detailed front and rear wheel alignment specifications, including camber, caster, and toe angles, for proper handling and tire wear.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body panel repairs. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams covering all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component connections.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes, typically PDF documents generated from scanned source material are OCR'd for searchability, allowing users to find specific terms quickly.

Printable Pages:

Yes, the PDF format allows for printing of individual pages or sections as needed.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for clear printing, including sharp diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Range:

1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L (Depending on market and specific CE/CG variant)

Engine Code Examples:

4G13, 4G93, 4G94, 4G63 (Non-turbo for standard models, Evolution models had turbo variants of 4G63)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 75 HP (1.3L) to 135 HP (1.8L/2.0L naturally aspirated), with higher outputs for performance variants.

Torque Range:

Approx. 110 Nm (1.3L) to 170 Nm (2.0L)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) is standard across most variants.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Valvetrain:

SOHC or DOHC, 16-valve configurations common

Timing Belt Or Chain:

Most 4-cylinder engines of this era use a timing belt, requiring periodic replacement. Some higher-performance or specific engine variants might use a timing chain. Manual provides replacement intervals and procedures.

Ignition System Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition systems, depending on engine variant. Includes ignition coil, spark plug wires, and ECU control.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard. Some performance or AWD variants may exist. Manual transmission clutch typically dry single-plate.

Differentials:

Front open differential for FWD models. Specific manual/automatic transmission fluid types and capacities are detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2600 mm (2600 mm for sedan)

Length:

Approx. 4330 mm (Sedan)

Width:

Approx. 1740 mm

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (Sedan)

Wheelbase Hatchback:

Approximately 2600 mm (similar to sedan, depending on specific generation variant).

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1100 kg to 1350 kg (depending on body style and engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Refer to vehicle specific plate or manual

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings General:

Varies by market and testing agency. Earlier models may not have comprehensive modern ratings. Consult specific market safety reports for detailed results.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims/options, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) potentially on higher trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags. Seatbelt pretensioners. Side impact door beams. Crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette deck was standard. Higher trims may have upgraded speaker systems. User interface is typically analog-based.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era. Features like cruise control were available as options on some models. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not common for this generation.

Connectivity Features:

Primarily focused on analog systems. Some models might have had provision for aftermarket Bluetooth adapters or auxiliary inputs for audio.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

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

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000 - 36,000 miles (38,000 - 58,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher. Viscosity typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification based on engine and climate).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific color/type (e.g., green or red coolant).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-II M or equivalent (refer to manual for exact type and capacity).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-80 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II/III ATF or manufacturer-specific power steering fluid (check manual for specific recommendation).

Common Issues 1:

Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) due to road conditions. Clutch wear in manual transmission vehicles. Occasional issues with power window regulators and central locking actuators.

Common Issues 2:

Corrosion on body panels and undercarriage, especially in areas with road salt. Cooling system hoses can degrade over time. Transmission fluid leaks from seals may occur on higher mileage vehicles.

Common Issues 3:

Minor electrical gremlins, such as dashboard warning lights or interior lighting issues, can arise with age. O2 sensor failures affecting fuel economy and emissions. Catalytic converter issues on older, high-mileage vehicles.

Engine Mounts:

Engine and transmission mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration felt in the cabin.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to 1917. Known for robust engineering and participation in motorsports, particularly with the Lancer Evolution series.

Model Evolution:

The Lancer is a long-running nameplate for Mitsubishi, evolving through multiple generations. The CE and CG designations typically correspond to the 7th generation (1995-2000) and the early part of the 8th generation (2000-2007) globally, with regional variations in model codes and styling.

Production Locations:

Primarily Japan, with significant manufacturing also conducted in Australia, Taiwan, Colombia, and other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions General:

While specific awards for the CE/CG generation are not widely publicized as standalone achievements, the Lancer line has historically received praise for its value, reliability, and performance in certain markets and trim levels. The inclusion of the Evolution variants brought significant motorsport recognition to the Lancer name.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally considered to have good reliability for its class, especially in naturally aspirated variants. The engines are known for their durability when properly maintained. Specific reliability varies by engine and transmission choice.

Certifications:

N/A (This refers to the manual itself, not the vehicle certification).