🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt Lancer

Generations Covered:

Fifth Generation (CB/CC)

Platform Code:

CB/CC

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and value.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.

Strengths:

Affordable price point, solid build quality, fuel-efficient engines, sporty driving dynamics (especially in RS variants), versatile hatchback and sedan body styles.

Appeal To Buyers:

Practicality, economy, and dependable performance for everyday use.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

North America, Europe, Asia, Australia (specific regional variants may exist)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels for the specified model years, including GL, GTS, ES, LS, RS (performance variants)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM).

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, transaxle (FWD and AWD variants where applicable).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs), wheels, and tires.

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, wipers, horn, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), and complete wiring diagrams.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, and body sealing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, steering system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for ECU-controlled systems, electrical system fault finding, component testing procedures.

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, inspecting, repairing, and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance tasks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and component tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G13 (1.3L), 4G15 (1.5L), 4G93 (1.8L - DOHC MPI, GDI)

Displacement:

1.3L (1300cc), 1.5L (1500cc), 1.8L (1830cc)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) or DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) depending on engine and market.

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 75 hp (1.3L) to 140 hp (1.8L DOHC GDI)

Torque Range:

Approx. 103 Nm (1.3L) to 167 Nm (1.8L DOHC GDI)

Induction Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for later models/engines, Carburetor on some base models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)

Timing Belt Or Chain:

Timing Belt (4G1 series), Timing Chain (4G9 series on some variants)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drive Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select performance models (e.g., Lancer Evolution variants, though the manual specifically covers the Colt Lancer models).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (refer to manual for specific viscosity and capacity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

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

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback

Length:

Approx. 4,250 mm - 4,345 mm (sedan/hatchback dependent)

Width:

Approx. 1,690 mm - 1,700 mm

Height:

Approx. 1,375 mm - 1,410 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,500 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1050 kg - 1250 kg (depending on engine and body style)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not extensively tested by modern standards; likely basic safety features for its era.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear drums or discs on some models. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on higher trims.

Restraints:

Driver and front passenger airbags (optional or standard depending on market/trim), seat belts with pre-tensioners.

Structure:

Reinforced body structure, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems with A/C.

ABS:

Available as an option on higher trim levels, providing enhanced braking control.

Cruise Control:

Available on certain models and trim levels.

Interior Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (optional/standard depending on trim).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for 4G1 series engines. Crucial due to interference engine design.

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity and capacity).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water), green in color. Capacity around 5-6 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific requirement)

Engine Reliability:

Generally reliable, but can experience head gasket issues if not properly maintained, especially regarding cooling system integrity. Timing belt replacement is critical.

Transmission Wear:

Manual transmissions are robust; automatic transmissions may develop wear over time, leading to shifting issues. Fluid changes are important.

Suspension Components:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings is common due to age and mileage, leading to alignment issues and noise.

Electrical Systems:

Corrosion on electrical connectors, failing power window motors, and aging wiring harnesses can be points of failure.

Rust Corrosion:

Susceptible to rust in areas with harsh winters, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and the underside.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles.

Fifth Generation Launch:

Introduced in 1991 (as model year 1992), replacing the fourth generation. The Colt Lancer shared platform and many components with the Mitsubishi Mirage/Colt.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasized improved aerodynamics, refinement, and a more modern interior and exterior design compared to its predecessor.

Production Years:

1992-1995

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in various international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The Lancer platform, in general, has a history of rally success (though more prominently with the Evolution models which are a separate lineage). The standard Colt Lancer was recognized for its value and reliability in its class.