Product Name:
Mitsubishi Colt Lancer 1996-2001 Service Repair Workshop Manual
Covered Years:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Chassis Codes:
CJ2A, CK2A, CK4A, CM2A, CN2A, CP2A, CS2A (typical for this generation, specific codes may vary by market and engine)
Segment:
Compact Car / Subcompact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, reliability (generally), compact size for urban driving
Purpose:
Empower owners and technicians with the necessary information for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, reducing reliance on costly professional services.
Markets Covered:
Global (primarily focusing on models sold in North America, Europe, and Asia; specific market adaptations may exist)
Estimated Pages:
1000+ (This is an estimate for a comprehensive factory service manual covering multiple engine variants and model years. Actual count may vary.)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, as indicated by 'easy-to-read text sections' and 'top quality diagrams')
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (carburetor/injection), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, drive axles, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (McPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link/independent), steering system (power/manual), wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, ignition system, instrument cluster, body control modules, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, bumpers, frame and unibody construction
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components and operation
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Repair Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component testing and replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications)
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text (allows for quick finding of specific information)
Printability:
Printable (allows users to print specific sections or the entire manual)
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Code Examples:
4G13, 4G15, 4G63 (common engine families for this era of Lancer/Colt, specific codes vary by market and trim)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC (depending on variant)
Displacement Examples:
1.3L (1300cc), 1.5L (1500cc), 1.8L (1800cc - often the 4G93 or 4G63 variants)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 70-135 hp (depending on engine displacement and tuning)
Torque Range:
Approx. 80-120 lb-ft (depending on engine displacement and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carbureted (for older/base models in some markets)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS on some models)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid-cooled system
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR system (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II Sport Mode on some variants)
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (Manual Transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Consult manual for specific recommendations)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA Queen ATF-SP II or equivalent DEXRON® III type (Consult manual for specific recommendations)
Length:
Approx. 4,230-4,345 mm (varies by body style and specific model)
Width:
Approx. 1,690-1,710 mm
Height:
Approx. 1,390-1,425 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,500 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,000-1,150 kg (depending on engine, transmission, and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Varies by model (refer to vehicle compliance plate)
Crash Test Performance:
Mixed results in independent testing of this era; early models may lack advanced safety features. Refer to NHTSA/IIHS archives for specific test data if available for US models.
ABS:
Available as an option on higher trims
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped on this generation
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most models from mid-period; Passenger airbag optional or standard on later/higher trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants (standard)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player (optional on higher trims); basic speaker setup.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control system with A/C and heater
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped; aftermarket solutions may be available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific engine/oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years, as this is an interference engine where belt failure causes catastrophic damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters (depending on engine variant, with filter change)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent pink/red coolant recommended, or green for older specs)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (critical maintenance item), ignition coil failure, catalytic converter issues (due to age/mileage), minor electrical gremlins, rust/corrosion on body panels in certain climates.
Recommended Checks:
Regular inspection of suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system condition, and brake wear.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)
Generation Designation:
Fifth Generation Mitsubishi Lancer (often referred to as the 'CJ' or 'CK' platform).
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and many components with the Mitsubishi Colt in some markets, leading to naming variations (e.g., Mitsubishi Lancer 'Colt').
Production Period:
1995-2003 (for the 5th generation platform, with this manual covering the latter half of its run).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Okazaki Plant), Australia (Adelaide Plant), Philippines, Taiwan, and other assembly plants globally.
Historical Performance:
The Lancer platform has a strong rally heritage (e.g., Lancer Evolution models), though the standard Colt Lancer models of this era focused more on economy and practicality rather than performance accolades.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated as average to good for reliability in its class for the era, with some specific powertrain issues noted depending on the market and specific engine.
