🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt Lancer / Lancer

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Chassis Codes:

CE Series (Colt Lancer), CG Series (Lancer)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car, known for affordability and reliability

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323

Vehicle Strengths:

Fuel efficiency, practical interior, good handling for its class, durable powertrain

Ideal User:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Primary Markets:

Global (with regional variations noted)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Comprehensive Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems, oil pump, lubrication

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection (MPI/GDI), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, throttle body, injectors, EVAP system

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cooling fan, coolant specifications

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, emissions controls

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanism, gear ratios, fluid types, rebuild procedures

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, hydraulic controls, electronic controls, fluid types, rebuild procedures

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) systems, CV joints, driveshafts, differential (if applicable)

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shock absorbers

Suspension Rear:

Multi-link or Torsion Beam, trailing arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers

Steering:

Power steering pump, steering rack, steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications

Brakes Front:

Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, ABS components

Brakes Rear:

Disc or Drum brakes, calipers/wheel cylinders, pads/shoes, rotors/drums, brake lines, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, trim

Body Interior:

Dashboard, seats, upholstery, door panels, headliner, HVAC controls, interior trim

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant types, component replacement

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module, sensors

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical fault diagnosis

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major and minor components

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds, brake caliper overhauls

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, troubleshooting voltage/resistance issues

Suspension Alignment:

Alignment specifications (caster, camber, toe) and adjustment procedures

Body Repair:

Dent repair, panel replacement, welding procedures (potentially), glass replacement

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Identification of OBD-II DTCs and detailed diagnostic procedures for each.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics including specific test procedures and specifications for sensors and actuators

Rebuild Complexity:

Complete rebuild procedures for major powertrain components and subsystems

Technical Specifications:

Detailed torque values, clearances, tolerances, and operational parameters

Diagrams Illustrations:

Extensive use of exploded views, schematics, and detailed illustrations

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Detail:

Searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval via keywords

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital scans ensuring clarity of text and images

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Manual Completeness:

Designed to be a complete guide, covering all aspects of vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

4G9 series (e.g., 4G92, 4G93), 6A1 series (e.g., 6A10 V6)

Common Displacements:

1.3L (1300cc), 1.5L (1500cc), 1.6L (1600cc), 1.8L (1800cc), 2.0L (2000cc), 1.6L V6

Configurations:

Inline 4-cylinder (most common), V6 (in higher trims/specific markets)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 70 HP to 140 HP (depending on engine and tune)

Torque Range:

Approx. 100 Nm to 180 Nm (depending on engine and tune)

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) on later/sportier models

ECU Type:

Proprietary Mitsubishi Engine Control Unit (ECU), diagnostics via OBD-II compliant port (from mid-90s)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, secondary air injection (market dependent), EVAP system.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Control:

Manual linkage or electronic control for automatic variants

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 (refer to specific vehicle manual for exact type)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

DIA Queen ATF SP-III or equivalent (crucial to use correct fluid to prevent damage)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan, Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Station Wagon (less common for CG series), Coupe (specific markets)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2500-2550 mm (varies slightly by body style)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1050-1300 kg (depending on body style and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Varies by market and testing agency (e.g., Euro NCAP, NHTSA). Typically mid-range for its era. Frontal impact protection is key.

Passive Safety:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners (in some models), reinforced chassis structure

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional or standard on higher trims, front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes

Airbag System Details:

Component locations, sensor testing, SRS module diagnostics and replacement procedures.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic factory-installed radio/cassette or CD player. Limited technological features by modern standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

Primarily ABS on higher trims. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Options:

None from factory. Aftermarket head unit installation is common for Bluetooth/USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, using recommended viscosity oil (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30 depending on climate and engine).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 30,000-60,000 miles for standard plugs, or up to 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial service for interference engines: typically every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Asian Pink or Green (check owner's manual for specific type, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap or manual for exact specification).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or a dedicated power steering fluid (check manual).

Common Problem 1:

Timing belt failure (on interference engines if not replaced on schedule).

Common Problem 2:

Rear axle bushings wear, leading to alignment issues or rattling sounds.

Common Problem 3:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.

Common Problem 4:

desgaste de las juntas del eje de transmisión (CV joints) en modelos con alto kilometraje.

Common Problem 5:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure, leading to loss of fan speed control.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for robust engineering and rally heritage.

Colt Lancer Cg Ce Generation:

This generation represented a significant styling and engineering update, moving towards a more aerodynamic and modern design compared to its predecessors. The 'Colt' prefix was more prevalent in some markets (e.g., Australia, Europe) for the smaller engines, while 'Lancer' was the dominant nameplate globally.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with assembly plants in various global locations depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Notable Awards:

While specific awards for this generation might be limited, the Lancer line generally received recognition for value and reliability in its class from various automotive publications over the years.