Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car segment, known for reliability and affordability.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323/Familia.
Model Strengths:
Fuel efficiency, nimble handling, relatively durable powertrains, practical interior.
Intended User:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.
Regional Applicability:
Global markets, primarily focusing on models sold as Colt Lancer, but often encompassing Lancer variants sold under different names (e.g., Mitsubishi Mirage in North America for some generations).
Estimated Page Count:
Varies significantly based on specific year and engine; typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual.
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (injection/carburetion), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drive shafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, braking system (disc, drum, ABS), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power windows/locks, body control modules, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, HVAC system, airbags, safety restraints.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common malfunctions, fault finding charts, specific symptoms and their causes.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters, wiring color codes.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Completeness Level:
Full workshop manual coverage for the specified model years and variants.
Engine Code Example:
4G13 (1.3L), 4G15 (1.5L), 4G92 (1.6L MIVEC), 4G93 (1.8L GDI/NA), 4G94 (2.0L GDI/NA) - Specific engines vary by market and trim.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC/SOHC, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) in some variants.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70 hp (1.3L) to 135 hp (1.8L/2.0L performance variants).
Torque Range:
Approximately 100 Nm (1.3L) to 180 Nm (1.8L/2.0L).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Bore Stroke Example 1 5L:
75.0 mm x 84.2 mm
Compression Ratio Example 1 6L:
9.5:1 to 10.0:1
Engine Management:
ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some performance variants (e.g., Lancer Evolution precursor models).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (check specific manual for exact viscosity and specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent DEXRON III / MERCON.
NHTSA Ratings Era Average:
Typically 3-4 stars for frontal impact in era-appropriate testing (specific ratings vary by year and test methodology).
ABS:
Available on higher trim levels and as an option.
Traction Control:
Rarely standard, available on select performance models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models from mid-period.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts. Pretensioners may be present on front belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX not standard for this generation.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Some models may have optional premium sound systems.
Connectivity:
Limited. Primarily basic audio connectivity. Bluetooth and USB would be aftermarket additions.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system standard. Automatic climate control rare.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 40,000 km or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 100,000 km, depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines (e.g., 4G9 series). Typically every 80,000 - 120,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically 10W-30 or 10W-40, 5W-30/5W-40 for colder climates. Consult manual for precise recommendation.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, Type 2 (Mitsubishi Green Coolant) or equivalent. Do not mix coolant types.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Wear:
Piston ring wear leading to oil consumption, especially on higher mileage 4G9 engines. Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings, ball joints, and control arms leading to knocking noises and poor handling. Strut mounts can fail.
Electrical:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, and intermittent electrical gremlins due to age and wiring harness wear.
Rust:
Common on body panels, especially in areas with salt usage (e.g., wheel arches, rocker panels).
Transmission:
Clutch wear in manual transmissions. Automatic transmission issues can include solenoid failures or torque converter problems.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Predecessor:
Mitsubishi Lancer (previous generations).
Successor:
Mitsubishi Lancer (following generations).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan; assembly in other global locations depending on market.
Market Significance:
Key model in Mitsubishi's global strategy, establishing brand presence in the compact segment. Laid groundwork for performance variants like the Lancer Evolution.
Safety Awards Era:
No specific major 'awards' for safety were typically highlighted for this model in this era, but it met general safety standards of its time.
Consumer Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered a reliable vehicle, especially the naturally aspirated engine variants. Maintenance is key to longevity.
Emissions Standards:
Meets applicable emissions standards for the production years in various global markets (e.g., Euro 2, EPA standards).
