🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Colt

Year:

1998

Chassis Codes:

CJ1A, CJ2A, CJ3A, CK1A, CK2A, CK3A, CK4A, CK5A, CK6A, CK8A, CK9A (may vary by market)

Engine Codes:

4G92, 4G93, 4G94 (specific to sub-models and markets)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, subcompact car (depending on exact configuration and market positioning)

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, home enthusiasts, professional repair shops

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Golf

Vehicle Attributes:

Reliability, fuel efficiency, practical design, sporty handling (particularly in performance variants), affordable pricing

Manual Value:

Provides comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance capabilities, reducing reliance on expensive professional services.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Global, with potential regional variations

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, engine management (ECU)

Transmission:

Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, clutch, driveline, axles, driveshafts

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, front and rear brakes (disc/drum), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut), Rear suspension (multi-link/independent), shock absorbers, springs

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body electrical components

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), chassis components

Safety Systems:

Airbags (if equipped), seatbelts, passive safety features

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Engine Repair:

Engine overhauls, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, timing belt/chain replacement

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, transmission disassembly and assembly, gear synchro repair, automatic transmission service

Brake Repair:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum machining or replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake bleeding

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing replacement, steering rack overhaul

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of electrical faults, wiring harness repair, component testing, starter and alternator testing

Bodywork And Trim:

Door panel removal, interior trim component replacement, glass replacement, bumper repair/replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on market and model specifics)

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full component overhaul and rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, diagrams, and troubleshooting steps.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Readability:

High resolution, ensuring clear text and legible diagrams. Designed for easy viewing on screen and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick navigation to specific topics.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Mitsubishi Sirius (4G9x series)

Engine Displacement Options:

1.3L (4G93), 1.5L (4G93), 1.6L (4G92), 1.8L (4G93, 4G94), 2.0L (4G94)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), some variants with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) or GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 75 hp to 150+ hp (depending on engine and market)

Torque Range:

Approx. 105 Nm to 180+ Nm (depending on engine and market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based system

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic (INVECS-II or similar)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) available on select performance variants (e.g., Lancer Evolution sub-models, though this manual specifically refers to Colt Lancer, AWD might be less common or an aftermarket option)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific model for exact specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-II, SP-III or equivalent (check specific model for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, station wagon (depending on market and sub-model)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2500 mm (varies by body style)

Length:

Approx. 4300 mm - 4500 mm (varies by body style)

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm - 1700 mm

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm - 1450 mm (varies by body style)

Curb Weight:

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

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Varies by market and testing agency. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its class and era, but specific official ratings may be scarce for all markets.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Available on higher trim levels and as an option.

Traction Control:

Less common on base models, may be available on performance variants.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags were becoming standard or optional across markets for 1998 models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (driver and front passenger) common.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD player. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Speakers:

Typically 4 to 6 speakers depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Mentioned under safety, but can also be considered a technological feature enhancing control.

OBD Standard:

OBD-I or early OBD-II compliance depending on market and manufacturing date. The manual will detail diagnostic connectors and procedures.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical for 4G9x engines with timing belts. Typically recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ, ILSAC GF-2. Viscosity 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate (check manual for specific recommendation).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Color may vary (e.g., green, pink). Use a Type A or Type B coolant as specified by Mitsubishi.

Brake Fluid Type:

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

Engine Mounts:

Wear and tear leading to vibration.

Suspension Components:

Wear in bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can lead to steering looseness and noise.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and leaks, particularly in areas with harsh road salt use.

Radiator And Hoses:

Aging can lead to leaks and potential overheating.

Automatic Transmission:

Some models may experience issues with torque converter shudder or internal wear with high mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automobile manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable and often innovative vehicles.

Generation Context:

This manual covers the 6th generation (1995-2000) of the Mitsubishi Lancer, known globally as the Lancer or Colt Lancer depending on the region. The 'Colt' designation was often used in European markets.

Key Variants:

Includes standard sedan and hatchback models, as well as performance-oriented 'GTI' or 'Ralliart' variants, and the iconic Lancer Evolution (though this manual focuses on the mainstream Colt Lancer).

Production Locations:

Japan and various international assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1998 Colt Lancer might be limited, the Lancer family has a strong reputation for reliability and performance, particularly the Lancer Evolution series which has garnered numerous motorsport accolades.