Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Mitsubishi Lancer owners seeking detailed repair information.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, sporty handling (especially Evolution models), good value for money, accessible parts.
Manual Value:
Essential for accurate diagnosis and repair, enabling cost savings on maintenance and troubleshooting.
Powertrain:
Engine (including disassembly, assembly, diagnosis), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System.
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (diagnosis, repair, fluid service).
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive (including propeller shaft, differential, drive shafts).
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Steering System (power steering components, diagnosis).
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes (or Drum on some base models), ABS system, Parking Brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Fuses and Relays, Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio System, Power Accessories.
Body Chassis:
Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass, Sealing.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System (diagnosis and repair of components).
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Coolant Flush, Belt Inspection/Replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Component Testing Procedures.
Repair Overhaul:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Replacement.
Installation Adjustment:
Component Installation, Alignment Procedures, Timing Belt Installation, Wheel/Tire Installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Codes Common:
4G92, 4G93, 4G94, 4G63 (turbocharged for Evolution)
Displacement Common:
1.6L (4G92), 1.8L (4G93), 2.0L (4G94), 2.0L Turbo (4G63)
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve (some variations exist)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 105-125 HP (naturally aspirated), up to 270-280 HP (Evolution VIII/IX)
Torque Range:
Approx. 140-170 Nm (naturally aspirated), up to 390-400 Nm (Evolution VIII/IX)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine, typically 91+ for performance variants)
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (F5M43, W5M42 etc.)
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (F4A42, V4A51 etc.)
AWD System:
Available with All-Wheel Drive (AWC) on certain models, especially Evolution variants with Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not consistently rated for all sub-models across all years, generally good for its class.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base trims.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on Evolution variants.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Optional side and curtain airbags on higher trims/later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium audio systems. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Parking Sensors:
Rare, typically aftermarket installations.
Aux Input:
Rarely factory equipped, typically requires aftermarket modification.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (standard vs. iridium).
Timing Belt:
Critical: Recommended replacement every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) for non-interference engines, or as per manual for interference engines. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 compliant. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30. Specific grade depends on engine and climate. Consult manual.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-90249) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol-based, OAT or HOAT type). Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-80 gear oil. Check manual for specific API rating.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DIA Queen ATF SP-III or equivalent. Crucial to use the correct type to avoid transmission damage.
Engine Oil Sludge:
Can occur with neglected maintenance, particularly in 4G63 engines. Regular oil changes are vital.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings and worn shock absorbers are common with age and mileage.
Exhaust Rust:
Can affect exhaust manifolds, pipes, and mufflers, especially in corrosive climates.
Evap System Leaks:
Can trigger Check Engine Light due to faulty purge valves or hoses.
Timing Belt Failure:
If not replaced on schedule, can lead to severe engine damage on interference engines.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for ruggedness and rally heritage.
Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer nameplate dates back to 1973. The Lancer IX (CS/CT) is the seventh generation, evolving from the previous Lancer Cedia.
Evolution Development:
The high-performance Lancer Evolution variants (Evo VII, VIII, IX) are legendary, homologated for World Rally Championship (WRC) and developed into iconic sports sedans.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, but also assembled in other global locations.
Rally Heritage:
The Lancer Evolution variants (especially Evo VII, VIII, IX) are celebrated for their motorsport dominance and numerous World Rally Championship titles.
General Reviews:
The Lancer IX, particularly in its sportier trims like the Ralliart or GT-A, received praise for its handling and performance relative to its price point.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by model year and engine. Some years scored average to above average, while others had specific issues flagged. The manual provides insight into maintaining reliability.
