🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt

Model Generations Covered:

2002-2012

Chassis Codes Covered:

Z20A, Z21A, Z22A, Z23A, Z24A, Z25A, Z26A, Z27A (depending on market and specific generation within the range)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Subcompact car, often positioned as an economical and practical urban vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Peugeot 206/207, Fiat Punto.

Typical Attributes:

Fuel efficiency, compact size for city driving, affordable ownership costs, functional interior, straightforward mechanics.

Benefits For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and undertake repairs, saving money on labor costs and extending the vehicle's lifespan. Essential for DIY mechanics.

Benefits For Professional:

Provides quick access to factory-correct specifications, procedures, and wiring diagrams, ensuring efficient and accurate repairs for workshops and independent mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Global (specific to the Colt designation, which varies by region; likely includes European, Asian, and potentially other markets where the Colt nameplate was used for this generation).

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels offered for the Mitsubishi Colt between 2002 and 2012.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual covering multiple engine and transmission variants).

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Internal combustion engines, including: Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, inspection), engine lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (injection, delivery), ignition system, emission control systems, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators).

Transmission:

Manual transmissions (clutch, gearbox, shift mechanisms), Automatic transmissions (torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls, electronic control), CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) if applicable to the model range.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, axles, drive shafts, differentials.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), Rear suspension (torsion beam, multi-link depending on variant), shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering rack, tie rods.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum configurations), hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers/wheel cylinders), parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, body control module (BCM).

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, dashboard, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, interior trim, airbags, seatbelts.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser), heating system, blower motor, climate control module.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS control module, sensors, airbags), seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, traction control (if equipped).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring harness continuity checks, ECU diagnostics.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical component specifications, fluid capacities, engine clearances, performance data.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically)

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing all diagrams and text clearly.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacements Covered:

Commonly included: 1.1L (1124cc), 1.3L (1332cc), 1.5L (1498cc), 1.6L (1590cc), 1.8L (1834cc) - gasoline; 1.4L (1398cc), 1.5L (1468cc), 1.9L (1896cc) - diesel (depending on market and specific generation, e.g., common rail TDI for some variants).

Engine Families Common:

Mitsubishi 4G1 series (e.g., 4G13, 4G15, 4G18), 4G9 series, and potentially DI-D diesel engines for specific models.

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 70 hp to 130 hp (gasoline), 70 hp to 100 hp (diesel), varying by engine and tuning.

Torque Range:

Approximately 100 Nm to 180 Nm, varying by engine and tuning.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel engines.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributorless ignition system (DIS) or coil-on-plug (COP) systems.

Emission Standards Compliance:

Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5 (depending on model year and market).

ECM Type:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) or ECM (Engine Control Module) with various sensor inputs (MAP, MAF, O2, Crankshaft Position, Camshaft Position, Knock Sensor).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed Automatic Transmission; Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on some variants.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate clutch.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Selectable drive modes (e.g., Power, Eco), torque converter lock-up.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil (refer to specific vehicle application for precise viscosity and spec).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-J2, J3, or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon for older variants, specific CVT fluids).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 3800-4000 mm (varies by body style - 3-door, 5-door hatchback).

Width:

Approximately 1680-1700 mm.

Height:

Approximately 1400-1500 mm.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2450-2500 mm.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 950-1150 kg, depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 1400-1600 kg.

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approximately 220-250 liters (hatchback).

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

Approximately 800-900 liters (hatchback, to roof).

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Ratings:

Varied by year and test specifics. Early models may have received 3-4 stars. Later models with enhanced safety features likely performed better. Specific results should be checked for individual model years.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) on higher trims. Traction Control (TCL) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ASC) became available on later models/higher trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (on higher trims), pre-tensioner seatbelts with load limiters, anti-whiplash front head restraints, reinforced body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic factory-installed radio/CD players, some models may have optional navigation systems. Auxiliary inputs and Bluetooth connectivity were rare on earlier models but became more common on later ones.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited on most models. ABS and EBD were common. Traction Control and Stability Control were typically reserved for higher trim levels or later model years.

Connectivity Features:

Early models often lacked advanced connectivity. Later models might feature USB ports or basic Bluetooth for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 15,000 km (9,375 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, for synthetic oil. Shorter intervals may be recommended for severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,750 miles) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 km (37,500 miles) for standard spark plugs, or up to 100,000 km (62,500 miles) for iridium or platinum plugs.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 24 months or 40,000 km (25,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN/SP, ACEA A3/B4 or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 0W-20, 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on engine and climate. (Refer to manual for specific engine).

Coolant Specification:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, with OAT technology), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, low viscosity.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, clutch wear (manual transmission), exhaust system components, catalytic converter (can be prone to failure if engine maintenance is neglected).

Electrical Gremlins:

Occasional issues with door lock actuators, window regulators, and minor sensor failures. Wiring harness integrity should be checked in older vehicles.

Engine Specific Issues:

Can include oil consumption in higher mileage engines, potential for thermostat housing leaks, and carbon buildup on intake valves with direct injection variants (if applicable).

Transmission Specific Issues:

Manual transmissions generally reliable, but clutch wear is normal. Automatic transmissions can experience wear in valve bodies or torque converters if fluid is not changed regularly. CVT can have belt wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi History Context:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for robust engineering and a range of vehicles from small cars to SUVs and performance models.

Colt Generation Overview:

The Colt nameplate has been used by Mitsubishi for various small cars globally, often rebadged as Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, or Proton models in different markets. The 2002-2012 generation represented a significant update, often based on platforms shared with other manufacturers like DaimlerChrysler (e.g., shared platform with Smart Forfour for some early variants of this generation).

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, but also potentially in European plants (e.g., Netherlands) or other global facilities depending on market assembly and rebadging agreements.

Production Period Covered By Manual:

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Typical Recognitions:

While not a consistently award-winning model, the Colt was often recognized for its value, fuel efficiency, and practicality in budget-friendly segments by various automotive publications depending on the market.