Chassis Codes:
Various (dependent on specific market and generation, but typically includes Z20A for hatchback variants)
Generation Codes:
Fifth Generation (2002-2012)
Regional Variants:
Global (marketed under various names such as Mitsubishi Mirage, Dodge Colt, Plymouth Colt, etc., depending on region and time period)
Market Position:
The Mitsubishi Colt, particularly in its fifth generation (2002-2012), positioned itself as a subcompact or compact car, often competing in segments focused on affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality for urban environments and smaller families.
Competitive Set:
Competed with vehicles such as the Honda Fit/Jazz, Toyota Yaris/Vitz, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra/March, and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa during its production run.
Key Features:
Known for its maneuverability, compact dimensions suitable for city driving, and typically offering a range of fuel-efficient engines. The availability of different body styles (hatchback, sometimes sedan/coupe variants depending on market) added to its versatility.
Value Proposition:
This comprehensive workshop manual empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership service. It provides the same level of detailed information found in professional repair shops.
Systems Covered:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive Axle.
Body And Chassis:
Covers structural components, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, and associated hardware, including repair and alignment procedures.
Interior Trim:
Includes information on removing and installing interior panels, seats, dashboard components, and trim pieces.
Fuel System Components:
Details on fuel pumps, fuel injectors, fuel filters, fuel pressure regulators, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems.
Cooling System Components:
Covers radiators, water pumps, thermostats, cooling fans, heater cores, and coolant hoses, along with bleeding procedures.
Procedures Included:
Detailed substeps for repair procedures, troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, disassembly, assembly, cleaning, reinstalling, and electrical service procedures.
Tire And Wheel:
Provides specifications for tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel bolt patterns (e.g., 4x100 or 4x114.3 depending on variant), and wheel replacement procedures.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Detailed guides for diagnosing common problems using symptom-based approaches and specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), often with flowcharts.
Technical Depth:
Professional-grade, complete information for diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, as used by local service/repair shops and professional technicians.
Torque Specifications:
Includes precise torque specifications for critical fasteners, such as cylinder head bolts, wheel lug nuts, and suspension components, essential for proper assembly and safety.
Special Tools:
Lists specific special tools required for various repair and maintenance procedures, often with Mitsubishi part numbers or descriptions for generic equivalents.
Engine Options:
Likely included a variety of inline 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder gasoline engines, ranging from approximately 1.0L to 1.6L, with potential diesel options in certain markets. Specific engine codes (e.g., 4A9 series, 3A9 series) would be detailed within the manual.
Horsepower Range:
Typically ranging from 60 hp to over 100 hp, depending on the specific engine displacement and tuning.
Fuel Delivery:
Primarily utilized Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), with multi-point fuel injection systems being common.
Engine Control Unit:
Sophisticated Engine Control Units (ECUs) managing fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control, and other engine parameters.
Overall Length:
Varies by body style, but generally compact, typically under 4 meters for hatchback variants.
Wheelbase:
Typically in the range of 2350-2450 mm, contributing to its agile handling.
Curb Weight:
Generally lightweight, often in the range of 900-1100 kg, depending on engine and equipment.
Crash Test Ratings:
Safety ratings varied by region and testing agency (e.g., Euro NCAP, NHTSA). Specific results for different model years and configurations would be found in detailed technical bulletins if available.
Active Safety Features:
May have included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and potentially Traction Control (TCL) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on higher trims or later models.
Passive Safety Features:
Standard features typically included front airbags, with side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trim levels or as optional extras.
Infotainment Systems:
Depending on trim and year, infotainment could range from basic AM/FM/CD players to units with auxiliary inputs, and later models might have offered touchscreen displays with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Basic driver assistance features such as power steering are standard. More advanced systems like cruise control were common options. Some later models might have offered parking sensors.
Connectivity Options:
Early models relied on wired connections for audio accessories. Later models introduced Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Recommended Intervals:
The manual provides detailed schedules for oil changes (e.g., every 7,500-15,000 km or 6-12 months), filter replacements, spark plug changes, brake fluid flushes, coolant changes, and timing belt/chain inspections or replacements (depending on engine type). Specific intervals vary based on driving conditions.
Engine Oil:
Likely specifies API SN or higher / ILSAC GF-5 or higher rated synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil, with viscosity grades such as 0W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate and engine variant. Specific part numbers for oil filters (e.g., Mitsubishi MD360934, or equivalent aftermarket) are included.
Coolant:
Requires a specific Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a pink or red formulation. Capacity and change intervals are detailed.
Brake Fluid:
Specifies DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid for optimal performance and safety. Regular flushing (e.g., every 2-3 years) is recommended.
Common Wear Items:
Common wear items typically include brake pads and rotors, tires, suspension components (bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers), exhaust system components, and potentially clutch wear on manual transmission models. Ignition coils and oxygen sensors can also be points of failure.
Typical Troubleshooting Areas:
The manual addresses common issues such as rough idling, starting problems, check engine lights (with diagnostic trouble codes - DTCs), braking system noise or performance issues, suspension rattles, and HVAC system malfunctions.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing practical and often innovative vehicles. The Colt nameplate has been used for various small cars by Mitsubishi over several decades, reflecting a focus on compact mobility.
Fifth Generation Evolution:
The fifth generation (2002-2012) represented a significant update, often featuring modern styling, improved aerodynamics, and more advanced powertrain options compared to its predecessors. It aimed to meet evolving market demands for fuel efficiency and emissions standards.
Manufacturing Locations:
Produced in various Mitsubishi plants globally, with significant production likely in Japan and potentially other international facilities depending on market distribution.
