🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer (Colt Lancer)

Year:

2003

Chassis Code Common:

CS series (e.g., CS3A, CS3W)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Subcompact Car (often positioned as an affordable and reliable option).

Competitors 2003:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.

Strengths:

Reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, practical interior, competitive pricing, sporty driving dynamics (especially performance variants).

Target Audience:

First-time car buyers, budget-conscious consumers, those seeking a reliable daily driver, enthusiasts looking for a platform for modification.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

Global, with specific regional variations noted where applicable (e.g., JDM, Euro Spec, North America).

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed content implies several hundred pages (specific count not provided, but typical for comprehensive repair manuals).

Type:

Factory-Style Repair Service Manual

Language:

English (primary language for this product listing, often includes multilingual sections).

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, piston, rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, cylinder head, valve train, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM/ECU) wiring diagrams, sensors (e.g., crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, MAF), actuators.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, transmission assembly, disassembly, gear selection, shift linkage, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, valve body, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) wiring diagrams, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, axles, differentials, front-wheel drive (FWD) systems, all-wheel drive (AWD) systems (if applicable to specific models covered by the manual).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, coil springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

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

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc or drum), brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, bumpers, fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid, glass, seals, body repair, corrosion prevention.

Body Interior:

Dashboard, door panels, seats, carpets, headliner, interior trim, HVAC controls, airbag system components.

Electrical Body:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wiper system, horn, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM) wiring.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant service, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, climate control unit, troubleshooting.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system components, seatbelt mechanisms, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics and precautions.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals for all major maintenance items, including timing belt replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, transmission fluid service.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, and wiring diagram analysis.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete overhaul instructions for engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, steering, and other major mechanical components.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing individual parts and assemblies, such as starters, alternators, radiators, water pumps, fuel pumps, brake calipers, CV joints.

Wheel Alignment:

Specific alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) for front and rear wheels, procedures for adjustment.

Evaporative Emissions Control:

Diagnosis and repair of the EVAP system, including canister, purge valve, and vent valve.

Air Conditioning Service:

Refrigerant handling, evacuation, charging, leak detection, and component replacement for the AC system.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded and annotated for clarity.

Depth:

Professional/Expert Level: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electronic system repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, printable, searchable PDF for easy navigation and use.

Printability:

Designed for easy printing of individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

4G1 series (e.g., 4G15), 4G9 series (e.g., 4G18, 4G93), 6A1 series (V6 - less common on base models)

Displacement Common:

1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L (Inline-4); 2.5L (V6)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 75 hp to 135 hp for 4-cylinder engines; up to ~160 hp for performance variants like the Lancer Evolution (though the manual is for the standard Lancer/Colt, not necessarily the Evo).

Torque Range:

Approx. 110 Nm to 180 Nm for 4-cylinder engines.

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating recommendations typically 91 or higher).

🔧 Transmission

Type Common:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type Common:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate clutch (for manual transmission).

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

4420 mm - 4480 mm (sedan/wagon variations)

Width Approx:

1700 mm - 1740 mm

Height Approx:

1400 mm - 1460 mm

Curb Weight Approx:

1100 kg - 1300 kg (depending on engine and trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

1600 kg - 1800 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 2003:

Varies by market and specific test year. Generally received good to acceptable ratings for its class. Specific data would require checking official databases for the relevant market.

ABS:

Available (Standard on some trims, optional on others).

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims or as options.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems available on higher trims. Auxiliary input and USB were not common in 2003 models.

Cruise Control:

Available on mid to higher trim levels.

Parking Sensors:

Rarely offered or standard for this model year.

Bluetooth:

Not available on factory-installed systems for this model year.

Navigation:

Extremely rare, only on very high-end aftermarket installations or specialized market versions.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial item. Typically around 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) depending on type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended for most climates. Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating.

Coolant:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent; mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% deionized water. Mopar OAT coolant may be compatible.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen SP-III ATF or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid. Check manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid.

Common Problems General:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, occasional ABS sensor failures, wear on suspension bushings, automatic transmission shift quality issues with age, catalytic converter failure (in high-mileage vehicles).

Timing Belt Maintenance:

Critical to follow the recommended timing belt replacement interval due to the interference engine design.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history of producing reliable and capable vehicles, with a strong heritage in rally racing and robust engineering.

Generation:

This 2003 model represents the seventh generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer (also known as Colt Lancer in some markets).

Platform:

Based on Mitsubishi's Global Small Car Platform (often shared with models like the Mitsubishi Space Star/Carisma).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki) and other global assembly plants depending on the market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

While not typically winning major 'Car of the Year' awards, the Lancer consistently received praise for value, reliability, and sporty handling in its class from various automotive publications.

Consumer Reports Historical:

Generally rated as average to above average in reliability for its era, with some specific model years or components potentially showing higher satisfaction.