Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Sedan
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, reliable mechanicals, decent fuel economy, available AWD (on some variants).
Trim Levels Overview:
ES, LS, GTS, OZ Rally, SE (Varies by market).
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing belt replacement, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed) and Automatic (4-speed INVECS-II) transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch service, torque converter, valve body operation.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, differential service, CV joints, driveshafts, transfer case (if applicable to AWD models).
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment procedures and specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics and repair, steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, rotor and pad replacement, parking brake.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, interior and exterior electronics, fuses, relays, ECUs.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, blower motor, climate control module.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, door mechanisms, chassis specifications, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common problems, electrical system diagnosis.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete instructions for dismantling and reassembling engines, transmissions, suspension components, and body parts.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system explanation, diagnostic tool usage, sensor data interpretation.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Engine Code 1:
4G15 (1.5L SOHC)
Horsepower 1:
92 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 1:
130 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Engine Code 2:
4G19 (1.6L SOHC/DOHC)
Horsepower 2:
99 - 105 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm
Torque 2:
137 - 143 Nm @ 3000-4000 rpm
Engine Code 3:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC - Naturally Aspirated)
Horsepower 3:
114 - 135 hp @ 5000-6000 rpm
Torque 3:
170 - 176 Nm @ 4000-4500 rpm
Engine Code 4:
4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged - Ralliart/Evolution variants)
Horsepower 4:
261 hp @ 6500 rpm (Ralliart), 271 hp @ 6500 rpm (Evo VIII)
Torque 4:
343 Nm @ 3500 rpm (Ralliart), 370 Nm @ 3000 rpm (Evo VIII)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug (COP) or distributor-based systems (depending on engine variant).
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) specific to engine and transmission configuration.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for 2004 in all configurations, but generally considered good for its class.
IIHS Ratings:
Similar to NHTSA, specific ratings may vary. Generally good for its era.
ABS:
Available (standard on higher trims and performance models).
Traction Control:
Available (often linked with AWD systems or higher trim levels).
Airbags:
Front airbags standard, side airbags available on select models.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction for improved crashworthiness.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check level regularly, replacement less frequent but recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for iridium plugs, potentially sooner for conventional plugs (refer to engine type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines (e.g., 4G63). Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting API SL or SN specifications. Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters (4.2-4.8 US quarts) with filter, depending on engine.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant with a 50/50 mix with deionized water.
Engine:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), oil consumption on higher mileage units, minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, premature strut wear, occasional rattling from rear suspension components.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, intermittent power window issues, dashboard warning light illumination (often sensor related).
Exhaust:
Rusting exhaust components over time.
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has a long history dating back to 1917, known for robust engineering and rally heritage.
Lancer Generations:
The 2004 Lancer is part of the 8th generation (CS/CT platform, 2000-2007) of the Lancer lineage, which began in 1973.
Evolution Variant:
The Lancer Evolution VIII (CT9A chassis) represents a high-performance variant, renowned for its motorsport success in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in other countries depending on the market.
Production Years For Cs Ct Platform:
2000-2007