Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car (C-segment).
Target Audience:
Value-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation with a focus on practicality and sporty styling, particularly in higher trims.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza.
Competitive Advantage:
Often offered a more engaging driving experience than some competitors, especially in sportier variants (GTS, Ralliart), and a strong value proposition.
Design Philosophy:
Evolved from the previous generation with a sharper, more aggressive design language, inspired by jet fighter intakes.
Platform:
GS platform (shared with Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 4007, Citroën C-Crosser).
Performance Variants:
Availability of performance-oriented models like the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (though Evo models are distinct and might not be fully covered in a standard Lancer manual).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (mechanical aspects).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starter system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensors, actuators, emissions control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, manual transmission assembly, gear shifting mechanisms, removal and installation procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission assembly, torque converter, hydraulic control system, electronic control module (TCM) diagnosis, removal and installation.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, drive shafts, differentials, CV joints, hub assemblies.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric depending on model), steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends, steering angle sensor.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, parking brake.
Electrical Body:
Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power door locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuse box and relay locations, wiring diagrams.
Climate Control:
HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), refrigerant system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, control panel.
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, seat belt pre-tensioners, airbag control module diagnosis.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, fenders, glass, mirrors, seals, rust prevention and repair procedures.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, upholstery, trim panels, carpeting, headliner, center console, removal and installation of interior components.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, general inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, error code interpretation (OBD-II), step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Repair Replacement:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, overhaul, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Specific diagnostic procedures for electrical systems, engine performance, transmission issues, ABS, SRS, and HVAC.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including component locations and pinouts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine 1 Variant Common:
2.0L Inline-4 (4B11)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1998 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine 1 Horsepower Est:
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque Est:
143 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid-cooled
Engine 1 Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug
Engine 1 Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EVAP system
Engine 2 Variant Common:
1.8L Inline-4 (4A91)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1834 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower Est:
135 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque Est:
120 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, MIVEC
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 3 Variant Common:
2.4L Inline-4 (4B12 - less common in base models, often in GTS)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2360 cc
Engine 3 Horsepower Est:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque Est:
167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, MIVEC
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane or higher depending on market/engine)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 14.5 gallons (55 Liters)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (typically for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (typically for front and rear passengers)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (typically for this generation)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (typically for this generation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ASC - Active Stability Control)
Airbags Standard:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (often standard or widely available).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions, driver's seat belt reminder.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval Typical:
Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Typical:
Iridium-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Consult manual for exact type and interval.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial: 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check fluid level periodically; replacement typically based on severe usage or mileage (e.g., 60,000 miles / 96,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic Cvt:
CVT fluid: inspect periodically, recommended change interval approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on use. Automatic trans fluid: similar intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified). Consult manual for specific engine/climate recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (4.3 - 4.7 Liters) with filter, depending on engine.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-12106) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically pink.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to reservoir cap).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (for hydraulic systems). Electric power steering systems do not require fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic Cvt:
Mitsubishi CVTF-J1 or equivalent CVT fluid. Automatic transmission fluid: DiaQueen ATF-J3 or equivalent.
Cvt Reliability:
Some CVT models experienced premature failure or juddering issues, often related to fluid degradation or control module problems. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Engine Mivec Actuator:
Occasional reports of MIVEC actuator or solenoid failures leading to rough idle or check engine lights.
Suspension Components:
Front strut mounts and rear shock absorbers can wear over time, leading to noise and degraded handling.
Brake Wear:
Brake pads and rotors can wear at a moderate pace, typical for the class.
Interior Rattles:
Some owners report minor interior rattles or trim creaks, particularly in the dashboard and door panels.
Mitsubishi Motors Origin:
Founded in 1870 as a shipping firm, diversified into automotive manufacturing in the early 20th century. Known for rally heritage (Lancer Evolution) and robust engineering.
Lancer Introduction:
The Lancer nameplate was first introduced by Mitsubishi in 1973.
Ninth Generation Launch:
The generation covered by this manual (2007-2010 in North America, some variations globally) marked a significant redesign from the eighth generation.
Design Inspiration:
The design was heavily influenced by the 'Jet Fighter' grille and sharp styling cues, setting a more aggressive aesthetic.
Global Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Mizushima Plant) and also assembled in various international locations via joint ventures or CKD kits.
Generation Lifecycle:
This generation (often referred to as the tenth generation Lancer) was produced globally with minor variations from 2007 through 2017 in some markets.