🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer

Model Variant:

Lancer Sportback

Model Years Covered:

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Chassis Codes:

CY (Lancer), CZ (Lancer Sportback)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Sedan and Hatchback (Sportback)

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra

Distinctive Features:

Available All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, sporty styling (especially Sportback), enthusiast appeal with performance variants (e.g., Ralliart, Evolution - though not explicitly covered by year for all)

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking detailed service and repair information for their Mitsubishi Lancer/Sportback.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All mechanical, electrical, body, and maintenance aspects for Lancer and Lancer Sportback models

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4B10 (2.0L MIVEC I4), 4B11 (2.4L MIVEC I4) - Including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel, emissions, and ignition systems

Transmission:

F5MGA (5-speed Manual), W1CJA (CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission) - Including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fluid services, and control systems

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD - S-AWC System) - Including driveshafts, differentials, wheel hubs, and power transfer unit (for AWD)

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson Strut, Rear: Multi-link - Including diagnosis, component replacement, alignment specifications, and shock absorber/strut service

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs (varies by trim) - Including ABS, EBD, BA systems, brake fluid flush, caliper, rotor, and pad replacement

Steering:

Electric Power Steering (EPS) - Including diagnosis, alignment, and component replacement

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, interior/exterior accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, ECU diagnosis

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repair (limited), weatherstripping

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigerant handling, component replacement, diagnosis

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt systems, ISOFIX child seat anchors

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, trouble code (DTC) interpretation, scan tool usage

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, brake inspection

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, starter), transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, exhaust system repair, minor body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability, electrical, and HVAC issues

Rebuilds:

Engine and transmission overhaul procedures (detailed specifications and steps)

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, component clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, engine timing parameters

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, color-coded wiring schematics for all electrical systems

Depth:

Expert-level coverage for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, including full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and system-specific troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text enabled for quick information retrieval

Print Capability:

Printable pages for hands-on workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4B10

Engine Displacement 1:

2.0 Liters (1998cc)

Engine Configuration 1:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 143-148 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and tune)

Torque 1:

Approx. 148-150 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (varies by market and tune)

Engine Code 2:

4B11

Engine Displacement 2:

2.4 Liters (2360cc)

Engine Configuration 2:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, MIVEC

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 168-175 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and tune)

Torque 2:

Approx. 166-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by market and tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multipoint

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 87 minimum)

Performance Tuning:

Manual covers standard engine tuning, emissions control, and basic performance adjustments.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual (F5MGA)

Transmission Type Opt:

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - W1CJA

AWD System:

Available S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system, with detailed service information for power transfer units and differentials.

Cvt Features:

Sportronic (manual shifting mode) functionality for CVT.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 177.4 - 178.0 inches (Sedan/Sportback)

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.5 - 58.3 inches (Sedan/Sportback)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.5 inches

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 14.0 - 14.5 cu ft

Cargo Volume Sportback:

Approx. 17.7 cu ft (behind rear seats), expandable with seats folded

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000 - 3400 lbs (varies by trim, engine, drivetrain)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating 2012 2015:

Generally received 4 or 5 stars overall in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests by NHTSA. (Specific ratings vary slightly by year and body style. Manual will detail vehicle-specific systems).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System standard on all models.

Ebd:

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution standard.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCL) standard.

Stability Control:

Active Stability Control (ASC) standard.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (standard on most trims).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioner and force-limiter seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systems, optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port.

Navigation:

Optional touchscreen navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, adaptive cruise control not typically available on these model years.

Rearview Camera:

Optional rearview camera integrated with infotainment display.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming available on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Keyless entry and push-button start available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual specifies exact intervals and conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Recommended replacement every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter:

Recommended replacement every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plugs:

Iridium spark plugs typically have a lifespan of 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Manual will specify exact type and interval.

Transmission Fluid Cvt:

CVT fluid change recommended around 60,000 miles. Manual will specify fluid type (e.g., DIAQUEEN CVT Fluid J1) and procedure.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual transmission fluid typically recommended to be changed around 60,000 - 90,000 miles. Manual specifies fluid type and capacity.

Engine Oil:

Typically SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30, meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specifications. Manual confirms exact specification.

Coolant:

Long-life Asian vehicle coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant - ZY010020, or equivalent).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Complaints 2012 2015:

CVT belt wear/slipping (especially under high load/mileage), minor electrical gremlins (e.g., keyless entry issues), occasional wheel bearing noise, potential for rust on older models in corrosive environments. Manual provides diagnostic steps for these.

Catalytic Converter Issues:

Can be sensitive to fuel quality or misfires, leading to potential failure. Manual details diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mitsubishi has a history of building reliable, often performance-oriented, vehicles, with rally heritage influencing models like the Lancer.

Ninth Generation:

The 2008-2017 Lancer (including 2012-2015) represents the ninth generation, heavily influenced by the Prototype-X concept. This generation saw the introduction of the Sportback body style and the advanced S-AWC system.

Key Updates 2012 2015:

Minor styling refreshes and feature adjustments across these model years. The core mechanicals remained largely consistent.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary assembly in Japan and North America (Illinois, USA) for many markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Often achieved good safety ratings from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for its structural integrity and airbag systems.

Performance Recognition:

Lancer models, particularly performance variants like the Ralliart and Evo (though not explicitly covered for all years by this manual's stated scope), have garnered significant recognition in motorsport, including rally championships.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Varies by model year and specific variant. Generally considered a solid performer in its class, with some variations in long-term reliability reports compared to segment leaders.