🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer (also Colt Lancer in some markets)

Year:

2001

Chassis Code Range:

CS_A, CS_P

Engine Code Common:

4G13, 4G15, 4G18, 4G93

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car (C-segment)

Target Audience:

Economy-conscious buyers seeking reliable transportation, often positioned as a practical and affordable option.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Mazda Protege.

Value Proposition:

Affordability, fuel efficiency, and a decent level of standard equipment for its class.

Distinctive Traits:

Often offered with both FWD and AWD options, depending on the market and trim level, which was less common in its direct segment.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Market:

Global (specific to markets where Lancer/Colt Lancer was sold with these configurations)

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, potentially with searchable text)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L MPI/GDI), engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, manual and automatic transmissions, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints.

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering), braking system (front discs, rear discs/drums), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), dashboard instruments, power windows, central locking.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hoods, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seating, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, airbags, seatbelts.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tension adjustments, fluid level checks and top-offs.

Repair:

Engine component removal/installation (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnostics and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, wiring diagrams for pinpoint testing, sensor data interpretation.

Technical Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, component identification, wiring harness routing.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick access to specific information.

Print Readability:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text, suitable for printing specific sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

4G13 I4 SOHC MPI

Displacement 1:

1.3 Liters (1300 cc)

Power 1:

Approx. 70-80 PS (51-59 kW)

Torque 1:

Approx. 100-110 Nm

Engine Type 2:

4G15 I4 SOHC MPI

Displacement 2:

1.5 Liters (1500 cc)

Power 2:

Approx. 85-95 PS (63-70 kW)

Torque 2:

Approx. 120-130 Nm

Engine Type 3:

4G18 I4 SOHC MPI

Displacement 3:

1.6 Liters (1600 cc)

Power 3:

Approx. 90-100 PS (66-74 kW)

Torque 3:

Approx. 130-145 Nm

Engine Type 4:

4G93 I4 SOHC MPI / GDI

Displacement 4:

1.8 Liters (1800 cc)

Power 4:

Approx. 110-125 PS (81-92 kW)

Torque 4:

Approx. 155-170 Nm

Acceleration 0 100Kph Typical:

11-14 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)

Fuel Economy Typical:

6-8 L/100km combined

Fuel Injection:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most variants; some markets may have had Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) on the 1.8L.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating varies by market, typically 91 RON recommended)

Timing Belt:

Most 4G engines utilize a timing belt. Replacement interval typically 60,000-100,000 km or 4-6 years. Critical to follow manual for specific interval.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4AT) - INVECS-II system commonly used.

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select models, often paired with specific engines (e.g., 1.8L).

Manual Fluid Spec:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact spec).

Automatic Fluid Spec:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SP III or equivalent. Fluid change interval typically 40,000-80,000 km.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4240-4280 mm (depending on body style/market)

Width:

Approx. 1690-1710 mm

Height:

Approx. 1400-1450 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2600 mm

Curb Weight Typical:

1050-1250 kg (depending on engine and features)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 1600-1700 kg

Trunk Volume Typical:

Approx. 350-400 Liters

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Ratings varied by year and specific test protocols. Early 2000s vehicles generally did not have the same stringent testing as modern vehicles. Check specific regional test data for detailed results.

ABS:

Available on higher trim levels or as an option.

Traction Control:

Less common on base models, may be available on higher trims or AWD variants.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags were optional on some models.

Seatbelts:

Front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted radio/cassette player or CD player. Basic speaker configurations (e.g., 4-speaker system). Aux input often not standard.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Bluetooth:

Not typically factory-fitted. Aftermarket solutions are common.

Air Conditioning:

Standard on most models, manual climate control.

Power Windows:

Standard on higher trims, manual windows on base models.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Always use recommended oil viscosity.

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000-30,000 km or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

For standard spark plugs: 30,000-50,000 km. For iridium/platinum plugs (if fitted): 80,000-100,000 km. Consult manual for specific plug type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 40,000-60,000 km or 2-3 years, using Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent.

Engine Oil Capacity 1.3L:

Approx. 3.5 Liters (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 1.8L:

Approx. 4.0 Liters (with filter)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG/SH/SJ or higher (check manual for exact recommendation).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4. Flush every 2-3 years.

Engine Idle Roughness:

Can be caused by dirty throttle body, faulty idle air control (IAC) valve, or vacuum leaks.

Transmission Harsh Shifting:

May indicate low ATF level, worn transmission fluid, or internal transmission wear. Automatic transmissions can be sensitive to fluid condition.

Suspension Noises:

Worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, or ball joints can cause clunking or rattling sounds.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded ground points, failing relays, or aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)

Generation:

This 2001 model represents the fifth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer (and its various derivatives like Colt Lancer), known internally as the CS platform.

Platform Shared With:

The CS platform was also used for the Mitsubishi Carisma and its successors in some markets.

Production Years Generation:

1995-2003 (for this specific generation, though production dates varied by market and specific model iterations).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with production also occurring in various global assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards Early 2000S:

Specific awards for this generation are not widely publicized in the same way as modern vehicles. Focus was often on reliability and affordability.

Consumer Reports Historical Rating:

Consumer Reports ratings for this era often cited average to above-average reliability for powertrain, but potential issues with certain electrical components and rust depending on climate.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with prevailing emissions standards of the early 2000s in its target markets (e.g., Euro 3, EPA Tier 1).