🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt / Lancer

Model Variants:

Chassis Codes:

Engine Codes:

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car segment, known for affordability, reliability, and sporty handling (especially in performance variants).

Target Audience:

Value-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, enthusiasts seeking a nimble and modifiable platform.

Key Competitors:

General Appeal:

Affordable entry price, fuel efficiency, surprisingly spacious interiors for its class, and the legendary performance of the Lancer Evolution models.

Performance Variants:

The Lancer Evolution series (particularly Evo III covered by this manual) offered significant performance gains with turbocharged engines, advanced AWD systems (AWC), and performance-tuned suspensions, making them rally icons.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for Mitsubishi Colt and Lancer models.

Regional Coverage:

Primarily focused on markets where these models were sold, including but not limited to North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Specific regional variations may exist but core mechanicals are generally consistent.

Page Count Estimate:

Likely 1000+ pages, typical for a full factory service manual covering multiple variants.

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection systems (MPI, GDI), ignition systems, emission control systems, turbocharging (where applicable).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (W5M series) overhaul, clutch system, gearshift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (F4A series) overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control, electronic control unit (ECU) integration.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) components, driveshafts, CV joints, rear differential (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front suspension (McPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link or torsion beam), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack/box, tie rods, steering column, alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes, ABS system (where equipped), brake fluid, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Electrical System:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, trim components, HVAC system, audio system.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), fault code identification, diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhauls, electrical component diagnostics and repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Technical Data Tables:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, pressure readings.

Depth Level:

Full factory-level service detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Includes detailed step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely yes, if converted from original digital source or properly scanned with OCR.

Print Readability:

High, designed for clear reproduction of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Typical Horsepower Range:

60 hp (1.3L) to 150 hp (2.0L SOHC) and 270 hp (Evo III 4G63T).

Typical Torque Range:

70 lb-ft (1.3L) to 130 lb-ft (2.0L SOHC) and 250 lb-ft (Evo III 4G63T).

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most models; Direct Injection (GDI) on some later variants. Carbureted versions may exist in specific markets but are less common for this era.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 87/91 recommended, higher for turbo models).

ECU Type:

OBD-I compliant engine control units (ECU) managing fuel, ignition, and emissions.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission.

AWD System:

Active All-Wheel Control (AWC) system on Lancer Evolution models, featuring viscous coupling center differential and driver-selectable modes.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual: API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Automatic: DIAQueen ATF-SPII or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 4,070 - 4,350 mm (varies by body style and generation minor updates).

Overall Width:

Approx. 1,680 - 1,770 mm (varies by body style and generation minor updates).

Overall Height:

Approx. 1,390 - 1,450 mm (varies by body style and generation minor updates).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,500 mm.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 950 - 1,300 kg (varies significantly by engine, transmission, and trim level).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 1,500 - 1,700 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test History:

Limited official NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for these specific models and years, but generally considered safe for their era. Later models and Evo variants often had improved safety features.

Active Safety Features:

Passive Safety Features:

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player. Limited to analog systems, no digital displays or advanced features.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS was the primary advanced driver assistance feature. No electronic stability control (ESC), traction control (TC) on most models (except select Evolution variants).

Connectivity Features:

None (no Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles (100,000-150,000 km) or 5-7 years for 4G1 series engines. 4G63 engines may have slightly different intervals; consult manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Viscosity may vary based on climate. Consult manual for exact specs.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use genuine Mitsubishi coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on vehicle specification. Always use fresh, sealed fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron-II or equivalent ATF.

Engine Common Issues:

Transmission Common Issues:

Suspension Common Issues:

Electrical Common Issues:

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for robust engineering and innovation, particularly in rally racing and 4WD technology.

Colt Lancer Lineage:

The Colt and Lancer names have been used by Mitsubishi for decades, often with overlapping models or regional variations. The 1992-1995 period represents the fourth generation of the Lancer (CB/CD chassis) and concurrent Colt models, a significant step forward in design and technology.

Production Period:

1992-1995.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with assembly in other countries depending on the market (e.g., Netherlands for European markets).

Key Milestones:

Introduction of the Lancer Evolution III (CE9A chassis, a variant of the CD chassis) in 1995, further refining the rally-bred performance of its predecessors.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Rally Success:

The Lancer Evolution series achieved significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), cementing the model's performance reputation. The Evo III was a key part of this legacy.

General Vehicle Ratings:

Generally well-regarded for its value and reliability in the compact segment. Performance variants praised for handling and driving dynamics.

Manual Certification:

Prepared by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's technical publications department to industry standards for service professionals.