Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact and compact car segments
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mazda 323/Familia
Vehicle Reputation:
Known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and value for money, particularly in entry-level trims. Sportier variants offered good performance for their class.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts, and owners seeking to understand their vehicle's maintenance and repair procedures.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, specific engine variants (e.g., 4G13, 4G15, 4G91, 4G92, 4G93, 6A11)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, gear ratios
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brake servicing, hydraulic component replacement, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, pump, hoses, steering column
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, heater core, blower motor
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure testing, emission control systems (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, glass, doors, locks, bumpers
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, fluid checks and top-offs
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based diagnosis
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures
Alignment And Calibration:
Wheel alignment procedures, steering angle sensor calibration (if applicable)
Depth:
Complete rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, engine management system tuning, transmission control unit (TCU) diagnostics
Common Engines:
4G13 (1.3L SOHC I4), 4G15 (1.5L SOHC I4), 4G91 (1.5L DOHC I4), 4G92 (1.6L DOHC I4), 4G93 (1.8L DOHC I4), 6A11 (2.0L SOHC V6)
Typical Horsepower Range:
60 HP to 140 HP (depending on engine and market)
Typical Torque Range:
90 Nm to 170 Nm (depending on engine and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) common on most models
Engine Code Examples:
4G13, 4G15, 4G91, 4G92, 4G93, 6A11
Emission Systems:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic
AWD Availability:
Available on select Lancer models (e.g., Lancer Evolution variants, though this manual likely covers non-performance models primarily)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Consult manual for specific ATF type (e.g., DIA QUEEN ATF-SP III or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Consult manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., API GL-4 75W-90)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended replacement interval is critical and varies by engine, often between 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 10W-30 or 5W-30 API SG or SH (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically green color), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion, suspension bushings, minor electrical issues (e.g., window motors), radiator leaks.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Variable depending on engine. Overheating issues if cooling system is neglected. Timing belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage on interference engines.
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors, part of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for robust engineering and innovation.
Colt Lancer Evolution:
The Colt name was often used for smaller Mitsubishi models in certain markets, while Lancer became a more prominent global nameplate. This generation saw the Lancer platform evolve significantly, including the introduction of performance variants like the Lancer Evolution (though this manual primarily covers standard models).
Production Period:
1992-1995 (covering the fourth generation of Lancer and third generation of Colt in many markets)
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other global locations.