🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt / Lancer

Model Code Colt:

CC

Model Code Lancer:

CB

Year Range Covered:

1992-1995

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car segment, offering a balance of affordability, practicality, and reliable performance.

Competitors 1992-1995:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.

Key Features:

Known for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and Japanese engineering reliability. Offered in various body styles (sedan, hatchback, coupe) and trim levels.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

Primarily North America, but applicable to global variants with minor regional differences.

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition; typically 800-1200 pages for comprehensive service manuals of this era.

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF) and potentially Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of all engine variants, including diagnostics, disassembly, overhaul, and reassembly. Includes tuning, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, and starting/charging systems.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including gear train, clutch, torque converter, hydraulic control systems, and shift mechanisms. Includes diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Drivetrain:

Includes front-wheel drive (FWD) components such as drive axles, CV joints, differential, and related bearings and seals.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, and wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), including hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake boosters, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped).

Steering:

Manual and power steering systems, including steering column, steering gear/rack, tie rods, power steering pump, and fluid.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, and audio systems.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and control panel.

Body:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, and associated hardware.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspections and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for EFI systems, symptom-based diagnostics, and electrical circuit testing procedures.

Disassembly And Reassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing, disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components and systems.

Repair:

Detailed repair procedures for all major systems, including engine internal repairs, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension work, and electrical system repairs.

Installation:

Instructions for installing new or rebuilt components and accessories.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and other critical technical data.

Body And Chassis:

Includes procedures for door panel removal, window regulator repair, seat removal, and minor body panel alignment. Does not typically cover full collision repair or structural welding.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.

Diagnostic Tools:

Specifies use of basic diagnostic tools (multimeter, vacuum gauge, fuel pressure gauge) and potentially early OBD-I diagnostic connectors for EFI systems. May refer to proprietary Mitsubishi diagnostic equipment for advanced issues.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF. Searchable text is a common feature of well-produced digital manuals.

Print Quality Digital:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type Physical:

If printed, typically a durable comb binding or perfect binding for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type Physical:

If printed, usually a durable, matte-finish paper to reduce glare in workshop lighting.

Completeness:

This is a full service/repair manual, providing a complete guide for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Not an owner's manual or parts catalog.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Primarily 1.5L (4G15) and 1.8L (4G93) inline-4 cylinder engines. Some markets may have offered a 2.0L (4G63) variant, particularly in performance-oriented Lancer models.

Engine 1 5L Horsepower:

Approximately 82-92 hp (depending on specific tune and emissions equipment).

Engine 1 8L Horsepower:

Approximately 110-125 hp (depending on specific tune).

Engine 2 0L Horsepower:

Approximately 135-150 hp (for standard models), potentially higher for performance variants like the GSR.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) as standard across most variants.

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based ignition systems, depending on model year and engine.

4G15:

1.5L SOHC

4G93:

1.8L DOHC MPI

4G63:

2.0L DOHC (Naturally Aspirated or Turbocharged in performance models)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on model and market.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions General:

Compact dimensions, designed for urban maneuverability. Specific lengths, widths, and heights vary by body style (sedan, hatchback, coupe).

Interior Space General:

Designed for efficient use of interior space for its class, seating 4-5 occupants.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 2,200 - 2,700 lbs (1,000 - 1,225 kg), depending on engine, transmission, and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Historical:

Safety standards of this era were less stringent than today. Specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings may be difficult to find for all configurations. Equipped with basic safety features for its time.

Active Safety Features Available:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on higher trim levels or specific models. Power-assisted disc brakes (front) and drum brakes (rear) were standard.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (front and rear), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced passenger compartment. Airbags were not standard equipment on most models of this era, may be optional on later models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, and optional CD player. Manual climate controls (heater, fan speed, AC on/off).

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era. Primarily focused on mechanical and basic electronic systems. ABS was the most advanced driver-assistance system available as an option.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB. Factory alarm system may be present on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendation.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Manual: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km). Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or as specified by dealer.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH certified. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for most climates. Consult manual for detailed recommendations.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and appropriate antifreeze concentrate (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi Genuine ATF SP-II or SP-III, or equivalent DEXRON-II/III.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron-II or equivalent ATF.

Common Issues Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially on 4G63), timing belt wear/failure (critical replacement interval), oil leaks from seals and gaskets, O2 sensor failure affecting fuel economy and emissions.

Common Issues Transmission:

Manual transmissions can develop worn synchronizers, clutch wear. Automatic transmissions may exhibit rough shifting or slipping due to internal wear or solenoid issues.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to premature tire wear and vague steering. Strut mounts and bearings can also wear.

Common Issues Electrical:

Corroded ground points, failing alternator or starter, issues with power window regulators and switches, dashboard illumination problems.

Common Issues HVAC:

Leaky evaporator core, failing blower motor resistors, AC refrigerant leaks.

Timing Belt Kit 1 8L 4G93:

Example: MD162287 (Belt), MD148395 (Tensioner) - actual numbers may vary by specific model and revision.

Oil Filter 1 5L 4G15:

Example: MD097244 (OEM) or equivalent aftermarket part numbers from Purolator, Fram, Wix.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for innovation and robust engineering.

Colt Lancer Evolution:

This generation (1992-1995) represents the fifth generation of the Lancer globally and the fourth generation of the Colt sold in North America. It featured a significant redesign with more aerodynamic styling and updated powertrains.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan. Some models may have been assembled in other global locations.

Production Years:

1992-1995

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 1992-1995 Colt/Lancer are not widely documented, these models were generally recognized for reliability, fuel economy, and value within their segments during their production run.