Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Mitsubishi enthusiasts
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra
Manual Advantage:
Highly comprehensive, detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views for clarity, covers a wide range of engine and model variations within the specified years
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability (particularly with the 4G63 engine), affordability, sporty handling (especially Ralliart/Evolution variants), AWD capability
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair
Specific Coverage:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, body, HVAC, diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals (pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshafts, cylinder head, block), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection, pumps, injectors), ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharging (where applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (clutch, gear selection, overhaul), Automatic transmission (ATF, valve body, torque converter, overhaul), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems (transfer case, differentials), CV joints, driveshafts
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, springs, bushings), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics (master cylinder, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), brake pads, rotors, drums, parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnostics
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and functions, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wiper/washer system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM)
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system (compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, controls)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul (e.g., cylinder head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement, fuel pump replacement, HVAC component repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics using multimeters and oscilloscopes, common fault identification and repair procedures
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics
Engine Name Common:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement Common Eu:
1.3L (1332cc), 1.5L (1499cc), 1.6L (1584cc)
Displacement Common Us:
2.0L (1997cc - 4G63/4G64), 2.4L (2351cc - 4G64)
Horsepower Range:
88 hp to over 290 hp (for Evolution models)
Torque Range:
100 lb-ft to over 270 lb-ft (for Evolution models)
Induction Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Turbocharged Direct Injection (TD04 turbo on Evolution)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Octane Rating Recommended:
87 AKI (for naturally aspirated), 91+ AKI (for turbocharged/performance variants)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (varies by year and specific tests)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Likely Good (varies by year and specific tests)
ABS:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Traction Control:
Available on higher trims and AWD models
Electronic Stability Control:
Introduced on later models and higher trims
Airbags Standard:
Front airbags
Airbags Optional:
Side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (on later/higher trims)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Standard:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement 4G63/4G64:
Typically every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 144,000 km) or 5-7 years (critical for interference engines)
Engine Oil Type Common:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter, varies by engine
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT coolant
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF-SP III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific requirement)
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade and cause vibration or clunking noises, especially in performance models
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Failure can lead to belt slippage or catastrophic engine damage on interference engines (4G63/4G64)
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can become noisy with age and mileage
Ac System:
Compressor clutch failure or leaks in evaporator core can occur
Rust:
Can affect wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes, particularly in rust-belt regions
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)
Reputation:
Known for durable engines (especially the 4G63), rally heritage, and value-oriented vehicles
Generation Covered:
Sixth Generation (1999-2007 globally, often referred to as the CS/CT generation in some markets)
Facelifts Included:
Includes models before and after the mid-cycle facelift (e.g., 2004 facelift which brought revised styling)
Assembly Locations:
Japan, Thailand, Australia, United States (and others globally)
Iconic Variants:
Lancer Evolution (VIII, IX), Lancer Ralliart, Lancer Sportback
