Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, young drivers, economy-focused individuals.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.
Platform:
Mitsubishi's 'Project Global' platform, shared with other contemporary Mitsubishi models.
Drivetrain Options:
Primarily Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), with some markets offering All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as an option (often on higher trims or performance variants).
Trim Levels:
ES (base), LS, OZ Rally Edition (sporty trim), GTS, SE, Ralliart (performance-oriented).
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, component replacement for 4G9 series engines (4G93, 4G94) and potentially 4G1 series (4G18) depending on region.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starting and charging system, ECU diagnosis, sensor data.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear shift mechanism, fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter operation, valve body diagnosis, planetary gear sets, electronic control, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) system (if applicable for specific variants), drive shafts, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric depending on trim), steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid type, bleeding procedures, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers).
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, underbody components, frame specifications.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant type and capacity.
Electrical Accessories:
Lighting system, power windows, central locking, wipers, horn, mirrors, fuses and relays.
Dashboard And Instruments:
Instrument cluster removal/installation, warning lights, gauge operation.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and component replacement (cautionary notes will be prominent), seatbelt mechanisms.
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacements.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, wiring diagrams for electrical system diagnosis.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission major overhauls, including torque specifications and clearances.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including ABS, SRS, ECU, lighting, and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced, including OE-level diagnostic procedures and potential use of scan tools (though not explicitly for specific scan tool models).
Engine Type 1:
Inline-4, SOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Horsepower 1:
120-135 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market and trim)
Torque 1:
131-135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by market and trim)
Engine Type 2:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, MIVEC (on some performance variants)
Displacement 2:
1.8 Liters (1834 cc)
Horsepower 2:
135-150 hp (with MIVEC)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Control:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Catalytic Converter
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
50 Liters (approx. 13.2 US gallons)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sportronic (manual shift mode on some variants), adaptive shift control.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2004 model year, specific test results may vary)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2004 model year, specific test results may vary)
IIHS Side Impact Driver:
Acceptable (2004 model year, specific test results may vary)
IIHS Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Acceptable (2004 model year, specific test results may vary)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Acceptable (2004 model year, specific test results may vary)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims.
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped on this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (refer to manual for specific type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For engines with a timing belt (e.g., 4G18), typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. **Note:** The 4G94 engine uses a timing chain, which is generally maintenance-free unless internal issues arise.
Engine Oil Type:
API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, pre-diluted.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Common Issues Engine:
Oil consumption (especially on higher mileage 4G94 engines), occasional O2 sensor failures, thermostat issues.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission 'flare' or hesitant shifting (potential solenoid or valve body issues), clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings, noisy sway bar links, premature rear shock absorber failure on some models.
Common Issues Electrical:
Power window regulators failing, dashboard illumination issues, blower motor resistor failure.
Common Issues Body:
Rust on wheel arches and rocker panels, especially in areas with road salt.
Brand Origin:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan.
Generation Timeline:
The 2004 Lancer is part of the seventh generation (CS/CT) Lancer family, which debuted globally in late 2000. This generation saw significant redesign and platform updates compared to its predecessors.
Performance Variants:
This generation introduced the Lancer Ralliart, a more performance-oriented model, and the highly sought-after Lancer Evolution (Evo VII), though the latter is a separate model and not covered by this specific service manual for the standard Lancer.
Production Years:
2002-2007 (for the CS generation in North America, with facelifts occurring).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan; also produced in other Mitsubishi global facilities.