Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Compact Sedan/Hatchback
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Target Audience:
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DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional mechanics
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors 2008 2010:
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Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra
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Key Features
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Vehicle Strengths:
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Sporty styling (especially Ralliart and GTS trims), available All-Wheel Drive (AWC), good value proposition, reliable engines
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Manual Value
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Benefit To Owner:
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Enables owners to perform their own maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and undertake repairs, saving money and increasing vehicle longevity.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECU), fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions control
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Transmission:
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Manual transmission (5-speed), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch, driveline, axles, driveshafts
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Chassis:
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Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires
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Electrical:
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Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, HVAC controls, power windows, door locks, audio system, airbags (SRS), engine control modules (ECM), transmission control modules (TCM)
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Body And Interior:
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Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, dashboard, exterior trim
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis (e.g., engine misfires, transmission issues, electrical faults)
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Repair:
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Component disassembly and reassembly, component replacement, calibration procedures, engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs
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Diagnostics:
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OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring diagram interpretation
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Technical Depth
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Depth Level:
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Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting)
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Transmission
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Standard
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Base Transmission:
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5-Speed Manual Transmission (TY5255)
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Optional
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Automatic Transmission:
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4-Speed INVECS-III Automatic Transmission (W4A5A)
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Cvt Transmission:
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CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - Available on certain trims
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AWD System:
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Full-time All-Wheel Control (AWC) - Available on GTS and Ralliart
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Features
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Manual Gear Ratios 5Mt:
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1st: 3.583, 2nd: 2.032, 3rd: 1.321, 4th: 0.971, 5th: 0.745, Reverse: 3.333, Final Drive: 4.059
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Clutch Type:
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Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring
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Fluid Specifications
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Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
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API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-85 Hypoid Gear Oil
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
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DIA QUEEN ATF SP-III or equivalent
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Cvt Transmission Fluid Type:
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DIA QUEEN CVT FLUID J1 or equivalent
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
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5-Star (2008 model year)
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NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
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5-Star (2008 model year)
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NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
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5-Star (2008 model year)
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NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
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5-Star (2008 model year)
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NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
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5-Star (2008 model year)
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NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
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4-Star (2008 model year)
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NHTSA Rollover Risk:
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4-Star (2008 model year)
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IIHS Front Crash Rating:
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Good (2008 model year)
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IIHS Side Impact Rating:
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Good (2008 model year)
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IIHS Rear Impact Rating:
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Good (2008 model year)
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
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Ebd:
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Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
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Traction Control:
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Available Traction Control System (TCS)
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Stability Control:
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Available Active Stability Control (ASC)
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags
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Seatbelts:
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3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts
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Child Seat Anchors:
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LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals General
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
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Engine Air Filter Replacement:
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Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or 24,000-48,000 km)
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Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
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Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or 24,000-48,000 km)
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Spark Plug Replacement 4B11 4B12:
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2.0L (4B11): 60,000 miles (96,000 km); 2.4L (4B12): 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Platinum or Iridium type)
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Coolant Replacement:
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First change at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years; subsequent changes every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 4 years
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Drive Belt Inspection:
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Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Capacity 2 0L:
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4.7 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change (API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 0W-20 recommended)
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Engine Oil Capacity 2 4L:
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4.8 US quarts (4.6 Liters) with filter change (API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 0W-20 recommended)
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Coolant Type:
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Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (Green)
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4
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Known Issues
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Common Concern Cvt Transmission:
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Some early models with CVT transmissions may experience occasional hesitation or rough shifting. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
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Common Concern Suspension Components:
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Front suspension bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises or steering looseness.
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Common Concern Engine Mounts:
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Engine mounts can degrade, causing increased vibration felt in the cabin.
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Common Concern Evap System:
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Check Engine Light due to evaporative emission system leaks (e.g., gas cap seal, purge valve).
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Mitsubishi Motors History:
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Founded in 1970, Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer known for its durable and capable vehicles, including performance-oriented models and SUVs.
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Model Evolution
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Lancer Ninth Gen Debut:
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Introduced for the 2008 model year, this generation represented a significant redesign with a more modern and aggressive aesthetic, and a more refined interior.
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Lancer Trims 2008 2010:
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Key trims included ES, SE, DE (early), GTS, and the performance-oriented Ralliart.
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Lancer Evolution Relation:
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While sharing a platform (GS) with the legendary Lancer Evolution, this generation offered a more mainstream appeal and accessibility.
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Production
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Manufacturing Location:
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Primarily Mizushima, Japan; also assembled in other global locations.
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