Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, enthusiasts seeking a reliable and sporty sedan or hatchback.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze.
Sporty Design:
Known for its aggressive styling and sporty driving dynamics, particularly in Ralliart and high-performance Evolution variants.
Rally Heritage:
Strong association with motorsport, particularly the World Rally Championship (WRC), influencing its performance image.
Value Proposition:
Offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and affordability, especially in non-performance trims.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, and component replacement (e.g., pistons, rings, bearings, valves, camshafts, crankshafts).
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, ignition systems, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, and ECU troubleshooting.
Transmission Manual:
Reassembly, disassembly, repair, and maintenance of manual transmissions, including clutch system diagnosis and replacement.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmission overhaul, repair, fluid changes, and electronic control unit (TCU) diagnosis.
Drivetrain:
Repair and maintenance of front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, and transfer cases.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, repair, and replacement (e.g., struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, ball joints).
Steering:
Diagnosis and repair of power steering systems (hydraulic and electric), steering racks, tie rods, and steering column components.
Brakes:
Service procedures for hydraulic brake systems, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, and brake lines.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, and repair of starter, alternator, battery, lighting, and accessory circuits.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including refrigerant handling and component replacement.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, and safety restraint systems (SRS/airbags).
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, fault code retrieval, interpretation, and common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for various systems.
Preventive Maintenance:
Detailed steps for routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, and spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic troubleshooting trees and diagnostic flowcharts for common vehicle problems and symptoms.
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions with diagrams for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Component Replacement:
Specific guidance on replacing parts such as brake pads, rotors, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, and suspension components.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic specifications for all mechanical and electrical components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.
Depth Level:
In-depth, factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including sensor data interpretation, actuator testing, and ECU reprogramming (where applicable).
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including part specifications and assembly sequences.
Engine Family:
4G series (e.g., 4G13, 4G15, 4G93) and 4B series (e.g., 4B10, 4B11, 4B12) and 6A series (e.g., 6A12, 6A13) for higher performance variants, and 4G63/4G64 for earlier generations and performance models.
Common Displacements:
1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L
Engine Configurations:
Inline-4, V6 (less common for Lancer line, more in Galant or specific markets).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 hp (1.3L) to over 290 hp (Lancer Evolution).
Torque Range:
Approximately 115 Nm (1.3L) to over 400 Nm (Lancer Evolution).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating varies by market and engine variant, typically 91 RON recommended for performance models).
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on some later models.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed or 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT).
Optional Transmission:
4-speed or 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) depending on generation and market.
AWD System:
Available S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system on Lancer Evolution models, featuring active yaw control, active center differential, and two active rear differentials.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity 75W-85 or 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific model requirements).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond SP-II or SP-III for older models, Diaqueen ATF J2 or equivalent for newer models (crucial to use correct type to avoid damage).
NHTSA Ratings:
Mixed results across generations and testing years, with many models achieving 4 or 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests for certain years/models.
IIHS Ratings:
Varies by generation. Later models often performed well in moderate overlap front and side impact tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) on most models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard on many later models.
AWD Control:
Advanced S-AWC system on Evolution models offering enhanced grip and handling.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags standard on many models; advanced airbag systems available on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure with energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Infotainment Systems:
Varies significantly by generation and trim. Base models may have basic AM/FM/CD players, while higher trims and later models feature touchscreen infotainment systems with navigation, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and premium audio options (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).
Driver Assistance Features:
Available features include rearview camera, parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control. Higher trims/later models may offer adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning on specific packages.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports for device charging and media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (synthetic recommended for best performance).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Depends on spark plug type; typically 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for non-interference engines; typically 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Interference engines require timely replacement to avoid catastrophic damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically 4.0-5.5 liters (4.2-5.8 US quarts).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-30 depending on climate and specific engine model. Consult manual for exact specification (e.g., API SN or newer).
Coolant Type:
Long-life ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically pink or red (Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific requirement).
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some engine variants, particularly older ones, can exhibit higher oil consumption. Regular checks are recommended.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, control arm bushings, and struts can occur with high mileage, leading to knocking noises or poor handling.
Rusting:
Body panels, especially wheel arches, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels, can be susceptible to rust in areas with harsh climates or road salt.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to premature wear and failure of the CV joints, often indicated by clicking noises during turns.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some older automatic transmissions may develop shifting problems or solenoid failures, often related to fluid degradation or wear.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition systems can sometimes experience failures, leading to misfires and rough running.
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Part of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to the early 20th century, known for its diverse product range and engineering prowess.
First Generation:
Introduced globally in the early 1970s as a subcompact/compact car.
Generations:
Multiple generations, with significant redesigns roughly every 5-7 years. Notable generations include the A70, Lancer EX (A170), Lancer Fiore (A140), Lancer (C10, C60), Lancer CB/CC, Lancer CE, Lancer CG/CK, Lancer CS/CT, and the final generation Lancer (CY/CZ).
Performance Variants:
The Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evo) is a high-performance variant based on the Lancer chassis, renowned for its turbocharged engines, advanced AWD systems, and rally homologation roots.
Production Period:
1973 - 2017 (global production ceased for most markets, but continued in some regions).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, but also manufactured in various global plants including the USA (for North American market), Taiwan, China, and others.