Segment:
Compact sedan/hatchback, known for its sporty driving dynamics and accessible price point.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza.
Features Highlights:
Sporty styling, comfortable ride, available AWD (on some variants), reputation for reliability, enthusiast appeal (especially with performance variants).
Benefit To Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, accurate diagnostics, understanding of vehicle systems, potentially saving significant money on dealership service costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), driveline components (axles, driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels and tires
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, HVAC system, lighting, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), airbags, wiring diagrams
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication points
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical diagnostics, component testing, wiring harness troubleshooting
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine repair and overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, body panel repair and replacement
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing virtually all major and minor components
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Codes:
4A9 series (e.g., 4A91 1.5L), 4B1 series (e.g., 4B10 1.8L, 4B11 2.0L), 6B3 series (6B31 3.0L V6 - less common for 08-09 Lancer in some markets but possible)
Displacement 1.8L:
1.8 Liters (1834 cc)
Displacement 2.0L:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 143 HP (107 kW) @ 6000 RPM
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) @ 4250 RPM
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 152 HP (113 kW) @ 6000 RPM
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 146 lb-ft (198 Nm) @ 4250 RPM
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point injection (MPI) or Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission (for most base models)
Transmission Type Opt:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-III Sport Mode)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated (for manual)
AWD Option:
Available on select trim levels, often with specific transmission options.
Length:
Approx. 176.0 - 179.5 inches (4470 - 4560 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.3 inches (1481 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2800 - 3200 lbs (1270 - 1450 kg) depending on configuration
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models, check specific test results)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models, check specific test results)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2008/2009 models, check specific test results)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Active Stability Control (ASC) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (available on higher trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, with optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio and Bluetooth integration on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming on select trims.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, with optional HID (Xenon) headlights on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for iridium-tipped plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) and API/ILSAC certification.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent long-life ethylene glycol-based coolant).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90, refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Cvt:
CVT Fluid J1 (Mitsubishi Genuine)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Complaints:
CVT belt wear/slipping (on CVT models), potential for minor electrical gremlins, exhaust manifold cracks (on some engines), suspension component wear (bushings, links) depending on mileage and usage.
Importance Of Timing Belt Or Chain:
The 4A9 and 4B1 engines utilize timing chains, generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but inspection for noise or wear is recommended by the manual. The 6B31 (if applicable) also uses a timing chain.
Brand Origin:
Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer.
Generation:
This manual covers the ninth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer (2007-2014), known as the Lancer EX or Galant Fortis in Japan. The 2008-2009 models represent the early part of this generation, introducing a significant redesign.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with assembly plants also located in other countries depending on the market.