🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution IV

Model Variant:

Evolution IV

Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998

Chassis Code Prefix:

CN9A

Engine Code:

4G63 (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4)

👋 Introduction

Class:

Homologation Special / Performance Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, tuners, performance driving participants, and owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.

Key Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four, Lancia Delta Integrale.

Performance Focus:

Engineered for rally sport homologation, emphasizing high-performance engineering and advanced drivetrain technologies.

AWD System:

Advanced AYC (Active Yaw Control) and ACD (Active Center Differential) for superior traction and handling dynamics.

Engine Technology:

Legendary 4G63T engine, known for its robust construction and tuning potential.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical for factory service manuals of this era, likely 1000+ pages)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, component testing, timing belt, seals, gaskets, cooling system, lubrication system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (ECI Multi), sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis, wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Type-RL, 5-speed), clutch system, transfer case, differential (front and rear), gearbox overhaul, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, ACD (Active Center Differential) operation and maintenance.

Suspension:

Front (MacPherson strut), Rear (Multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures, component replacement.

Brakes:

Front (ventilated discs, Brembo option), Rear (discs), ABS system (anti-lock braking system), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and master cylinder overhaul.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, alignment specifications, fluid type.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, comprehensive wiring schematics.

Body And Trim:

Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, hood, trunk, bumpers, body sealing, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant type, diagnosis, component replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine rebuild procedures, turbocharger overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including engine management, fuel delivery, ignition, and ABS.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing, valve clearances, wheel alignment angles, diagnostic parameter values.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically, depending on the source scan quality)

Scan Resolution:

High-resolution scans recommended for clarity of diagrams and text.

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

280 PS (276 hp) @ 6,500 rpm (JDM Spec)

Torque:

350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm (JDM Spec)

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Mitsubishi ECI-Multi)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, premium (95-98 RON recommended)

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant depending on market)

Intercooler:

Air-to-air front-mounted intercooler

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual

Transmission Model:

Type-RL

Transmission Type:

None (Manual transmission was standard across all Evo IV models)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Center Differential:

Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)

Rear Differential:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,350 mm (171.3 in)

Width:

1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Front Track:

1,515 mm (59.6 in)

Rear Track:

1,505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1,410 kg (3,108 lbs)

Gross Weight:

N/A (typically not specified in this context)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

50 Liters (13.2 US gallons)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Limited data available for this specific era and homologation model, but designed to meet Japanese safety standards of the time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

AWD Traction Control:

Advanced ACD and AYC systems provide significant active safety through improved traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or market dependent.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell construction, designed for high-performance driving conditions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, basic speaker system. Upgrades common.

Gauges:

Comprehensive gauge cluster including boost gauge, oil pressure, and voltmeter (specific gauges vary by trim/market).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

AWD Systems:

ACD (Active Center Differential) and AYC (Active Yaw Control) are advanced torque-vectoring and stability-enhancing technologies.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity, primarily for diagnostic purposes through the OBD-I or proprietary diagnostic ports of the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter:

Every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially under spirited driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid:

Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,500 miles)

Differential Fluid:

Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,500 miles)

Timing Belt:

Every 90,000-100,000 km (56,000-62,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Crucial to replace with tensioners and idlers.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (synthetic recommended for performance).

Coolant:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT (Green) or equivalent silicate-free ethylene glycol mixture.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (manual transmission)

Transfer Case Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90

Rear Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Limited Slip Differential fluid might be specified if equipped).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Engine Oil Sludge:

Early 4G63 engines can be susceptible to oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected; regular oil changes are critical.

Timing Belt Failure:

Timing belt failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Adhering to replacement intervals is paramount.

Ayc Pump Failure:

The AYC hydraulic pump can fail over time due to age or fluid contamination, affecting rear-wheel steering assist.

Acd Actuator Issues:

Problems with the ACD actuator or its solenoid can lead to improper torque distribution.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings can wear out, affecting handling and ride quality, especially given the car's performance focus.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Connection:

Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in rallying, with the Lancer Evolution line directly stemming from homologation requirements for the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Evo Iv Introduction:

The Evolution IV marked a significant redesign from the Evo III, featuring a completely new chassis (derived from the Mitsubishi Galant) and a more potent 4G63 engine with improved turbocharging and intercooling.

Key Innovations Of Evo Iv:

Introduction of Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Center Differential (ACD) systems, which revolutionized the car's handling capabilities.

Production Period:

1996-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Production Volume:

Relatively limited compared to mass-market vehicles, highly sought after by enthusiasts globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Dominance:

The Lancer Evolution series, including the Evo IV, was a dominant force in the World Rally Championship (WRC), earning numerous victories and championships.

Automotive Press Acclaim:

Consistently praised by automotive media for its exceptional handling, performance, and advanced all-wheel-drive technology upon its release.

Cult Status:

Achieved significant cult status among performance car enthusiasts worldwide due to its rally-bred pedigree and driving dynamics.