Market Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, professional mechanics, owners seeking in-depth knowledge
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer (standard variants), other performance compacts of the era
Vehicle Identity:
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A) represents a significant evolution in the legendary Evo lineage, built on the standard Lancer Cedia platform. It introduced advanced electronic control systems for its drivetrain and was a direct homologation special for WRC participation.
Manual Value Proposition:
This manual provides critical factory-level information for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the highly sophisticated mechanical and electronic systems of the Evo VII, essential for preserving its performance and reliability.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 6-speed), clutch system, transfer case, propeller shaft, differentials (front, rear, AYC)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Suspension:
Front strut suspension, multi-link rear suspension, springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, subframes
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (Brembo option), ABS system, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, ignition system, body electricals, instrument cluster, power windows/locks, audio system
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, body sealing, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Chassis:
Body structure, frame, reinforcement members
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, calibration
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU diagnostics
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild specifications, transmission rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with torque specifications, clearances, and procedural steps
Wiring Diagrams:
Included
Schematics:
Included (electrical, hydraulic, vacuum)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), sequential ignition
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (or similar twin-scroll variable geometry in later versions)
Intercooler:
Air-to-air front-mounted intercooler
Horsepower:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) at 6500 rpm (JDM/Euro spec)
Torque:
373 Nm (275 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (JDM/Euro spec)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium/high octane recommended)
Fuel Pump:
High-pressure electric fuel pump
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG or higher)
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission (Getrag MD737)
Transmission Type:
None (manual transmission only for Evo VII)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 specification, e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Hypoid Gear Oil
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API rating
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this generation in many markets
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not extensively tested or rated as a performance model
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ayc:
Standard Active Yaw Control for enhanced cornering stability
Acd:
Standard Active Center Differential for optimized torque distribution
Tcl:
Optional Traction Control Logic
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced body structure for rigidity and crash protection
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with standard speaker configuration
Display:
Basic digital clock and climate control display
Awc System:
Advanced All-Wheel Control system integrating ACD, AYC, and ABS for optimal traction and handling
ECU Tuning:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming is a common area for aftermarket tuning, with this manual providing baseline parameters.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operational systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles) using high-quality iridium plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 10 years, including tensioner and idler pulleys
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid orDexron III ATF
Engine:
Spark plug blow-out (requires upgraded plugs/coil-on-plug conversion), oil slinger failure (potential engine damage), turbocharger wear, head gasket issues under high stress
Drivetrain:
AYC pump failure, differential wear (especially if abused), clutch wear
Suspension:
Worn bushings, strut mounts, ball joints due to aggressive driving
Electrical:
Corrosion on ECU connectors, aging wiring harness issues, AYC warning lights
Brand History:
Mitsubishi Motors has a strong heritage in rallying, with the Lancer Evolution line being its flagship performance model, directly developed from its World Rally Championship (WRC) efforts.
Evolution Lineage:
The Evo VII marked the seventh generation of the Lancer Evolution, transitioning to the more modern Lancer Cedia (CS) platform. It was known for its advanced electronic AWD systems, making it a significant step forward from earlier generations.
Key Changes From Evo Vi:
New Cedia platform, revised suspension geometry, improved turbocharger, introduction of more advanced AYC and ACD systems, and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Production Period:
February 2001 - February 2003
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Production Volume:
Approximately 18,000 units globally