๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Colt Lancer Model Years Covered: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Generation Generation Codes: CA/CB/CC/CD Lancer (specific to the region where Colt branding was used, often correlating to the 6th Generation Lancer) ๐ Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact car, affordable and practical transportation. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra. Key Features Manual Benefit: Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money and understanding their vehicle better. Value Proposition: Provides factory-level repair information for a fraction of the cost of professional labor. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Coverage: Comprehensive maintenance, diagnosis, and repair procedures for all systems. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely over 1000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Maintenance: Engine overhaul, oil changes, filter replacements, timing belt/chain service, diagnostics. Engine Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler (if equipped), lubrication passages, oil pressure testing. Fuel System: Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank service. Engine Cooling System: Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan operation, pressure testing, coolant specifications. Intake And Exhaust System: Intake manifold, throttle body, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, emissions controls. Engine Electrical System: Starter motor, alternator, ignition system (coils, plugs, wires), battery, wiring diagrams, sensor testing. Engine And Emission Control: ECU functions, EGR system, PCV system, evaporative emission control (EVAP), OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Clutch System: Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch hydraulics (master and slave cylinders), clutch pedal adjustment. Manual Transmission: Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation, shift linkage, transmission fluid specifications. Automatic Transmission: Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, valve body, ATF specifications, diagnostic procedures. Front Axle: CV joints, drive axles, wheel bearings, front differential (if applicable to AWD variants). Rear Axle: Rear suspension mounting, wheel bearings, rear differential (if applicable). Wheel And Tyre System: Tyre pressure recommendations, wheel alignment specifications, wheel nut torque, tyre replacement. Power Plant Mounts: Engine and transmission mount inspection and replacement for vibration isolation. Front Suspension: MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, stabilizer bar, spring and damper replacement, alignment specs. Rear Suspension: Torsion beam, multi-link, coil springs, shock absorbers, bushing replacement. Service Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum machining, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics. Parking Brakes: Parking brake system operation, adjustment, and component replacement. Steering System: Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column, tie rods, steering angle sensor (if applicable). Body Exterior: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, exterior trim, glass replacement. Body Interior: Dashboard removal, seat removal, interior trim panels, carpeting, headliner, seat belts. Supplemental Restraint System Srs: Airbag system components, sensors, control module, seat belt pretensioners, diagnostic procedures, safety precautions. Chassis Electrical: Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, fuse box layout, relay functions, wiring diagrams. Heater Air Conditioning And Ventilation: HVAC system operation, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, AC compressor, refrigerant handling, climate control panel diagnostics. Procedures Included Preventative Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problem identification. Component Removal And Installation: Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually every component. Component Rebuilding: Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major component overhauls. Electrical Diagnostics: Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and wiring diagrams to diagnose electrical issues. Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for critical fasteners. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers. Diagnostic Procedures: Detailed methods for diagnosing malfunctions across all vehicle systems. Repair Diagrams: Exploded views, wiring schematics, and system diagrams for clear understanding. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable. Binding Type Binding Type: Digital Download (not applicable) Paper Type Paper Type: Digital (not applicable) Software Requirements Required Software: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Compatibility Operating System Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: Likely 1.5L SOHC (4G15), 1.8L SOHC (4G93), and possibly a 2.0L DOHC (4G63) for performance variants (e.g., GSR). Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 90-160 hp depending on engine and trim level. Torque Range: Approximately 90-140 lb-ft depending on engine and trim level. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI). Engine Codes Common Engine Codes: 4G15, 4G93, 4G63 (specific codes may vary by region and specific model). ๐ง Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission. Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission. Features Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some performance variants (e.g., Lancer Evolution series, though 'Colt Lancer' branding might differ). ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx....
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problem identification.
Component Removal And Installation:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually every component.
Component Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major component overhauls.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and wiring diagrams to diagnose electrical issues.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed methods for diagnosing malfunctions across all vehicle systems.
Repair Diagrams:
Exploded views, wiring schematics, and system diagrams for clear understanding.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages are printable.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital Download (not applicable)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Digital (not applicable)
Software Requirements
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Compatibility
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
Likely 1.5L SOHC (4G15), 1.8L SOHC (4G93), and possibly a 2.0L DOHC (4G63) for performance variants (e.g., GSR).
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90-160 hp depending on engine and trim level.
Torque Range:
Approximately 90-140 lb-ft depending on engine and trim level.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Engine Codes
Common Engine Codes:
4G15, 4G93, 4G63 (specific codes may vary by region and specific model).
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission.
Features
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some performance variants (e.g., Lancer Evolution series, though 'Colt Lancer' branding might differ).
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,500 mm (98.4 inches) for the 6th Gen Lancer platform.
Length:
Approx. 4,350 mm (171.3 inches) for the 6th Gen Lancer platform.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,100 - 1,300 kg (2,425 - 2,866 lbs) depending on engine and trim.
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
Varies by region and testing agency; generally considered safe for its class and era, but not as robust as modern vehicles. Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for these years would need verification.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on many trims.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard or optional depending on trim/market), reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; ABS was the primary advanced system. No electronic stability control (ESC) or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) typically.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto).
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to the manual for precise recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines (likely 4G93, 4G63). Interval typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Consult manual for specific engine.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SJ or higher. Refer to manual for exact viscosity and specification.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., pink/orange long-life or green conventional).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or similar. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SPII/SPIII or equivalent ATF. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure on interference engines, minor electrical gremlins, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), radiator leaks, occasional transmission synchro issues (manual).
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi History:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automaker with a long history in vehicle manufacturing, known for reliable and often performance-oriented vehicles.
Model Evolution
Lancer Evolution:
The Lancer platform has a rich history, evolving from economy cars to rally-bred performance icons (Lancer Evolution). This specific generation (6th) continued this legacy, especially with performance variants.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan, with assembly plants in other countries depending on market.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Vehicle Awards:
The Lancer platform has a history of positive reviews for value, reliability, and in performance trims, sporty handling. Specific awards for the 1996-2001 'Colt Lancer' would be market-specific and require detailed research.