🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Colt Lancer Model Variants: Sedan, Coupe, Wagon Product Name: Mitsubishi Colt Lancer 1996-2001 Service Manual Codes Chassis Codes: CJ1A, CJ2A, CJ4A, CK1A, CK2A, CK4A, CM2A, CM5A, CS2A, CS5A Engine Codes: 4G13, 4G15, 4G92, 4G93, 4G94 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact car, economy segment, known for reliability and value. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus (depending on market) Key Features Model Attributes: Fuel efficiency, practical interior, available AWD (on some variants), sporty styling on specific trims (e.g., GSR, RS). Model Philosophy Design Intent: To offer a versatile, affordable, and reliable transportation solution with a balance of performance and economy. Manual Purpose Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts interested in the technical aspects of the vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Market Coverage: Global (primarily Japanese Domestic Market and export variants) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000-2000+ (highly variable based on specific engine/trim/region) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual Language Language: English (likely translated from Japanese original, some technical terms may persist) Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system components, exhaust system components Engine Management: Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), sensors and actuators, ECU diagnosis and troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Transmission Manual: Clutch system, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission overhaul and repair, gear ratios, lubricant specifications Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control system, torque converter, transmission control unit (TCU), fluid specifications and service Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) system components, driveshafts, CV joints, differential service Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link or trailing arm), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system (hydraulic), steering gear, steering column, tie rod ends, steering fluid specifications Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components and diagnosis, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake system Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, accessory circuits Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim components, HVAC system, seats, body repair (minor), corrosion protection Climate Control: Air conditioning system (refrigerant types, service), heater core, blower motor, climate control panel operation and troubleshooting Safety Systems: Airbag system components and diagnosis, seatbelt mechanisms Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Oil change intervals, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, air filter replacement Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit tracing Repair Procedures: Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems Technical Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, pressures, voltage/resistance readings Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive wiring schematics for all electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, accessories, and safety systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component repair, and major overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick keyword lookup. Print Quality Print Quality: Variable (depends on original source and scanning quality, typically good for technical diagrams). Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 1.3L (4G13), 1.5L (4G15), 1.8L (4G93), 2.0L (4G94) Performance Horsepower Range: 75 hp (4G13) to 135 hp (4G93 DOHC) Torque Range: 95 lb-ft (4G13) to 124 lb-ft (4G93 DOHC) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended) Engine Layout Layout: Inline-4 cylinder, front-engine, transverse mounting Engine Technology Valve Train: SOHC or DOHC, belt-driven camshafts 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on certain trims/engines (e.g., GSR models) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4,335 - 4,450 mm (Varies by body style) Width: Approx. 1,690 - 1,715 mm Height: Approx. 1,380 - 1,405 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 1,440 mm (Wagon) Wheelbase: Approx. 2,500 mm Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 1,050 - 1,250 kg Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model/trim, typically around 1,600 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not extensively tested by modern standards; generally considered to have average safety for its era. IIHS Rating: Not applicable or available for this model year range. Active Features Active Safety: Available ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on higher trims. Passive Features Passive Safety: Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on most later models), three-point seatbelts, reinforced body structure. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied...
Compact car, economy segment, known for reliability and value.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus (depending on market)
Key Features
Model Attributes:
Fuel efficiency, practical interior, available AWD (on some variants), sporty styling on specific trims (e.g., GSR, RS).
Model Philosophy
Design Intent:
To offer a versatile, affordable, and reliable transportation solution with a balance of performance and economy.
Manual Purpose
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts interested in the technical aspects of the vehicle.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Market Coverage:
Global (primarily Japanese Domestic Market and export variants)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1000-2000+ (highly variable based on specific engine/trim/region)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English (likely translated from Japanese original, some technical terms may persist)
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system components, exhaust system components
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), sensors and actuators, ECU diagnosis and troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control system, torque converter, transmission control unit (TCU), fluid specifications and service
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) system components, driveshafts, CV joints, differential service
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link or trailing arm), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering gear, steering column, tie rod ends, steering fluid specifications
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components and diagnosis, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, accessory circuits
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim components, HVAC system, seats, body repair (minor), corrosion protection
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant types, service), heater core, blower motor, climate control panel operation and troubleshooting
Safety Systems:
Airbag system components and diagnosis, seatbelt mechanisms
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on certain trims/engines (e.g., GSR models)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4,335 - 4,450 mm (Varies by body style)
Width:
Approx. 1,690 - 1,715 mm
Height:
Approx. 1,380 - 1,405 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 1,440 mm (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,500 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1,050 - 1,250 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model/trim, typically around 1,600 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not extensively tested by modern standards; generally considered to have average safety for its era.
IIHS Rating:
Not applicable or available for this model year range.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Available ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on higher trims.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on most later models), three-point seatbelts, reinforced body structure.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this generation.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions typically required for modern device connectivity.
Instrumentation
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or consult owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check specific engine recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 80W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Transmission bearing wear (especially manual), A/C compressor failures, minor electrical gremlins, rust on older models, potential for head gasket issues on higher mileage engines.