🧪Fluid Capacities
Mitsubishi Lancer Fluid Capacities
All fluid capacities for your Mitsubishi Lancer: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering, and more.
Quick Answer
The Mitsubishi Lancer requires multiple fluids maintained at specific levels. Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all have different capacities depending on your engine and model year.
2012-2017
2012-2017Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.5 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill) / 7-9 quarts (total)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidElectric power steering — no fluid needed
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Many newer models use electric power steering — no power steering fluid required
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
2006-2011
2006-2011Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.5 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill) / 7-9 quarts (total)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
2000-2005
2000-2005Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1994-1999
1994-1999Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1988-1993
1988-1993Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1982-1987
1982-1987Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1976-1981
1976-1981Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1973-1975
1973-1975Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much coolant does a Mitsubishi Lancer hold?
- The Mitsubishi Lancer cooling system holds 6-10 quarts total depending on the engine. A drain-and-fill replaces about 50-60% of the coolant. For a complete flush, you'll need the full capacity amount.
- What type of transmission fluid does a Mitsubishi Lancer use?
- The Mitsubishi Lancer transmission fluid type depends on whether it's an automatic or manual transmission and the model year. Automatic transmissions typically use ATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific fluid. Manual transmissions use 75W-90 gear oil.
- Does a Mitsubishi Lancer have power steering fluid?
- 2015+ Mitsubishi Lancer models with electric power steering don't use power steering fluid. Older models with hydraulic power steering use ATF or manufacturer-specific fluid — check your owner's manual.
- What brake fluid does a Mitsubishi Lancer use?
- Most Mitsubishi Lancer models use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is preferred for performance driving. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) in a system designed for DOT 3/4.