The 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse represents a significant entry in the compact sports coupe and convertible market, co-developed with Chrysler and sold under the Diamond-Star Motors banner. Known for its stylish design, affordable performance, and the availability of advanced features like All-Wheel Drive on the GS-X model, the Eclipse offered a compelling alternative to competitors such as the Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica. Its engineering quality and reliability, particularly with the robust 4G63 and 4G63T engines, have made it a sought-after vehicle for enthusiasts and those undertaking restoration projects. The 1990 model year marked the introduction of this generation, which also earned recognition, including a spot on Car and Driver's 10Best list for the GSX variant, underscoring its performance credentials.
This comprehensive service and repair manual, presented in English, is designed to assist owners, mechanics, and technicians in maintaining and repairing the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse across all trims and engine options. It covers a vast array of systems, including powertrain, chassis, and electrical components, detailing everything from routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, and filter replacements to complex engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, and electrical system diagnostics. The manual also provides essential troubleshooting guides, special tool identification, and technical specifications, ensuring users have the knowledge required for effective vehicle care and repair, thereby helping to preserve the vehicle's value and performance.
Platform:
Mitsubishi SSC platform
Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY Mechanics, Restoration Projects
Key Competitors:
Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Mazda RX-7
Vehicle Selling Points:
Stylish design, affordable performance, available AWD (GT model), reliable powertrains
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform all levels of maintenance and repair, saving costs and preserving vehicle value.
Primary Regions:
North America, Global Markets
Model Variants Covered:
All trims and engine options for the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD & AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Gauges, Instruments, Audio System, Power Accessories, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Error Code Interpretation
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Format Details:
High-resolution PDF, searchable text, printable pages
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Displacement Base:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Type Base:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Horsepower Base:
135 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Torque Base:
125 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Displacement Turbo:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Type Turbo:
Turbocharged and Intercooled Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Horsepower Turbo:
195 hp @ 6000 rpm (GS/GS-X Turbo)
Engine Torque Turbo:
203 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (GS/GS-X Turbo)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Regular) for NA, 91 Octane (Premium) Recommended for Turbocharged Models
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on GS-X Turbo
AWD System Details:
Full-time viscous coupling center differential with planetary gear set and differential lock (optional on GS-X)
Length:
171.7 inches (4360 mm)
Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
50.2 inches (1275 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.7 inches (2505 mm)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 2800 lbs (1270 kg)
Curb Weight Turbo AWD:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1450 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated (N/A for 1990 models)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not Applicable (Category not tested in 1990)
ABS:
Optional on Base/RS, Standard on GS-X
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD player
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers
Cruise Control:
Standard on higher trims (GS/GS-X), optional on others.
Analog Systems:
All vehicle systems primarily rely on analog and basic electronic controls, no modern digital connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (Critical for 4G63/4G63T engines).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil Type Base:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity Base:
4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically green, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) ATF
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), turbocharger issues (on turbo models), oil leaks, rust (especially around wheel wells and rocker panels), electrical gremlins, degraded suspension bushings.
Key Recommendations:
Regular timing belt replacement, diligent oil changes, inspecting coolant hoses and power steering lines for leaks.
Manufacturer Background:
Mitsubishi Motors, a division of Mitsubishi Group, known for automotive engineering and innovation.
First Generation Introduction:
The first generation Eclipse was introduced for the 1990 model year.
Design Collaboration:
Co-developed with Chrysler Corporation under the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) joint venture, also sold as Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors assembly plant)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1990.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Not a finalist or winner for MotorTrend Car of the Year in 1990.
Emissions Standards:
Complies with 1990 US Federal Emissions Standards.
