🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse / Spyder

Model Years Covered:

2003, 2004, 2005

Platform:

Mitsubishi PS platform (also known as the Eagle platform for North America)

Chassis Codes:

3G Eclipse (Coupe: D52A, Convertible: D53A)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers, younger demographic, those seeking sporty styling and performance at an accessible price point.

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Celica, Ford Mustang (lower trims), Chevrolet Camaro (lower trims), Dodge Neon SRT-4.

Design Philosophy:

Aggressive styling, sporty proportions, available in both coupe and convertible body styles, focus on driver engagement.

Powertrain Options:

Choice between a more economical 4-cylinder and a more potent V6 engine.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential information for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 2003-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse/Spyder, empowering owners to perform a wide range of tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

North America (implied by model name and common availability)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 1000 pages for a complete factory service manual covering all aspects.

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Digital Download

Delivery Package:

ZIP Archive

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU).

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveline components (CV joints, driveshafts).

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering gear, power steering system.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, audio system, wipers, horn.

Climate Control:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor.

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism (Spyder), interior trim, seats.

Safety Features:

Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor service, tire rotation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams for electrical diagnostics.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic values, component dimensions.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Yes, pages are printable.

Zoom Functionality:

Yes, supports zoom in/out for detailed viewing of diagrams and text.

Quality Designation:

Factory Quality

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2 4L:

4G64

Engine Displacement 2 4L:

2.4 Liters

Engine Configuration 2 4L:

Inline 4-Cylinder

Horsepower 2 4L:

Approx. 147-154 hp (depending on market and specific calibration)

Torque 2 4L:

Approx. 158-162 lb-ft

Engine Code 3 0L V6:

6G72 (SOHC and DOHC variants)

Engine Displacement 3 0L V6:

3.0 Liters

Engine Configuration 3 0L V6:

V6 (60-degree)

Horsepower 3 0L V6:

Approx. 197-202 hp (SOHC) / Approx. 205 hp (DOHC GT models)

Torque 3 0L V6:

Approx. 205-207 lb-ft (SOHC) / Approx. 207 lb-ft (DOHC GT models)

Fuel Delivery Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Recommended:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane for 2.4L, 87 or 89 octane for V6, 89 or 91 octane for GT)

Turbocharged Option:

No factory turbocharger offered for these model years. (Note: Subsequent generations had turbo variants, but not this generation.)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive

Automatic Transmission Modes:

Sportronic (Manual shift mode on some automatic transmissions)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (specific Mitsubishi specification may apply, consult manual for exact part number).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (specific Mitsubishi specification may apply, consult manual for exact part number).

📐 Dimensions

Length Coupe:

Approx. 180.5 inches (4585 mm)

Width Coupe:

Approx. 70.2 inches (1785 mm)

Height Coupe:

Approx. 52.9 inches (1345 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.4 inches (2575 mm)

Curb Weight 2 4L:

Approx. 3120 - 3250 lbs (1415 - 1474 kg)

Curb Weight V6:

Approx. 3250 - 3400 lbs (1474 - 1542 kg)

Curb Weight Spyder:

Approx. 3400 - 3550 lbs (1542 - 1610 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Likely 4 out of 5 stars (driver and passenger) based on period testing.

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Likely Acceptable or Good for models equipped with side airbags.

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on base trims.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags standard. Side airbags and side curtain airbags were often optional or standard on higher trims.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer on some trims.

Display Screens:

Basic digital or analog displays for climate control, instrument cluster features basic gauges.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Traction Control:

Optional on certain V6 models.

Auxiliary Input:

Generally not available in factory systems for this era; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Always refer to the manual for the precise interval based on driving conditions.

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial change at around 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter, depending on coolant type.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval 2 4L:

Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs; iridium plugs may extend this.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval 3 0L V6:

Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on the specific V6 variant and plug type.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3. Viscosity: 5W-30 recommended for most conditions. (Consult manual for exact specifications).

Engine Oil Capacity 2 4L:

Approx. 4.5 - 4.7 Quarts (4.3 - 4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 3 0L V6:

Approx. 4.5 - 4.8 Quarts (4.3 - 4.6 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent P-HOAT coolant) - typically a pink or red color.

Common Wear Items:

CV joints, wheel bearings, rear axle bearings (especially on V6 models), catalytic converter, fuel pump, transmission synchros (manual).

Spyder Convertible Top Issues:

Hydraulic system leaks, motor failures, fabric wear, and seal degradation can occur with age on the convertible top.

Engine Vibration V6:

Some V6 models may exhibit engine vibration due to worn engine mounts or exhaust system issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Sporty Lineage:

Mitsubishi has a history of producing sporty and performance-oriented vehicles, including the Eclipse (which succeeded the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser twins) and the Lancer Evolution.

Eclipse Third Generation Introduction:

The third generation (3G) Eclipse was introduced for the 2000 model year, and this manual covers the significant facelift/update for the 2003-2005 period, often referred to as the 'facelifted' 3G.

Spyder Variant:

The Spyder (convertible) version offered a retractable soft-top roof, adding to the model's appeal. This generation's Spyder featured a power-operated top on higher trims.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (Normal, Illinois, USA) by Diamond-Star Motors (DSM), a former joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Period Reviews:

Received mixed reviews, praised for styling and V6 performance, but criticized for interior materials and ride quality compared to some rivals.

Popularity:

Remains a popular choice in the used sports car market for its distinctive styling and a loyal enthusiast following.