Segment:
Compact Sport Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and DIY mechanics seeking to maintain and repair their Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Competitors:
Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Toyota Solara Convertible, Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Unique Selling Points:
Stylish convertible design, available potent V6 engine, sporty handling, accessible maintenance for owners.
Primary Focus:
Repair and Service
Included Sections:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine:
Detailed repair procedures, component identification, diagnostic codes, timing belt replacement, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed) and Automatic (4-speed INVECS-II) transmission overhaul, fluid specifications, shift control diagnostics, torque converter service
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential service
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension, component replacement, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, column, alignment procedures
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting systems, power windows, power seats, convertible top electrical system
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control diagnostics, refrigerant type and charging procedures
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, convertible top mechanism repair, chassis specifications, collision repair information
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with definitions and causes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, torque specifications for fasteners, special tool requirements
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, brake calipers, suspension arms, and more
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Option 1:
2.4L 4-cylinder (4G64)
Engine Option 2:
3.0L V6 (6G72)
4 Cylinder Horsepower:
Approx. 154 hp @ 5500 rpm
4 Cylinder Torque:
Approx. 171 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 205 hp @ 5500 rpm (non-GTS) / Approx. 210 hp @ 5500 rpm (GTS)
V6 Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (non-GTS) / Approx. 207 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (GTS)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance with V6)
ECU Type:
Proprietary Mitsubishi ECU with OBD-II interface
Transmission Option 1:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Option 2:
4-Speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Automatic Features:
Sportronic® (manual shift mode)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SPII/SPIII or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52.4 inches (1330 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.4 inches (2575 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 6.6 cubic feet (with top up)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size:
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) for 2003 models
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable for 2003 models
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some V6 models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (optional on some trims)
Convertible Top Safety:
Reinforced A-pillars and structural reinforcements for rollover protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions), refer to manual for exact specification.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for 4-cylinder engine, refer to manual for exact interval and specific engine type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (API SN or higher recommended, refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Oil consumption in some 4-cylinder engines, potential for aging convertible top hydraulic lines/motors, exhaust manifold cracks (especially V6), wheel bearing noise, automatic transmission shift issues.
Oil Filter:
MD340548 (example, actual may vary)
Air Filter:
MR497758 (example, actual may vary)
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history in performance vehicles, including the iconic Lancer Evolution and previous generations of the Eclipse.
Third Generation Eclipse:
This generation (2000-2005) saw a redesign with a more aggressive styling. The Spyder variant offered the convertible experience based on this platform.
Manufacturing Plant:
Normal, Illinois, USA (for North American market)
Production Years:
2003-2005 for this specific manual's coverage
