Segment:
Compact Sporty Convertible / Affordable Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking DIY maintenance and repair capabilities for their Eclipse Spyder.
Competitors:
Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2, Honda del Sol, Nissan 240SX convertible (if applicable)
Vehicle Appeal:
Stylish convertible design, available turbocharged performance (GT models), accessible price point for a convertible sports car.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with detailed technical knowledge to maintain and repair their vehicle, saving on dealership costs and fostering self-sufficiency.
Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Regions:
Primarily North America (USA, Canada)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
File Format Details:
Searchable PDF text, allowing for quick content navigation and keyword searches.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS), wheels and tires
Body:
Body panels, exterior trim, interior trim, convertible top system (operation, maintenance, repair), doors, windows, bumpers
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instruments and gauges, HVAC controls, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system wiring, wiring diagrams
Diagnostic Systems:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault code retrieval and interpretation, sensor testing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement, convertible top mechanism repair
Troubleshooting:
System diagnostics, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical gremlins, engine performance issues
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, idle speed adjustment
Removal Installation:
Major component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension arms, body panels)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Detail:
In-depth diagnostic procedures with flowcharts and specific test parameters
Component Specs:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and wear limits
Engine 1 Type:
2.4L 16-Valve SOHC Inline-4 (4G64)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2351 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
141 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
2.0L 16-Valve DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 (4G63T)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1997 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
210 hp @ 6000 rpm (GS-T/GSi models)
Engine 2 Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (GS-T/GSi models)
Compression Ratio 4G64:
8.5:1
Compression Ratio 4G63T:
8.5:1
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane) for 2.4L, Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane) recommended for 2.0L Turbo
ECU:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with integrated diagnostics
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
AWD Availability:
Not available on Spyder models; FWD only.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Manual: MB324504)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF SP-II M or equivalent (Automatic: MZ312333)
Length:
Approx. 175.8 inches (4465 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1406 kg), depending on engine and transmission.
Trunk Volume Convertible Down:
Limited, as it must accommodate the folded roof. Specific volume not commonly cited.
Wheel Size Base:
15-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Size Optional:
16-inch alloy wheels (GS-T/GSi models)
Tire Size Base:
205/60R15
Tire Size Optional:
215/55R16
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not extensively rated for this era, but generally considered fair for its class.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not extensively rated for this era, but generally considered fair for its class.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and pop-up roll bars behind seats (a key feature for convertibles).
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or as specified for platinum/iridium plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 4G63T engine: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years. 4G64 may have a timing chain or belt; manual will specify interval.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.2 Liters) with filter for 2.4L; Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 Liters) for 2.0L Turbo.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific temp range).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (Green) - Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (DIAQUEEN SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Failures Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on higher mileage turbo models), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, starter motor failures.
Common Failures Transmission:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), torque converter issues or solenoid failures (automatic).
Common Failures Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to steering looseness or noise. Strut/shock absorber wear.
Common Failures Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, alternator problems, dashboard illumination faults.
Common Failures Body Convertible:
Convertible top motor or hydraulic system leaks/failures, wear on the top material, frame alignment issues.
Mitsubishi Sports Cars:
Mitsubishi has a legacy of performance vehicles, including the iconic Lancer Evolution, Starion, and the sporty Eclipse line.
Eclipse Spyder Context:
The Spyder variant of the Eclipse was introduced to capture the growing market for affordable, stylish convertible sports cars.
Second Generation Changes:
The second generation (1995-1999) saw a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and rounded styling, becoming a popular choice for its segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a joint venture with Chrysler)
Model Year Range:
1990-2011 (Eclipse line), 1996-1999 (Spyder of this generation)
Segment Popularity:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder was a popular choice in the affordable sporty convertible segment of the late 1990s, often praised for its styling and available turbo performance.
Car And Driver Mention:
Often featured in 'Best' lists for its price class during its production run, particularly for the turbocharged models.
Iso Compliance:
Manufacturing facilities were likely ISO 9000 certified during this period, indicating quality management standards.
