Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact sports convertible.
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiasts and owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2003:
        
        
            Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Nissan 350Z Roadster.
        
     
    
    
        
            Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Stylish convertible design, available powerful V6 engine, and sporty handling.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value Proposition:
        
        
            Empowers owners to maintain their vehicle, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Yes, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and specifications for all internal components.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Performance:
        
        
            Yes, covering fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, and performance tuning.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Yes, for 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Yes, for 4-speed automatic transmissions.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Yes, covering front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials and axles.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Yes, detailing front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension components, alignment procedures, and specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Yes, covering power steering system diagnostics and repair, steering column, and rack and pinion.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Yes, including ABS diagnostics, hydraulic systems, disc brake components, and parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Yes, extensive coverage of wiring diagrams, component locations, fuses, relays, and battery systems.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Yes, including body panel removal/installation, convertible top mechanism, and chassis repair.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Yes, covering air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Yes, including seat removal, dashboard components, and trim panels.
        
     
    
    
        
            Preventative Maintenance:
        
        
            Yes, detailed scheduled maintenance procedures and intervals.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Yes, comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Yes, step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Yes, including OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and specific system diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications Data:
        
        
            Yes, detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.
        
     
    
        
            Exploded Views:
        
        
            Yes, crucial for component identification and reassembly.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Yes, detailed and color-coded (if applicable to the original manual format).
        
     
    
    
        
            Level Of Detail:
        
        
            Expert-level, covering from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            Mentions necessary diagnostic tools, scan tools, and special equipment.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
        
        
            4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
        
        
            4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
        
        
            4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
        
        
            3/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on all models, Anti-lock Braking System.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional on some models, Traction Control System (TCS).
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Standard dual front airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Optional side-impact airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bars behind the headrests.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
        
        
            Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement V6:
        
        
            Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement 4Cyl:
        
        
            Approximately 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement V6:
        
        
            Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG, SH, or SJ classification. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
        
        
            4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity V6:
        
        
            4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based with de-ionized water).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Automatic:
        
        
            Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Power steering fluid (specific type may be noted in manual).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Window regulators, convertible top motors, and potential corrosion in electrical connectors.
        
     
    
        
            Common Engine Issues:
        
        
            Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and rear main seals, potential timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (especially on V6).
        
     
    
        
            Common Suspension Issues:
        
        
            Worn control arm bushings and worn struts/shocks, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Common Convertible Top Issues:
        
        
            Hydraulic leaks in the convertible top system, motor failures, and wear on the fabric or seals.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mitsubishi Performance History:
        
        
            Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in performance vehicles and motorsport, exemplified by the Lancer Evolution.
        
     
    
    
        
            Eclipse Spyder Generation:
        
        
            This is part of the second generation Eclipse (1995-2005), with the Spyder convertible body style being a distinct variant.
        
     
    
        
            Design Inspiration:
        
        
            Styled by Mitsubishi's design studios, with a focus on a sporty and aerodynamic appearance.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant).
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Second Gen:
        
        
            1995-2005 (Spyder introduced in 1996).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Initial Reception:
        
        
            Generally well-received for its styling, performance (especially V6 and turbo models), and convertible experience.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Varied by year and powertrain, generally average to below average reliability reported in its later years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Epa Fuel Economy 4Cyl Auto:
        
        
            Estimated 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway (for 2003 model).
        
     
    
        
            Epa Fuel Economy V6 Auto:
        
        
            Estimated 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway (for 2003 model).
        
     
    
        
            Epa Fuel Economy V6 Turbo Manual:
        
        
            Estimated 17 MPG city / 23 MPG highway (for 2003 model).