Positioning:
The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse was positioned as a stylish, sporty coupe and convertible, offering an attractive alternative in the compact sports car segment, often competing with models like the Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica, and Ford Focus SVT.
Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica GT-S, Ford Focus SVT, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Hyundai Tiburon.
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling, available in coupe and convertible body styles, distinctive front-end design.
Powertrain Options:
Choice between fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and more powerful V6 engines.
Handling:
Sport-tuned suspension (especially on GT models) provided engaging handling for its class.
Engine:
4-cylinder (2.4L G4CS), V6 (3.0L 6G72, 3.8L 6G75 - later models, likely 3.0L for 2003), Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions.
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed), Automatic (4-speed), Clutch, driveline, axles, differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, front disc, rear disc, parking brake, component replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, gauges, warning indicators, body control modules, power accessories, SRS (Airbag) system, ECU/ECM diagnosis.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant handling.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers, collision repair procedures.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based problem solving, wiring diagrams for electrical issues.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to advanced engine and transmission diagnostics and repair. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
4 Cylinder:
2.4L SOHC 16V I4 (G4CS - Mitsubishi Astron engine family). Approx. 147-154 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm, 152-160 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm.
V6:
3.0L SOHC 24V V6 (6G72 - Mitsubishi Cyclone engine family). Approx. 200-205 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm, 205-214 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm.
Horsepower Range:
147 - 205 hp
Torque Range:
152 - 214 lb-ft
Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for GT models for optimal performance)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel, ignition, and emissions.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (FWD)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (FWD)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated clutch system on manual transmission models.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type (likely Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-II M or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (likely API GL-4 or GL-5)
Length:
Coupe: approx. 178.4 inches (4531 mm), Convertible: approx. 178.7 inches (4539 mm)
Width:
approx. 69.2 inches (1758 mm)
Height:
Coupe: approx. 53.7 inches (1364 mm), Convertible: approx. 53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Wheelbase:
approx. 103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
approx. 3000 - 3300 lbs (1360 - 1497 kg)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
approx. 13.7 cu ft (388 L)
Trunk Volume Convertible:
approx. 5.7 cu ft (161 L) with top up
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for models with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on GT, optional on ES/O-Z Rally trims.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, particularly GT.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Power Windows:
Standard on most trims, automatic up/down for driver's window.
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe driving; 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal driving (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum plugs).
Timing Belt:
Crucial: V6 engines (6G72) use a timing belt, requiring replacement typically around 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 7-10 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. 4-cylinder engines likely use a timing chain.
Engine Oil:
API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 or GF-3. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 recommended. Capacity: Approx. 4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 L) for 4-cyl, 5.0-5.5 quarts (4.7-5.2 L) for V6, with filter.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water). Capacity: Approx. 6.5-7.5 quarts (6.2-7.1 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Interior Rattles:
Common in this generation due to various trim pieces and materials.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts can lead to noise and alignment issues.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket leaks and oil pan gasket leaks can occur with age.
Catalytic Converter:
Can sometimes fail prematurely, especially if engine misfires occur.
ABS Sensors:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, causing ABS warning lights.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsports and performance vehicles, with the Eclipse nameplate having roots in the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser collaborations of the 1990s.
Third Generation:
The 2003 model represents the third generation (NM platform), which saw a significant redesign from the previous DSM (Diamond-Star Motors) platform. This generation was styled by Mitsubishi designers in Japan, moving away from the US-centric design of the previous generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (DSM plant).
Production Period:
2000-2005 (for the NM generation).
