Vehicle Segment:
Compact sports coupe / convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, owners seeking detailed DIY repair information
Key Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6
Performance Focus:
Available turbocharged engines, AWD option on some models, sporty handling
Design Era:
Iconic 90s sports car styling, pop-up headlights
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and powertrains with Dodge/Plymouth (Chrysler acquisition of Diamond-Star Motors)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on typical sales)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+ pages (comprehensive FSM)
Digital Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing
Digital Interactivity:
Searchable text, hyperlinked sections (common in well-produced PDFs)
Digital File Size:
Variable, typically 50MB-200MB for comprehensive manuals
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharged systems
Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (F5M33, W5MG1), Automatic transmissions (F4A22, F4A33), Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, CV joints, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), Steering system (power steering), Braking system (front vented discs, rear discs/drums, ABS), Wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electrical components, infotainment systems, alarm/security systems, ECU/PCM diagnostics
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body sealing, rust repair guidance
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, testing procedures for sensors and actuators
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul procedures, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation and removal, timing belt replacement, wheel alignment procedures, brake bleeding, clutch adjustment
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagrams Illustrations:
Detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts, torque specifications
Engine Type:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4
Displacement:
1997 cc (121.9 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
210-225 hp (depending on year and specific model, e.g., GS-T, AWD, Eclipse GT, Talon TSi)
Torque:
205-214 lb-ft (depending on year and specific model)
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Turbocharger Details:
Mitsubishi TD05H-14B or similar, intercooled
Engine Type:
2.4L SOHC Inline-4
Displacement:
2351 cc (143.5 cu in)
Horsepower:
140-150 hp (e.g., Eclipse RS, Talon ESi)
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Engine Type:
3.0L SOHC/DOHC V6 (24-valve)
Displacement:
2972 cc (181.4 cu in)
Horsepower:
170-200 hp (depending on trim, e.g., Eclipse GT)
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Type Manual:
5-speed manual transaxle
Type Manual AWD:
5-speed manual transaxle with viscous coupling AWD
Type Auto:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Type Auto AWD:
4-speed automatic transaxle with viscous coupling AWD
Fluid Type:
DIAMOND ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact specs and fill quantities)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (manual)
Length:
Approx. 175-177 inches (4445-4496 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.8 inches (1316 mm)
Length:
Approx. 176.4 inches (4480 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52.4 inches (1330 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,900 - 3,400 lbs (1315 - 1542 kg) depending on model, engine, and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,100 lbs (1724 - 1860 kg)
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 59.6 inches (1514 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 59.1 inches (1501 mm) for FWD, slightly wider for AWD
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 10-12 cu ft (coupe), variable for convertible with top up/down
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 3-4 stars (typical for the era, specific ratings vary by year and test)
IIHS Side Impact:
Data may be limited for all models/years, often lower ratings for this class/era
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional on many trims, standard on higher performance/GT models)
AWD:
Optional All-Wheel Drive (on select Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD models)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models, optional earlier)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player (later models). Basic speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems (HVAC).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, particularly higher-performance and luxury-oriented models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some AWD models, typically an electronically controlled system.
Early Connectivity:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; reliance on aftermarket solutions for modern audio integration.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (check manual, synthetic oil may allow longer intervals)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum/iridium
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G63/4G64 engines. Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for temperature ranges). Capacity: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3L) for 2.0L Turbo, 4.2 quarts (4.0L) for 2.4L and V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, typically a green or red OAT/HOAT coolant. Capacity: Approx. 7-8 quarts (6.6-7.6L)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check cap/manual)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron III ATF may be acceptable, verify with manual)
Turbo Lag Blowoff Valve:
Stock blow-off valves can leak, affecting boost pressure. Aftermarket replacements are common.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged, affecting performance and emissions.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Common on higher mileage 4G63 engines.
Transmission Synchros:
Wear in manual transmission synchros can lead to difficult shifting, especially 1st and 2nd gear.
Window Motors Regulators:
Power window regulators and motors can fail, especially on coupes.
Dashboard Cracking:
Vinyl dashboards are prone to cracking from sun exposure.
Rust Susceptibility:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, and strut towers can be prone to rust, especially in corrosive climates.
Oil Filter Example:
Mitsubishi MD097011, Purolator PL14610, Fram PH8170 (always verify application)
Timing Belt Kit Example:
Gates TCK225 (includes belt, tensioner, idler pulley)
Mitsubishi Motors:
Established Japanese automaker with a history in performance vehicles and motorsports (e.g., Lancer Evolution predecessor, Dakar Rally).
First Generation Eclipse Talon Laser:
Launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year, based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform developed with Chrysler (Diamond-Star Motors joint venture). Introduced as a 2+2 coupe and convertible.
Second Generation Eclipse Talon Laser:
Introduced for the 1995 model year. New styling, larger dimensions, revised engines. Eclipse received a significant redesign, Talon and Laser continued with some shared components but diverged more. Chrysler phased out the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser after 1998 and 1994 respectively.
Performance Variants:
Key performance models include the turbocharged 4G63-powered GS-T (Eclipse), TSi (Talon), and the AWD GSX (Eclipse) and TSi AWD (Talon).
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Model Discontinuation:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse continued until 2011 (in North America). The Plymouth Laser was discontinued after 1994, and the Eagle Talon after 1998.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse and Dodge/Plymouth Talon models (especially turbocharged variants) were frequently praised by automotive journalists for their performance and value, though specific '10 Best' list inclusions might be model/year dependent.
Motor Trend:
Received positive reviews and comparisons in publications like MotorTrend for their sporting credentials.
Performance Handling Reputation:
Widely regarded as capable sports cars with a strong aftermarket tuning community, particularly the AWD turbo models.
