Segment:
Compact sports convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Competitors:
Mazda Miata (MX-5), Toyota Celica Convertible, Ford Mustang Convertible (lower trims), Chevrolet Camaro Convertible (lower trims)
Unique Selling Points:
Stylish convertible design, available V6 engine, sporty handling, accessible price point for a convertible
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides owners with the detailed technical information necessary to maintain, diagnose, and repair their vehicle, saving on dealership service costs and empowering DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing belt/chain, oil system, cooling system, fuel injection, emission controls, engine diagnostics
Engine Performance:
ECU tuning, sensor data interpretation, power output troubleshooting
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox disassembly/assembly, shift linkage, fluid service
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, electronic control, fluid service, overhaul
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, CV joints, axles, differential service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, linkages
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic components, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, body control modules
Engine Control Unit:
ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams, sensor functions, CAN bus communication
Body And Chassis:
Frame construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim
Convertible Top:
Hydraulic system, electrical controls, fabric maintenance, troubleshooting
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating system, climate control, refrigerant specifications, service procedures
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seatbelt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions, error code interpretation
Repair:
Component replacement, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, bodywork repairs, electrical diagnostics and repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring harness tracing
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, alignment settings
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body panel replacement.
Engine Option 1 Code:
4G64
Engine Option 1 Type:
Inline-4, SOHC
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Engine Option 1 Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Engine Option 1 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5750 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Option 2 Code:
6G72
Engine Option 2 Type:
V6, SOHC
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Engine Option 2 Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Engine Option 2 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 octane recommended for 4-cyl), Unleaded Premium (91 octane recommended for V6)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug for V6, distributor with coil for 4-cylinder
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, EVAP system
Length:
Approximately 178.4 inches (4531 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approximately 53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.0 inches (2616 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 4.7 cu ft (convertible top stowed)
Curb Weight 4Cyl:
Approximately 3100-3200 lbs (1406-1451 kg)
Curb Weight V6:
Approximately 3200-3300 lbs (1451-1497 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size Standard:
16 x 6.5 inches (alloy)
Wheel Size Optional:
17 x 7.0 inches (alloy, often on GT trims)
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16
Tire Size Optional:
215/50R17
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal driving)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approximately 5.1 US quarts (4.8 L) with filter
Engine Oil Filter Pn:
Mitsubishi MD341559 / Wix 51515 / Fram PH3593A (verify with manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years for 4-cylinder (4G64). V6 (6G72) typically uses a timing chain which requires less frequent service, but check manual for specific guidance.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) - Green (or equivalent HOAT)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0-7.5 US quarts (6.6-7.1 L)
Spark Plug Type 4Cyl:
NGK BKR5EKU (or equivalent, check manual for exact spec)
Spark Plug Type V6:
NGK IFR5N11 (Platinum or Iridium, check manual for exact spec)
Common Issue 1:
Convertible top hydraulic leaks or slow operation: Requires inspection and potential replacement of seals or hydraulic fluid.
Common Issue 2:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues: Can lead to rough shifting or failure to engage gears.
Common Issue 3:
Exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V6): Can cause exhaust leaks and a ticking noise.
Common Issue 4:
Power window regulator failures: Common in many vehicles of this era, can cause windows to stop working.
Common Issue 5:
O2 sensor failures: Can lead to check engine light and poor fuel economy.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors
Heritage Focus:
Known for rally heritage (Lancer Evolution), sporty coupes, and accessible performance vehicles.
First Generation:
1990-1994 (shared platform with Dodge Stealth, focused on 4-cylinder and V6 turbo)
Second Generation:
1995-1999 (redesigned, more rounded styling, dropped V6 turbo option)
Third Generation Introduction:
1999 (for the 2000 model year). Significant redesign with a more muscular and aggressive styling, and the introduction of the Spyder convertible variant as a distinct model line.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (for North American market models)
Production Years Spyder:
2000-2005