Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a performance-oriented, stylish compact vehicle; DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla GT-S, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Ford Escort GT.
Styling:
Distinctive wedge-shaped styling, pop-up headlights, available in coupe and hatchback body styles.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on most models, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on performance variants.
Performance Variants:
The Laser RS Turbo (and its Eagle Talon TSi counterpart) offered turbocharged engines and AWD, positioning it as a serious performance contender.
Primary Coverage:
All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, and troubleshooting for the 1990 Mitsubishi Laser.
Engine Coverage:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system.
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, drivetrain components.
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic and parking), wheel alignment.
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, HVAC controls, body electrical components.
Body Coverage:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, locks, body sealing.
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of engine control unit (ECU), sensors (e.g., MAP, TPS, O2, crank/cam position), actuators (e.g., injectors, idle air control valve), and fuel injection system.
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plug wires, ignition timing adjustment, electronic ignition module troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant flow, fan operation, heater core diagnosis.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump pressure testing, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank and lines.
Brake System:
Hydraulic system, brake fluid bleeding, disc brake pad and rotor replacement, drum brake inspection and adjustment, ABS (if equipped).
Suspension System:
Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension, control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, springs.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column.
Electrical Components:
Alternator, starter motor, battery testing, fuses, relays, lighting circuits, horn, wipers.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, temperature control.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.
Major Repairs:
Engine internal repairs (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems using symptom-based charts.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing individual components such as alternators, water pumps, fuel injectors, clutch kits, etc.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine data, and dimensions.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component identification and wire routing.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complex internal engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Base Engine:
2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder (4G63 variant)
Base Horsepower:
135 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Base Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Turbo Engine:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged 4-cylinder (4G63T variant)
Turbo Horsepower:
195 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Turbo Torque:
203 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended for turbocharged models)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) controlling fuel injection and ignition timing.
Base Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic
Turbo AWD Transmission:
Available with 5-speed manual transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on RS Turbo models.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendation)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III or equivalent (check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendation)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil recommended for performance.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified for the engine type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G63 engines. Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.0L engines.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi coolant P/N)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Turbo Lag:
Characteristic of turbocharging technology of the era, though performance models were relatively good.
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated with aggressive driving, especially on turbocharged models.
Electronics Aging:
Older wiring harnesses, sensors, and modules can degrade over time, leading to electrical gremlins. The manual is essential for diagnosis.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in vehicles of this age, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Check underbody, wheel wells, and rocker panels.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in control arms, sway bars, and subframes can degrade, leading to noise and imprecise handling.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable and sometimes performance-oriented vehicles.
First Generation:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse (and its badge-engineered siblings like the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser) debuted in the 1990 model year, replacing the Mitsubishi Starion. It was part of the Chrysler-Mitsubishi joint venture, utilizing the DSM (Diamond-Star Motors) platform.
Second Generation Introduction:
The second generation, with significant styling updates, arrived for the 1995 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (at Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production Cycle:
1990-1994
