🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse

Generation:

2nd Generation (D30/D32/D38A/D38E)

Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998

Chassis Codes:

D32A (coupe), D38A (convertible)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1996-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (2nd Gen) was a significant model for Mitsubishi, offering both sporty coupe and convertible variants with a focus on performance and styling. It competed in the compact sports coupe segment against rivals like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, and Nissan 240SX.

Key Competitors:

Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6

Vehicle Strengths:

Available turbocharged engines (GT/GTS trims), All-Wheel Drive option, distinctive styling, good handling dynamics.

Manual Value Proposition:

This comprehensive manual provides owners and technicians with the detailed information required to maintain, diagnose, and repair all aspects of the 1996-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

All Models And Engines:

True

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, evaporative emission control (EVAP)

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), electronic ignition control

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR system, PCV system, O2 sensors

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, gear shift mechanism, specific gear ratios

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission assembly, torque converter, hydraulic control system, valve body, shift solenoids, specific transmission fluid type

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) components, all-wheel drive (AWD) transfer case, front and rear drive axles, CV joints

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link, struts), springs, shock absorbers, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, steering column, tie rods, steering fluid

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuse box, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horn

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass replacement, structural components

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant type

Interior:

Dashboard assembly, seats, seat belts, interior trim panels, airbags (SRS system)

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common failure points and their symptoms

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various system failures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly

Component Rebuilds:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul guides

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Printable, Searchable)

Image Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams

Physical Format If Applicable:

Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals were typically bound.

Physical Format If Applicable:

Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals used durable paper.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.4L SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (4G64)

Base Engine Horsepower:

141 hp @ 5500 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

157 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Performance Engine 1:

2.0L DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged 4-cylinder (4G63T - Non-Intercooled)

Performance Engine 1 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 6000 rpm

Performance Engine 1 Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Performance Engine 2:

2.0L DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged 4-cylinder (4G63T - Intercooled)

Performance Engine 2 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 6000 rpm

Performance Engine 2 Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane (for 4G64), 91 Octane Premium Unleaded (for 4G63T)

🔧 Transmission

Base Transmission:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic

AWD Availability:

Available with turbocharged engines (GT/GTS) and 5-speed manual transmission.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

DIA-3 (MITSUBISHI Genuine ATF SP-II or SP-III equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Coupe:

103.7 inches (2634 mm)

Wheelbase Convertible:

100.8 inches (2560 mm)

Length Coupe:

178.3 inches (4529 mm)

Length Convertible:

174.2 inches (4425 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

52.0 inches (1321 mm)

Trunk Capacity Coupe:

Approx. 11.2 cu ft (0.317 m³)

Curb Weight Base:

Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg)

Curb Weight Turbo AWD:

Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1996 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1996 models)

ABS:

Standard on higher trims (GTS, GT), optional on others.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System).

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (coupe) or three-point rear seat belts (convertible).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD changer. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

OBD Standard:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant from 1996 onwards.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions). Refer to manual for specific engine.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years for 4G63T engines. For 4G64, check manual (often similar or belt-driven, check specific procedure).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Capacity 4G64:

4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 4G63T:

4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for temperature ranges)

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issues Turbo:

Turbocharger failure (oil starvation, cracked turbine housing), blown head gaskets (especially on modified engines), oil leaks, differential failures in AWD models.

Common Issues Non Turbo:

Oil leaks, intake manifold gaskets, minor electrical gremlins, worn suspension components.

Interior Wear:

Driver's seat bolster wear, dashboard plastic cracking from UV exposure.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has a long history of producing diverse vehicles, including performance-oriented models.

Eclipse 2Nd Gen Launch:

The second generation Eclipse was introduced for the 1995 model year, representing a significant redesign from its predecessor, and continued through 1999. The 1996-1998 period represents the mid-cycle of this popular generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Built by Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) in Normal, Illinois, USA, as a joint venture with Chrysler.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Eclipse GSX (turbo AWD model) was a Car and Driver 10 Best list recipient for 1996, highlighting its performance value.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer reports generally rated the second-generation Eclipse as average to below average for reliability, particularly concerning the turbocharged engines and AWD system, but praised its performance and styling.