Vehicle Segment:
Compact sports coupe and convertible.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Ford Focus SVT, Chevrolet Cavalier Z24.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, accurate, and comprehensive repair information for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians alike.
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its sporty styling, performance-oriented variants (especially the V6 models), and convertible option.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, component testing, and specifications for all engine variants.
Engine Performance:
Engine tuning, performance diagnostics, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch, gearbox disassembly/assembly, and shift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for automatic transmissions, including valve body, torque converter, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system service, including differentials, drive shafts, axles, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component identification, removal, installation, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, and steering gear/rack and pinion service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service (disc brakes), including pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, brake fluid specifications, and ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, and wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, door mechanisms, convertible top system (Spyder), glass replacement, and chassis lubrication.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnostics.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis, component replacement, and safety precautions.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacements, and other scheduled maintenance tasks.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, including symptom-based diagnostics and fault code interpretation.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, illustrated instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for virtually every system on the vehicle.
Component Rebuild:
Instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and assembly sequences.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting of electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, component testing, and multimeter usage.
Alignment Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures for front and rear suspension.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using specialized diagnostic tools, including scan tools and specific electronic testers.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic approach to identifying and resolving vehicle issues.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair or maintenance tasks.
Technical Service Bulletins:
May include references or discussions of TSBs relevant to the model years.
Engine 1 Variant:
2.4L 4-Cylinder (4G64 / G6CU)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 147 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 158 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
3.0L V6 SOHC (6G72)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 197 hp @ 5500 rpm (2000-2002), 200 hp @ 5500 rpm (2003-2005)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2000-2002), 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2003-2005)
Engine 3 Variant:
3.0L V6 SOHC MIVEC (6G72 MIVEC)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 205 hp @ 5500 rpm (2003-2005)
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 207 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2003-2005)
Engine Layout:
Inline and V-configuration.
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Varies by engine and transmission, typically 6.5-9.0 seconds.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for performance variants).
Timing Belt Vs Chain:
4-cylinder engines typically use timing belts; V6 engines typically use timing chains.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (with optional Sportronic shifter on some models).
AWD Availability:
Available on V6 models (GT trim) with optional AWD system.
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended. (Consult manual for specific.)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mitsubishi ATF SP-III or equivalent. (Consult manual for specific.)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)
Length:
Approx. 180.5 inches (4585 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by model, typically 2900-3400 lbs (1315-1542 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Consult specific model documentation.
Towing Capacity:
Not generally recommended or specified for this vehicle class.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 10.4 cubic feet (Coupe), may vary.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Good (all seating positions)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
Good (front seats), Acceptable (rear seats)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (models vary, consult specific year tests)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base models.
Traction Control:
Available on certain trims, especially AWD models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific engine.)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for iridium plugs. (Consult manual for specific type.)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended replacement at 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for 4-cylinder engines. V6 engines use timing chains. (Consult manual for specific.)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 viscosity recommended. (Consult manual for specific.)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-9764) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. (Consult manual for specific.)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Sludge:
Certain 4-cylinder engines can be prone to oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected; regular oil changes are critical.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some automatic transmissions may experience shifting problems or premature wear, particularly with infrequent fluid changes.
Suspension Components:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can occur over time, leading to noise or alignment issues.
Power Steering Leaks:
Leaks from the power steering pump or hoses can occur.
Convertible Top Mechanism:
For Spyder models, the power convertible top mechanism may require lubrication or adjustment due to wear.
Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsports and manufacturing diverse vehicle types, known for engineering and durability.
Eclipse Third Generation Design:
Introduced for the 2000 model year, this generation featured a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor, with a focus on bold styling.
Spyder Variant:
The Eclipse Spyder continued as the convertible version, offering a power-operated soft top.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant).
Key Updates Over Years:
Minor styling refreshes and powertrain updates, notably the introduction of MIVEC engine technology and optional AWD on V6 models in 2003.
