🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse / Eclipse Spyder

Chassis Codes:

Third Generation (D50A/D52A)

Platform:

Mitsubishi Galant (platform sharing)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Convertible

Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota Celica

Design:

Aggressive styling, available in coupe and convertible (Spyder) variants, front-wheel drive (optional all-wheel drive on GT models of previous generations, not on this specific generation's standard offerings).

Performance Focus:

Targeted at buyers seeking sporty styling and engaging driving dynamics, particularly with the V6 engine option.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

2003, 2004, 2005

Regions Covered:

North America

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.4L SOHC, 3.0L SOHC V6), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Drivetrain:

Transmission (4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Manual), Clutch, Drivetrain Components, Axles, Driveshafts

Chassis:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-Link), Steering System (Power Rack and Pinion), Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Disc), ABS

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting System, Power Accessories, Audio System, Security System, Airbag System

Body:

Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Convertible Top Mechanism (Spyder), HVAC System

Powertrain Control:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module) operation, sensor data interpretation, and emissions control system diagnostics.

Body Electrical:

Lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, central locking, and convertible top operation.

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Electrical System Diagnostics

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Electrical Component Repair and Replacement

Installation:

Component Reassembly, Sensor Installation, Control Module Replacement and Programming

Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides for electrical and mechanical systems, including symptom-based diagnostics.

Diagnostics Special Tools:

Identification and use of specialized diagnostic tools, scan tools, and measurement equipment.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Includes full disassembly, repair, and reassembly procedures, detailed diagnostic strategies, wiring schematics, and torque specifications for all major components.

Diagrams Schematics:

Includes detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views of components, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Searchable text within PDF for quick access to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution digital scans, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Completeness Level:

Comprehensive Factory Service Manual (FSM) covering all aspects of maintenance, repair, diagnostics, and specifications.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2378 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (I4)

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 147 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 158 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V6 (60-degree)

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 197 hp @ 5500 rpm (GT Trim)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (GT Trim)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Opt:

4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive

Overdrive:

Present in Automatic Transmission

AWD Availability:

Not typically offered on this generation of Eclipse (previous generations had AWD options).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length Coupe:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Length Spyder:

178.3 inches (4529 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height Coupe:

53.0 inches (1346 mm)

Height Spyder:

52.2 inches (1326 mm)

Cargo Volume Coupe:

Approx. 7.5 - 12.9 cu ft (varies with rear seat position)

Cargo Volume Spyder:

Approx. 5.3 cu ft (with top up)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3100 lbs (1406 kg) for 2.4L Manual Coupe

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg) for 3.0L Automatic Spyder GT

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Good

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for coupe models without side airbags)

ABS:

Standard on all models

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims or as an option

Airbags:

Frontal airbags standard; side airbags optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio system (Infinity).

Navigation:

Not available from the factory.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Stability Control:

Rarely equipped; not a common feature on this generation.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:

Platinum/Iridium plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L:

Platinum/Iridium plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact specification and temperature range suitability).

Coolant Specification:

Asian Vehicle Red Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 Gear Oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

DIAQueen ATF-SPII or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Issues 2.4L:

Oil consumption, timing belt tensioner noise, occasional misfires due to ignition coil or sensor issues.

Common Issues 3.0L:

Camshaft position sensor failures, exhaust manifold cracks, occasional transmission issues (especially older automatics).

Common Issues General:

Subframe rust, AC system leaks, power window regulator failures, convertible top motor issues (Spyder).

📚 Vehicle History

Company Focus:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for both mainstream and performance-oriented vehicles.

Generation:

This manual covers the third generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, produced from 2000 to 2005. It represented a significant design shift from its predecessor, moving to a platform shared with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus coupe.

Manufacturing Plant:

Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors Plant)

Production Years Generation:

2000-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Editor Choice:

Eclipse GT V6 awarded 'Car of the Year' by Popular Mechanics in 2000 (for the start of the generation).

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated average to below average in reliability by various consumer organizations during its production run.