Vehicle Segment:
Compact sports convertible.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors 2003:
Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Nissan 350Z Roadster.
Unique Selling Points:
Stylish convertible design, available powerful V6 engine, and sporty handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain their vehicle, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine Mechanical:
Yes, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and specifications for all internal components.
Engine Performance:
Yes, covering fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, and performance tuning.
Transmission Manual:
Yes, for 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions.
Transmission Automatic:
Yes, for 4-speed automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Yes, covering front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials and axles.
Suspension:
Yes, detailing front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension components, alignment procedures, and specifications.
Steering:
Yes, covering power steering system diagnostics and repair, steering column, and rack and pinion.
Brakes:
Yes, including ABS diagnostics, hydraulic systems, disc brake components, and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Yes, extensive coverage of wiring diagrams, component locations, fuses, relays, and battery systems.
Body And Chassis:
Yes, including body panel removal/installation, convertible top mechanism, and chassis repair.
HVAC:
Yes, covering air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system diagnosis and repair.
Interior:
Yes, including seat removal, dashboard components, and trim panels.
Preventative Maintenance:
Yes, detailed scheduled maintenance procedures and intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Yes, comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair Procedures:
Yes, step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Diagnostics:
Yes, including OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and specific system diagnostics.
Specifications Data:
Yes, detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.
Exploded Views:
Yes, crucial for component identification and reassembly.
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes, detailed and color-coded (if applicable to the original manual format).
Level Of Detail:
Expert-level, covering from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions necessary diagnostic tools, scan tools, and special equipment.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
3/5 stars (for 2003 model year)
ABS:
Standard on all models, Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bars behind the headrests.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement 4Cyl:
Approximately 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years.
Timing Belt Replacement V6:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ classification. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based with de-ionized water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Power steering fluid (specific type may be noted in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, convertible top motors, and potential corrosion in electrical connectors.
Common Engine Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and rear main seals, potential timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (especially on V6).
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings and worn struts/shocks, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
Common Convertible Top Issues:
Hydraulic leaks in the convertible top system, motor failures, and wear on the fabric or seals.
Mitsubishi Performance History:
Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in performance vehicles and motorsport, exemplified by the Lancer Evolution.
Eclipse Spyder Generation:
This is part of the second generation Eclipse (1995-2005), with the Spyder convertible body style being a distinct variant.
Design Inspiration:
Styled by Mitsubishi's design studios, with a focus on a sporty and aerodynamic appearance.
Production Location:
Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant).
Production Years Second Gen:
1995-2005 (Spyder introduced in 1996).
Initial Reception:
Generally well-received for its styling, performance (especially V6 and turbo models), and convertible experience.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by year and powertrain, generally average to below average reliability reported in its later years.
Epa Fuel Economy 4Cyl Auto:
Estimated 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway (for 2003 model).
Epa Fuel Economy V6 Auto:
Estimated 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway (for 2003 model).
Epa Fuel Economy V6 Turbo Manual:
Estimated 17 MPG city / 23 MPG highway (for 2003 model).