๐ท๏ธ Basic Information
Model Variant:
3rd generation (2000-2005) and 4th generation (2006)
Production Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 2-door convertible (Spyder)
Target Audience:
Front-wheel-drive sport compact buyers, including first-time buyers and tuning enthusiasts
Segment:
Front-wheel-drive sport coupe
Key Advantage:
V6 engine availability in a lightweight coupe at an accessible price point
Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude/Accord Coupe, Ford Probe/Mustang
Engines:
2.4L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V6 (6G72/6G73 family)
Transmission Options:
5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder head, timing belts, valve adjustment, engine removal and installation
Engine Lubrication:
Oil pump service, pressure testing
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump replacement
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel injection diagnosis, throttle body, emissions controls
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, charging, starting systems
Clutch and Transaxle:
Manual transaxle overhaul, clutch replacement, automatic transaxle service
Propeller Shafts and Axles:
CV joint and driveshaft service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, strut replacement, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Disc brake service, ABS diagnostics, master cylinder, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering pump, rack and pinion service
Wheels and Tires:
Specifications, balancing, rotation
Body and Interior:
Panel removal, trim, convertible top service (Spyder)
HVAC:
Heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant charging
Electrical and Diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete schematics for all systems and model years
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes, sensor testing procedures
Restraints:
SRS airbag system service precautions and diagnostics
Body Electrical:
Lighting, gauges, power windows, locks, mirrors
Audio and Security:
Entertainment system and anti-theft circuits
Technical Depth and Reference
Technical Depth:
Step-by-step procedures with torque specs, tolerances, and special tool references
Parts Information:
Exploded views, part numbers, and fastener specifications
Periodic Maintenance:
Full service schedules and fluid capacities
Format Perks:
Searchable PDF, printable pages, bookmarks by section
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android โ any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical paper
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Base Engine:
2.4L SOHC 16-valve inline-4 (4G64)
GT Engine:
3.0L SOHC 24-valve V6 (6G72); 2006 GT uses 3.8L 6G75
GTS Engine (2003-2005):
2.4L with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC)
2.4L Output:
Approximately 147-154 hp depending on year
3.0L V6 Output:
Approximately 200-210 hp
2006 3.8L V6 Output:
Approximately 263 hp
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point electronic fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded (87 octane) recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 17 gallons (64 L)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.2 in (3rd gen) / 101.4 in (4th gen)
Length:
Approximately 176-180 in depending on generation
Width:
Approximately 68-72 in
Height:
Approximately 51-54 in
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,900-3,400 lb depending on engine and trim
Gross Vehicle Weight:
N/A - consult factory placard for specific trim
NHTSA Crash Tests:
4-star frontal ratings in most tested years
Detailed Yearly Scores:
N/A - refer to NHTSA archives per model year
Anti-lock Brakes:
4-wheel ABS (standard or optional by trim)
Traction Control:
Available on GT trims
Airbags:
Dual front airbags; side airbags available on later models
Restraints:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point belts
Structure:
Reinforced safety cage body construction (RISE)
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD head unit; premium Infinity system available on GT trims
Speaker Count:
Up to 6-7 speakers depending on trim
Era-Appropriate Features:
Limited for this era; traction control was the primary aid
Modern ADAS:
N/A - not equipped on this generation
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-7,500 km)
Timing Belt:
Replace at approximately 60,000-mile intervals; interference engine โ critical item
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 30,000 miles; platinum plugs at 60,000 miles
Coolant:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on coolant type
Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil:
5W-30, approximately 4.3-4.8 quarts with filter
Automatic Transaxle Fluid:
Dexron III / SP-III ATF
Manual Transaxle Fluid:
Gear oil per factory specification
Known Issues / Common Wear
Timing Belt:
Aged belts on 2000-2006 cars should be replaced with tensioner and idler pulleys
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, motor mounts, struts, and window regulators
Automatic Transaxle:
Regular fluid changes strongly recommended for longevity
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors, Japanese automaker since 1970
Eclipse Heritage:
Introduced 1989 as a sport compact developed with Chrysler (Diamond-Star Motors)
1st Generation:
1989-1994; turbo AWD options established performance reputation
2nd Generation:
1995-1999; iconic styling, peak sport compact era
3rd Generation:
2000-2005; larger, more refined, dropped turbo/AWD variants
4th Generation:
2006+; new 3.8L V6, larger dimensions, modern styling
Assembly Plant:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors / MMPNC)