🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Laser

Year:

1990

Platform Code:

Chrysler JA/J2 platform (shared with Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Coupe/Hatchback

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a performance-oriented, stylish compact vehicle; DIY mechanics.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla GT-S, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Ford Escort GT.

Styling:

Distinctive wedge-shaped styling, pop-up headlights, available in coupe and hatchback body styles.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on most models, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on performance variants.

Performance Variants:

The Laser RS Turbo (and its Eagle Talon TSi counterpart) offered turbocharged engines and AWD, positioning it as a serious performance contender.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, and troubleshooting for the 1990 Mitsubishi Laser.

Engine Coverage:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system.

Transmission Coverage:

Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, drivetrain components.

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic and parking), wheel alignment.

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, HVAC controls, body electrical components.

Body Coverage:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, locks, body sealing.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of engine control unit (ECU), sensors (e.g., MAP, TPS, O2, crank/cam position), actuators (e.g., injectors, idle air control valve), and fuel injection system.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plug wires, ignition timing adjustment, electronic ignition module troubleshooting.

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant flow, fan operation, heater core diagnosis.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump pressure testing, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank and lines.

Brake System:

Hydraulic system, brake fluid bleeding, disc brake pad and rotor replacement, drum brake inspection and adjustment, ABS (if equipped).

Suspension System:

Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension, control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, springs.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column.

Electrical Components:

Alternator, starter motor, battery testing, fuses, relays, lighting circuits, horn, wipers.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, temperature control.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.

Major Repairs:

Engine internal repairs (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems using symptom-based charts.

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing individual components such as alternators, water pumps, fuel injectors, clutch kits, etc.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine data, and dimensions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component identification and wire routing.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complex internal engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams, printable.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder (4G63 variant)

Base Engine Code:

4G63

Base Horsepower:

135 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Base Torque:

125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)

Turbo Engine:

2.0L DOHC Turbocharged 4-cylinder (4G63T variant)

Turbo Engine Code:

4G63T

Turbo Horsepower:

195 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Turbo Torque:

203 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended for turbocharged models)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) controlling fuel injection and ignition timing.

🔧 Transmission

Base Transmission:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic

Turbo AWD Transmission:

Available with 5-speed manual transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on RS Turbo models.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendation)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III or equivalent (check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendation)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Length:

173.8 inches (4415 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

51.0 inches (1295 mm) (coupe)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700 - 3100 lbs (1225 - 1406 kg) depending on model and options

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size Base:

P195/60R15

Tire Size Turbo:

P205/55R16 or P205/50VR16

Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4.5 inch)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test:

Specific ratings for 1990 models are not readily available, but generally considered average for the era.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional or standard on higher trims and AWD models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was optional or standard depending on trim level and market.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo cassette player with optional CD player. Basic speaker setup.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System for enhanced braking control.

Early Electronics:

Basic electrical systems, no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil recommended for performance.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified for the engine type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 4G63 engines. Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.0L engines.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi coolant P/N)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Turbo Lag:

Characteristic of turbocharging technology of the era, though performance models were relatively good.

Clutch Wear:

Can be accelerated with aggressive driving, especially on turbocharged models.

Electronics Aging:

Older wiring harnesses, sensors, and modules can degrade over time, leading to electrical gremlins. The manual is essential for diagnosis.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common in vehicles of this age, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Check underbody, wheel wells, and rocker panels.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber bushings in control arms, sway bars, and subframes can degrade, leading to noise and imprecise handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable and sometimes performance-oriented vehicles.

First Generation:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse (and its badge-engineered siblings like the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser) debuted in the 1990 model year, replacing the Mitsubishi Starion. It was part of the Chrysler-Mitsubishi joint venture, utilizing the DSM (Diamond-Star Motors) platform.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation, with significant styling updates, arrived for the 1995 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

Normal, Illinois, USA (at Diamond-Star Motors plant)

Production Cycle:

1990-1994

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The DSM platform (including the Laser) was generally well-received by automotive press for its styling and performance capabilities, especially in turbocharged variants.