Original Market:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse (3rd Generation) was positioned as an affordable, sporty coupe and convertible targeting younger buyers and enthusiasts who desired stylish design and accessible performance.
Key Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Toyota Celica, Honda Civic Si, Nissan Sentra SE-R.
Design And Styling:
Bold, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive 'fastback' coupe profile. Convertible offered a retractable soft top.
Performance Options:
Available with efficient 4-cylinder engines and a more potent V6, offering a balance of daily drivability and spirited performance for its class.
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on the 2003-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Years Covered:
2003, 2004, 2005
Trim Levels Covered:
All trims including GS, GT, GTS, Spyder
Regions Covered:
Primarily North American specifications, but core mechanical information is globally applicable.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided in product info, but typical for factory service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, standard), wheels, tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system, audio systems, lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, clutch replacement, body panel repair and replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork procedures. Includes detailed torque specifications, component clearances, and diagnostic parameters.
Engine 1 Variant:
2.4L SOHC Inline-4 (4G64)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2351 cc (2.35 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 147 hp @ 5700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 158 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2972 cc (3.0 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 200 hp @ 5700 rpm (Standard), 210 hp @ 5700 rpm (GT/GTS)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Standard), 205 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm (GT/GTS)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (for 2.4L), 87 Octane Unleaded (for 3.0L V6, though premium is often recommended for optimal performance)
Standard On 2 4L:
5-Speed Manual (F5M33)
Standard On V6:
5-Speed Manual (W5MG1 for GT/GTS, F5M33 for base V6 models) or 4-Speed Automatic (F4A42)
Optional On 2 4L:
4-Speed Automatic (F4A42)
Traction Control:
Available on some V6 models, especially with automatic transmission.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi part numbers and exact viscosity recommendations).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DIA QUEEN ATF-SP II M or equivalent (refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi part numbers and exact viscosity recommendations).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2003 models, though may vary slightly by year and configuration).
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (for models with side airbags).
ABS:
Standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional on V6 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags available.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory CD player with AM/FM radio. Higher trims may offer premium audio systems (e.g., Rockford Fosgate) and CD changers.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Power Features:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and available power seats.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (refer to manual for specific oil type and filter number).
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter (using the correct type of coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.4L: Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km); 3.0L V6: Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (using specified plug type).
Engine Oil:
2.4L: SAE 5W-30; 3.0L V6: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API Service category SG or higher). Always consult manual for exact specifications and capacities.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Can wear out prematurely, leading to increased vibration.
Interior Rattles:
Common in coupes and convertibles due to design and materials.
Automatic Transmission:
Some models may experience transmission issues if not properly maintained; fluid changes are crucial.
Timing Belt:
The 2.4L (4G64) engine uses a timing belt. Replacement at recommended intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles or 4 years) is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage, as it is an 'interference' engine.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for performance-oriented vehicles and innovative technology, including rally-bred performance models.
Eclipse Generations:
The Eclipse has gone through several significant redesigns. The 3rd Generation (2000-2005) was a departure from the previous generations, featuring a more angular and flamboyant design, and was developed independently by Mitsubishi (unlike the previous generations which were co-developed with Chrysler).
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production Years For Generation:
2000-2005
Model Era Awards:
While not a recipient of major, groundbreaking awards in this generation, the Eclipse was consistently recognized for its sporty styling and value proposition in its segment by automotive publications.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied by year and model, with some criticisms regarding interior noise and reliability for certain components, but generally positioned as a fun-to-drive option.
