Market Position:
Sport compact/coupe segment, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented option.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like Honda Civic Si, Acura Integra, Toyota Celica, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.
Key Features:
Available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged (GT/GTS trims) variants, offering distinct performance levels. Styling evolved to a more aggressive, modern look in this generation.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Page Count:
Approximately 1500+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
2.4L SOHC I4 (4G64), 3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72), 3.0L DOHC V6 Twin-Turbo (6G72 MIVEC Turbo)
Transmission Systems:
4-Speed Automatic (F4A42), 5-Speed Manual (F5M42), 6-Speed Manual (Getrag Aisin AX-300 for Turbo models)
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option on Turbo models
Suspension Steering:
Front: MacPherson strut independent, Rear: Multi-link independent
Brake Systems:
Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Solid discs (ABS standard on most models)
Electrical Body:
ECU, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, HVAC Controls, SRS Airbag System, Power Accessories
Engine Procedures:
Timing belt replacement, Valve adjustments, Fuel injector cleaning/replacement, Engine overhaul, Component diagnostics
Transmission Procedures:
Fluid change and filter replacement, Clutch replacement (manual), Torque converter diagnosis (automatic), Gearbox overhaul
Chassis Procedures:
Suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rods), Wheel alignment specifications, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Power steering system service
Electrical Procedures:
Wiring diagrams, Component testing, Sensor diagnosis, Starter/alternator replacement, Fuses and relays location/function
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, OBD-II diagnostic code interpretation and resolution
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics.
Engine 1:
2.4L SOHC I4 (4G64)
Engine 2:
3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72)
Engine 3:
3.0L DOHC V6 Twin-Turbo (6G72 MIVEC Turbo)
Horsepower 2.4L:
147 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
158 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower 3.0L V6:
197 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3.0L V6:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower 3.0L Turbo V6:
274 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3.0L Turbo V6:
274 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Requirement:
87 Octane (2.4L, 3.0L V6), 91 Octane Recommended (3.0L Turbo V6)
Engine Timing 2.4L:
Timing Belt
Engine Timing 3.0L:
Timing Belt
Standard Transmission 2.4L 3.0L V6:
5-Speed Manual (F5M42)
Optional Transmission 2.4L 3.0L V6:
4-Speed Automatic (F4A42)
Optional Transmission 3.0L Turbo V6:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag F5M51 - AWD specific)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, Adaptive shift logic
Manual Transmission Features:
Standard cable-operated clutch
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2004:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2004:
4-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating 2004:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on most trims
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, Side curtain airbags (optional on some trims), Pretensioner seatbelts
Infotainment System Description:
Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims offered optional premium audio systems, and some may have had aftermarket upgrades for more advanced features like MP3 playback or satellite radio.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily ABS was the main driver assistance technology.
Connectivity Features:
Basic connectivity, typically through auxiliary input ports on aftermarket head units. No standard Bluetooth or USB connectivity on factory systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service) with synthetic oil, or per owner's manual recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7-8 years (4G64 and 6G72 engines), crucial to follow.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A or higher (for 2.4L & 3.0L V6), viscosity typically 5W-30. Check manual for exact specifications.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
DIA QUEEN ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (typically 75W-90 or 75W-85, check manual for specifics).
Known Issues Engine:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (can cause catastrophic engine damage), oil consumption in higher mileage engines, potential for cracked exhaust manifolds on V6 engines.
Known Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission shifting issues or hesitation, wear on manual clutch components.
Known Issues Suspension Steering:
Wear in bushings and ball joints, power steering pump leaks.
Known Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, SRS warning light illumination, intermittent dashboard light issues.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi has a history of producing reliable and performance-oriented vehicles, including iconic sports cars like the Lancer Evolution and 3000GT.
Model Evolution:
The 2004 Eclipse is part of the third generation (2000-2005), which moved to a front-wheel-drive platform shared with Chrysler, marking a departure from the previous generations' more driver-focused rear-wheel-drive roots. It featured a more rounded and aggressive styling.
Production Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors facility)
Production Years Generation:
2000-2005
