Segment:
Compact sports convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics.
Competitors 1996 1999:
Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2, Honda del Sol, Nissan 200SX (S14).
Distinctive Features:
Available turbocharged engine, AWD option (GSX model), convertible body style, sporty styling.
Value For Owner:
Empowers owners with detailed procedures for maintenance and repair, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder models from 1996-1999.
Engine Coverage:
4G63 2.0L Turbocharged I4, 6G72 3.0L V6 SOHC MPI.
Transmission Coverage:
All-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) manual and automatic transmissions.
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Convertible top operation and maintenance, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes.
Estimated Page Count:
~1500-2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, timing belt/chain.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transaxle, transfer case (AWD), drive shafts, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/disc), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic circuits, specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, seats, HVAC system.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, common fault finding.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment data, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, timing marks.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced, including wiring diagrams for electrical troubleshooting and specific diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type 1:
2.0L (1997cc) DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 210 hp @ 6000 rpm (GSX model)
Torque 1:
Approx. 214 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (GSX model)
Engine Type 2:
3.0L (2972cc) SOHC 12-valve V6 MPI
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 140-148 hp @ 5000 rpm (GT/GTS models)
Torque 2:
Approx. 175-180 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm (GT/GTS models)
Fuel Induction Turbo:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Turbocharger
Fuel Induction V6:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane for turbo models)
Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type Opt:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on GSX models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendations).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DIAQueen SPIIIM or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific recommendations).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Length:
Approx. 177.7 inches (4513 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1406-1500 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Approx. 4000-4200 lbs (1814-1905 kg)
Trunk Volume Est:
Approx. 5.7 cubic feet (with top up), significantly less when top is down.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for this specific year/model in easily accessible databases, but generally considered fair to good for the era.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated for this specific year/model in easily accessible databases.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and windshield frame. No automatic rollover hoops typically found on this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months. Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months using synthetic oil (consult owner's manual).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Timing Belt Replacement 4G63:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (critical maintenance item).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (varies by plug type).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and type).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issue Turbo 4G63:
Turbocharger wear, oil leaks, piston ring wear (especially in neglected vehicles), timing belt failure leading to catastrophic engine damage if not replaced on schedule.
Common Issue V6 6G72:
Spark plug blow-out (requiring Heli-Coil inserts), timing belt replacement (crucial for V6 as well), coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets.
Common Issue Convertible Top:
Hydraulic leaks, motor failure, fabric wear and tear, weather stripping degradation.
Common Issue Electronics:
Power window motors, central locking actuators, dashboard warning lights (ABS, SRS).
Timing Belt Kit 4G63:
Example Part Number: MD182219 (OEM timing belt), often bundled with tensioner and idler pulleys.
Oil Filter Example:
Example Part Number: MD356000 (OEM oil filter), aftermarket equivalents like Fram PH8398, Wix 57918.
Mitsubishi Motors Founding:
Founded in 1970, spun off from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Eclipse First Generation:
1990-1994, co-developed with Chrysler (Platform sharing with Dodge Colt/Plymouth Colt).
Eclipse Second Generation:
1995-1999. Significant redesign, more aggressive styling, and introduction of the Spyder convertible variant.
Eclipse Spyder Introduction:
Introduced for the 1996 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a joint venture with Chrysler).
Spyder Production Run:
1996-1999
