Model Variant:
Third generation (3G), coupe and Spyder convertible
Production Years Covered:
2003 (manual also applicable to 2000-2005 platform)
Body Styles:
2-door liftback coupe; 2-door Spyder convertible
Target Audience:
Sporty compact coupe buyers seeking front-wheel-drive performance with tuner upgrade potential
Segment:
Front-wheel-drive sport compact / 2+2 coupe
Key Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Accord Coupe, Ford Mustang, Acura RSX
Styling:
Distinctive muscular design with integrated rear spoiler on GT models
Engine Option:
Available 3.0L V6, a larger engine than most segment rivals
Tuner Support:
Large aftermarket parts and accessory market
Top Trim:
GTS with revised intake and 210 hp V6
Convertible:
Spyder power soft top introduced with this generation
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive across all 2003 trims
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Device Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, tablet, and smartphone PDF readers
Manual Type:
Digital factory service manual
Coverage Areas:
Complete factory repair procedures for all 2003 Eclipse systems, including mechanical, electrical, and body service information
Engine:
2.4L 4G64 SOHC 4-cylinder and 3.0L 6G72 SOHC V6, mechanical and electronic controls
Fuel and Emissions:
MPI fuel injection, fuel tank, lines, and emission control systems
Cooling:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, electric cooling fans
Transmission:
5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transaxle overhaul and service
Driveline:
Front axle, driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension
Steering:
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Brakes:
Disc/drum or all-disc brakes, ABS, hydraulic system
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (manual and automatic climate control)
Electrical:
Starting, charging, lighting, gauges, and body electrical
SRS:
Supplemental Restraint System service and precautions
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, bumpers, doors, convertible top (Spyder)
Diagnostics:
Symptom charts, diagnostic trouble codes, and MUT-II scan tool procedures
Adjustments:
Belt tension, valve clearance, alignment, and electrical adjustment specs
Removal and Installation:
Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly for all major components
Wiring:
Complete wiring diagrams and connector locations
Torque Specs:
Factory torque specifications for fasteners throughout the vehicle
Level:
Full factory-level detail as used by dealership technicians
Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY owners
Parts Data:
Part numbers and specifications referenced within procedures
Fluid Capacities:
Factory fluid types and fill quantities included
Special Tools:
Special service tools listed where required
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — 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 — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base Engine:
2.4L 4G64 SOHC 16-valve inline-4 (RS and GS)
Optional Engine:
3.0L 6G72 SOHC 24-valve V6 (GT and GTS)
2.4L Output:
Approximately 147-150 hp, 158 lb-ft torque
3.0L GT Output:
Approximately 200 hp, 205 lb-ft torque
3.0L GTS Output:
Approximately 210 hp with MSS revised intake
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded (premium recommended on V6 per owner's manual)
Ignition:
Electronic distributorless ignition
Emissions:
OBD-II compliant with catalytic converter
Wheelbase:
Approximately 102.2 in (2,600 mm)
Length:
Approximately 176.6 in coupe
Width:
Approximately 68.3 in
Height:
Approximately 51.6 in coupe
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,870-3,250 lb depending on engine and trim
Exact Figure:
N/A - varies by trim and equipment; confirm on door placard
Crash Test Data:
N/A - not specified in this service manual
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (available)
Traction Control:
Traction control on V6 models with automatic transmission
Braking:
Front disc brakes; rear disc on GT/GTS
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, driver and passenger
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners
Structure:
Reinforced passenger safety cage
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; available premium Infinity audio system
Speakers:
Up to 7 speakers with optional Infinity package
Modern ADAS:
N/A - not equipped for this model era
Instrumentation:
Tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel gauges standard
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 7,500 miles / 6 months (severe use: 3,750 miles)
Air Filter:
Inspect regularly; replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace per schedule (platinum plugs on longer intervals)
Timing Belt:
Inspect at regular intervals; replace approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles
Coolant:
Replace approximately every 48 months / 60,000 miles
Brake Fluid:
Replace approximately every 2 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API SJ or higher (approx. 4.3-4.9 qt with filter by engine)
Manual Transaxle:
Gear oil per factory specification
Automatic Transaxle:
Dexron III ATF (as originally specified)
Coolant:
Long-life ethylene glycol coolant, 50/50 mix
Timing Belt:
Interference engines - timing belt service critical to avoid valve damage
Window Regulators:
Power window regulator wear is a common third-generation complaint
Cam/Crank Sensors:
Crank angle sensor failures can cause stalling/no-start on 4G64/6G72
Idle Control:
Throttle body and ISC motor carbon buildup can cause unstable idle
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Heritage:
Eclipse nameplate introduced 1989 as a sport compact developed with the Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon twins
First Generation:
1989-1994, including turbo AWD GSX
Second Generation:
1995-1999, peak performance era with turbo and AWD options
Third Generation:
2000-2005; FWD only, larger body, new styling - the 2003 model falls in this generation
Trim Changes:
2003 GTS trim added with 210 hp version of the 3.0L V6
Assembly Plant:
Diamond-Star Motors (DSM), Normal, Illinois, USA