Market Position:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse of this era was a popular compact sports coupe and convertible, known for its performance (especially the turbocharged models) and sporty styling, targeting a younger demographic and enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, and Dodge Stealth (which shared a platform).
Key Features:
Available All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged performance options (4G63 engine), distinctive styling, customizable nature
Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians, DIY mechanics, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, sensors, ECM/ECU diagnosis, emissions control
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox assembly, shift linkage, gears, bearings, seals
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, hydraulic control, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain AWD:
Transfer case, center differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), Rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, sway bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, locks
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, hood, trunk, frame repair principles
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, controls
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, belt replacements
Engine Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, head gasket replacement, timing belt replacement, turbocharger service (for turbo models)
Transmission Repair:
Transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement, rebuild procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), alignment specifications
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics and repair
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams interpretation, component testing, fuse and relay identification, diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults
Bodywork And Interior:
Body panel alignment, door and window regulator repair, interior trim component removal and installation
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant handling (with appropriate EPA certification disclaimer), component replacement, system leak testing
Technical Depth:
Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting
Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (F4A22, F4A23, V4A51 on AWD models)
Features:
Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter
Type:
Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with viscous coupling center differential
Front Differential:
Integrated into transaxle, open differential
Rear Differential:
Open differential with optional limited-slip differential (LSD) on GSX models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (Check manual for specific ATF type and capacity)
Transfer Case Fluid AWD:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Rear Differential Fluid AWD:
API GL-5 gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Length:
Approx. 178.0 - 180.0 inches (4521 - 4572 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50.0 - 51.0 inches (1270 - 1295 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.2 inches (2494 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 85 cu ft (2.4 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 7.6 cu ft (0.21 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 22.0 cu ft (0.62 cubic meters) (convertible models have less)
Curb Weight Approx:
2700 - 3200 lbs (1225 - 1450 kg) (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:
3700 - 4000 lbs (1680 - 1815 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (driver) and 4-star (passenger) in 1990s testing (specific ratings may vary by year and testing methodology)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely marginal to poor in early testing protocols, improved in later years.
Antilock Braking System ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on GSX and GST Turbo models
Traction Control TCS:
Optional on later models, particularly AWD variants.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-generation refresh (around 1995), optional or unavailable on early models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, driver's side pretensioner
Rollover Protection:
Integral to convertible models, with reinforced A-pillars.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or 1 to 2 years.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not standard on all models, but recommended every 15,000 miles if equipped.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 4G63/4G64 engines. Recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure leads to catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush And Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (fluid and filter).
Engine Oil:
API SG, SH, or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (consult manual for specific year/engine).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use a quality Asian vehicle specific coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible (check manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Dexron II/III or equivalent.
Timing Belt Failure:
Premature wear or failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Turbocharger Issues:
Oil leaks, bearing failure, seized actuators on turbo models due to age and lack of maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
Can wear out prematurely with aggressive driving or high mileage.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of window regulator and motor mechanisms is common.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, especially with carbon buildup from poor maintenance.
Cv Axle Boots:
Tearing of CV axle boots can lead to joint failure.
Suspension Component Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear out, leading to poor handling and alignment issues.
Fuel Pump:
Can fail over time, leading to starting issues or stalling.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a long history, known for technological innovation and durable vehicles. The Eclipse was a significant model for expanding its market presence in North America.
Model Evolution First Gen
First Generation Years:
1990-1994
First Generation Design:
Designed by Mitsubishi and produced in the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) plant in Normal, Illinois, USA. Offered in coupe and convertible body styles.
First Generation Engines:
1.8L 4G37, 2.0L 4G63 (SOHC and DOHC Turbo), 2.0L 6G71 V6 (in some export markets and Dodge Stealth).
Model Evolution Second Gen
Second Generation Years:
1995-1999
Second Generation Design:
More rounded and aerodynamic styling. Continued production at the DSM plant. Offered coupe and convertible body styles.
Second Generation Engines:
2.0L 4G63 (SOHC), 2.0L 4G63 DOHC Turbo, 2.4L 4G64 SOHC. The V6 was dropped for the Eclipse in the US market, replaced by the Eclipse GT with the 3.0L 6G72 V6.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors - DSM)
Production Period:
1990-1999