🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Models:

Eclipse, Laser, Talon

Model Years Covered:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Platform:

DOHC 'Eagle' Platform (First Generation), DOHC 'D' Platform (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact sports coupe/sedan (later generations also included convertible).

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, performance-oriented buyers, DIY mechanics.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Celica, Ford Probe, Nissan 240SX, Mazda MX-6.

Performance Variants:

Available with turbocharged engines and All-Wheel Drive, offering competitive performance for its class.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform with Dodge/Plymouth/Eagle counterparts, contributing to a wide aftermarket support.

Design:

Distinctive styling, often featuring pop-up headlights in the first generation.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America (specific to Mitsubishi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser, Eagle Talon)

Regional Variants:

Covers specifications and procedures relevant to North American market vehicles.

Estimated Pages:

1500+ (across multiple volumes/sections typically included in comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L SOHC (4G63), 2.0L DOHC Turbo (4G63T), 2.4L SOHC (4G64), 3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72)

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control (EVAP).

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) for DOHC, distributor ignition for SOHC and V6 models, coil packs, spark plugs.

Transmission:

5-speed manual (F5M33, W5MG1), 4-speed automatic (F4A22, F4A51, KM105) including AWD variants.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including viscous coupling units and differentials.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, components, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, components.

Brakes:

Front vented discs, rear discs (standard or optional depending on trim/model), ABS system, parking brake.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications, pressure testing.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.

Electrical System:

12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor).

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb types and replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant types, component diagnosis.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, structural components.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (where applicable for later years), ABS.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine control, electrical issues, drivability problems.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various systems, wiring diagrams, component testing.

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Timing Belt:

Detailed instructions for timing belt replacement, critical for DOHC engines to prevent catastrophic failure.

Turbocharger:

Inspection, removal, installation, and maintenance of the turbocharger system on performance models.

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service.

Transmission Service:

Clutch replacement (manual), torque converter service (automatic), transmission fluid changes.

Brake System Service:

Pad and rotor replacement, brake line bleeding, caliper overhaul, ABS sensor diagnostics.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical diagnostics.

Scope:

Factory-level repair procedures, including detailed diagrams, specifications, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if properly converted from original source, enabling quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Varies based on original scans, but typically aims for clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

4G63 (2.0L DOHC Turbo), 4G63 (2.0L SOHC), 4G64 (2.4L SOHC), 6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)

Displacement 2.0L DOHc Turbo:

1997 cc

Horsepower 2.0L DOHc Turbo:

200-210 hp (depending on year and specific tune)

Torque 2.0L DOHc Turbo:

205-215 lb-ft (depending on year and specific tune)

Displacement 2.4L Sohc:

2351 cc

Horsepower 2.4L Sohc:

140-150 hp

Torque 2.4L Sohc:

145-155 lb-ft

Displacement 3.0L V6:

2972 cc

Horsepower 3.0L V6:

170-175 hp

Torque 3.0L V6:

185-190 lb-ft

Turbocharged Engines:

Emphasis on the 4G63T, a highly regarded engine for its performance potential and aftermarket support.

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for turbocharged models).

Turbocharger Specs:

Mitsubishi TD05H-14B or similar turbochargers used on performance variants.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual transmission was standard on many performance trims.

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic transmission was available on all engine variants.

AWD Transmission:

Specific manual (W5MG1) and automatic (F4A51) transmissions for AWD models, featuring a viscous coupling center differential.

Manual Transmission Codes:

F5M33 (FWD), W5MG1 (AWD)

Automatic Transmission Codes:

F4A22 (FWD), F4A51 (AWD), KM105 (FWD, earlier)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Gen1:

Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)

Wheelbase Gen2:

Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)

Length:

Approx. 172.4 - 178.5 inches (4379 - 4534 mm) depending on generation and model

Width:

Approx. 69.1 - 70.7 inches (1755 - 1796 mm) depending on generation and model

Height:

Approx. 51.8 - 53.7 inches (1316 - 1364 mm) depending on generation and model

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 2,900 lbs to 3,400 lbs (1315 - 1542 kg) depending on engine, drivetrain, and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specified in manual, typically around 4,000 - 4,300 lbs.

Trunk Volume:

Around 10-12 cubic feet, variable by generation and rear seat configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings Gen1:

Mixed, with some early models receiving average or below-average ratings in specific crash tests. Later models improved.

IIHS Ratings Gen1:

Similar to NHTSA, with variations across model years and crash test criteria.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available on many trims, particularly performance and AWD models.

Traction Control:

Available on some AWD models, especially in later production years.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became standard in later years of the first generation and was standard on most second-generation models. Passenger airbag available on some second-gen trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants. Pretensioners on front seat belts for later models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette and CD players with basic AM/FM radio. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control systems with fan speed and temperature adjustments. Automatic climate control was an option on higher trims in later years.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most higher trim levels and optional on others.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Became available on more trims in the second generation.

Engine Management:

ECU-controlled fuel injection and ignition timing. Turbocharged models feature boost control systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to specific model year recommendations).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 4G63 engines. Recommended replacement every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure leads to severe engine damage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect, change as needed. Automatic: Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type 4G63:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Type 6G72:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a green or orange color. Consult manual for specific type and mixture ratio.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II/III ATF or specific power steering fluid as recommended by Mitsubishi.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

4G63T Engine:

Turbo failure, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), coolant leaks, worn piston rings (high mileage), carbon buildup in intake ports.

Drivetrain AWD:

Viscous coupling unit failure (leading to AWD binding or reduced effectiveness), CV joint wear.

Body And Interior:

Rust in wheel wells and rocker panels, faded paint, interior plastic degradation, HVAC blower motor issues, window regulator problems.

Electrical:

Corroded grounds, failing sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position), ECU issues (less common but possible).

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its engineering prowess, particularly in turbocharged engines and 4WD systems.

Generation 1 (1990-1994):

Shared platform with Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon. Distinctive pop-up headlights. Available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants (GS-T, AWD models). Known for its striking design and performance capabilities, especially the turbocharged AWD models.

Generation 2 (1995-1999):

Completely redesigned platform. Lost pop-up headlights. Introduced a more aerodynamic and bulbous styling. Offered naturally aspirated and turbocharged (GSX for AWD, GST for FWD) variants. V6 engine option also available. Known for significant improvements in chassis rigidity and power delivery.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (Illinois) and Japan (during initial phases and for specific components).

Sales Performance:

Achieved significant sales success in the 1990s, becoming a popular choice for performance car buyers.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (sharing some underlying technology and engine principles with performance Eclipses) and the Eclipse itself received accolades, with the Eclipse often cited for its performance value.

Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:

While not directly awarded to the Eclipse/Talon/Laser, these platforms were part of a generation of cars that positioned Mitsubishi and its partners competitively in this segment.

Performance Value:

Consistently recognized for offering a high level of performance (especially turbocharged AWD models) for its price point compared to competitors.