Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, performance-oriented coupe with sporty handling and optional all-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6, Nissan 240SX.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, driver-focused cockpit, available turbocharged engines and AWD for enhanced performance.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Mitsubishi Eclipse, developed under the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) joint venture.
Manual Value:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge and procedural guidance essential for maintaining and repairing these performance-oriented vehicles.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, Body & Chassis, HVAC, Emissions, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft installation, timing belt service, oil pump service, lubrication system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, fuel injection system (MPI), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors and actuators, troubleshooting ignition and fuel problems.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch inspection and replacement, manual transmission overhaul, gear shift mechanism, driveshaft and CV joints.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) service, inspection of transmission components, troubleshooting automatic transmission issues, torque converter service.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (Multi-link), steering gear service, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (vented), rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, chassis lubrication points, frame repair (if applicable).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant recharge, heater core replacement, blower motor service, ventilation system operation.
Electrical Lighting Accessories:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, power door locks, wiper system, horn, audio system, cruise control system.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance items, oil change procedures, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush and refill, brake fluid flush.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems using diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for major systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical system schematics, engine performance data, dimensions, and weights.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Engine Code 2.0L Na:
4G63 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement 2.0L Na:
1997 cc
Engine Configuration 2.0L Na:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 2.0L Na:
Approx. 140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L Na:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Code 2.0L Turbo:
4G63T (Turbocharged)
Engine Displacement 2.0L Turbo:
1997 cc
Engine Configuration 2.0L Turbo:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Turbocharged, Intercooled
Horsepower 2.0L Turbo:
Approx. 210 hp @ 6000 rpm (GS-T/ES)
Torque 2.0L Turbo:
Approx. 214 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (GS-T/ES)
Engine Code 2.4L Na:
4G64 (Naturally Aspirated - some markets/trims)
Engine Displacement 2.4L Na:
2351 cc
Engine Configuration 2.4L Na:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 2.4L Na:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2.4L Na:
Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, 91 octane recommended for turbo models)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD - primarily with turbo models)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not extensively tested under current NHTSA protocols for this era. Early models focused on federal standards.
IIHS Ratings:
Varies by specific test and year, generally considered average for its class at the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select trims, particularly turbo models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear seat lap and shoulder belts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure and A-pillars.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for critical systems.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
All Wheel Drive:
Advanced AWD system for enhanced traction and handling on turbo models.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on most trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (typical for this era, consult manual for specific conditions).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH certified, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) with filter for 2.0L engines, approx. 4.7 quarts (4.5 liters) for 2.4L engines.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type (e.g., green coolant).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.3 quarts (6.0 liters) for 2.0L, Approx. 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters) for 2.4L (check manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 4G63/4G63T engines to prevent catastrophic damage).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Turbo Model Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier 4G63T engines), turbocharger wear, oil leaks, clutch wear due to aggressive driving.
General Issues:
Suspension component wear (bushings, struts), catalytic converter failure, minor electrical gremlins, rust on rocker panels and wheel arches.
Common Maintenance Items:
Regular inspection and replacement of spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel filters, and maintaining proper cooling system health.
Manufacturer Heritage:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is known for its engineering and performance vehicles, including the Lancer Evolution lineage and various sports cars.
First Generation:
1990-1994: Introduction of the Eclipse and Talon (based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform).
Second Generation:
1995-1999: Complete redesign with a more aggressive, aerodynamic styling. Introduction of new engines and chassis refinements. Eagle Talon production ended in 1998.
Manufacturing Location:
Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) plant in Normal, Illinois, USA.
Joint Venture:
50/50 joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors (Japan) and Chrysler Corporation (USA).