🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse

Model Variant:

Spyder

Production Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Chassis Codes:

D30A, D32A, D38A, D31A

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Compact / Personal Luxury Coupe/Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers, tuners, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their Mitsubishi Eclipse and Spyder.

Competitors:

Acura Integra, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.

Vehicle Appeal:

Stylish design, available powerful turbocharged engine (4G63), optional AWD, convertible option (Spyder), good aftermarket support for performance modifications.

Dealership Equivalence:

Provides the same level of technical detail and diagnostic procedures as those used by factory-trained technicians at Mitsubishi dealerships.

Specificity:

Vehicle-specific information, crucial for accurate diagnosis and repair, avoiding generic procedures found in some aftermarket manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

All gasoline engines including 2.0L 4G63 (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged - GST/GSX trims), 2.4L 4G64

Drivetrain Configurations:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Body Styles:

Coupe, Convertible (Spyder)

Trim Levels:

All applicable trim levels (e.g., RS, GS, GT, GST, GSX)

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500+ (Highly variable based on specific factory manual compilation)

Type:

Factory-Authorized Repair & Service Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, torque specs, timing), fuel system (injection, pumps, lines), exhaust system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, turbocharger systems (for GST/GSX).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (W5M33, KM212), automatic transmission (F4A33, F4A42), clutch system, transfer case (AWD), drive shafts, axles, CV joints, differentials.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, column), wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes, ABS components, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinder), parking brake.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, HVAC controls, instrument cluster, engine control unit (ECU) and sensor diagnostics, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, convertible top operation and repair (Spyder), chassis lubrication, frame specifications, sound deadening.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, climate controls.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid level checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.

Repair Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement, alternator/starter replacement, convertible top mechanism repair.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical system diagnostics using wiring diagrams, fuel system pressure testing, ignition system analysis.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, valve clearance adjustments, wheel alignment settings, jacking and towing points, fluid capacities and types, engine compression test procedures, diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive A-Z coverage, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts, and specific repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if original scans were performed with OCR, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics.

Print Readability:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams when printed.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4G63 (DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged Inline-4)

Displacement 1:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Horsepower 1 Turbo:

Approximately 200-210 hp (depending on year/market)

Torque 1 Turbo:

Approximately 205-215 lb-ft (depending on year/market)

Engine Code 2:

4G63 (DOHC, 16-valve, Naturally Aspirated Inline-4)

Displacement 2:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Horsepower 2 Na:

Approximately 140-150 hp

Torque 2 Na:

Approximately 130-140 lb-ft

Engine Code 3:

4G64 (SOHC, 16-valve, Naturally Aspirated Inline-4)

Displacement 3:

2.4 Liters (2351 cc)

Horsepower 3 Na:

Approximately 140-150 hp

Torque 3 Na:

Approximately 145-155 lb-ft

Redline Turbo:

Approximately 7000 RPM

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane (or higher for turbo models)

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Refer to manual for specific pressure (typically 35-45 PSI for NA, higher for Turbo)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (FWD: KM212, AWD: W5M33)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (FWD: F4A33, AWD: F4A42)

AWD System Type:

Viscous coupling center differential with optional limited-slip rear differential (AWD models)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated wet multi-plate clutch (AWD models), single dry plate clutch (FWD models)

Manual Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity varies (e.g., 75W-90)

Automatic Fluid:

Diamond SP-III (or equivalent ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length Coupe:

Approximately 178.5 inches

Width Coupe:

Approximately 69.1 inches

Height Coupe:

Approximately 51.7 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 100.4 inches

Track Width Front:

Refer to manual for specific trim/drivetrain

Track Width Rear:

Refer to manual for specific trim/drivetrain

Cargo Volume Coupe:

Approximately 9.0 - 10.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Spyder:

Significantly less than coupe due to convertible top mechanism

Curb Weight Base:

Approximately 2800 - 3000 lbs (FWD, NA)

Curb Weight Turbo AWD:

Approximately 3200 - 3400 lbs (GST/GSX)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle sticker/manual

Towing Capacity:

Not recommended for towing

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Refer to NHTSA records for specific year (generally 3-star or 4-star for this era)

NHTSA Side Impact Driver:

Refer to NHTSA records for specific year (generally 2-star or 3-star for this era)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims (e.g., GSX), integrated with AWD system.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts. Pre-tensioners on front belts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and body structure for convertible (Spyder) models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, often with Rockford Fosgate premium audio option on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard, automatic climate control available on some trims.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Original Connectivity:

Limited by era; primarily AM/FM radio and cassette/CD player. No Bluetooth or integrated smartphone connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial interval, typically 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for 4G63/4G64 engines. Failure causes severe engine damage.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Quarts (with filter) for 2.0L, 5.0 Quarts (with filter) for 2.4L.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (green color), a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Engine Common Issues:

Turbocharger failure (oil starvation, cracked housings), cracked cylinder heads (especially on high-mileage turbo models), worn piston rings, fuel injector clogs, worn engine mounts.

Transmission Common Issues:

Clutch wear (especially on manual transmissions), synchro ring wear (manual), automatic transmission solenoid failures, AWD transfer case leaks.

Suspension Common Issues:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and bushings. Strut mounts can fail.

Electrical Common Issues:

Alternator failure, starter motor issues, window regulator failures, gauge cluster problems, intermittent ECU connections.

Body Common Issues:

Rust on body panels (especially wheel arches and rocker panels), convertible top motor/hydraulic failure, interior trim degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Performance Legacy:

Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsport, particularly with rally cars, contributing to the performance engineering of models like the Eclipse (e.g., 4G63 engine).

Eclipse Generation:

This manual covers the second generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse (1995-1999), a significant redesign from the first generation.

Design Collaboration:

The second-generation Eclipse was co-developed with Chrysler as part of the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) joint venture, sharing platforms with the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser.

Manufacturing Location:

Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)

Sales Performance:

Popular in the late 1990s for its performance and styling, particularly the turbocharged AWD models.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Import Performance Magazine Awards:

The Eclipse, particularly the GST and GSX models, were frequently featured and praised in import performance magazines for their value and performance potential.

Car And Driver 10 Best:

While specific year mentions vary, the sporty nature of the Eclipse often placed it in consideration for enthusiast awards.