🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse Spyder

Generation:

3rd Generation (D53A)

Model Years Covered:

2000-2002

Chassis Code:

D53A

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sporty Convertible / Roadster

Key Competitors:

Mazda Miata (MX-5), Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000 (higher end), Nissan 240SX Convertible (older models), Ford Mustang Convertible.

Vehicle Appeal:

Affordable performance convertible, sporty styling, available with turbocharged engine for higher performance variants, a descendant of the popular Eclipse performance line.

User Benefit:

Provides owners and technicians with the authoritative information required for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

This is the COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2000-2002, covering all mechanical, electrical, body, and diagnostic procedures.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though not explicitly stated, common for such comprehensive manuals)

Delivery Method:

Digital download or physical media (CD-ROM/printed book) historically, but for sales purposes, likely digital PDF.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, ignition, engine control systems (ECU), transmission (automatic & manual), drivetrain (FWD/AWD options if applicable).

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls, engine control sensors, body control modules, SRS (Airbag) system, convertible top operation and electricals.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism and seals, interior trim, seats, safety restraints, exterior trim, bumpers, glass replacement.

Body Electrical:

Convertible top controls, power windows, power locks, mirrors, interior lighting, horn, wipers, washers, security system (if equipped).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, brake pad replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, convertible top mechanism repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams for all systems, component testing procedures, resistance and voltage specifications.

Convertible Top Servicing:

Detailed procedures for operation, maintenance, and repair of the power convertible top system, including hydraulic components, motors, switches, and fabric care.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive diagnostic information, repair procedures with step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, and specifications for all major components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Likely PDF. High resolution for clear diagrams and text. Searchable text capability is highly probable for factory manuals.

Searchability:

Likely searchable PDF text, allowing quick access to specific topics and repair procedures.

Diagram Clarity:

High quality, enabling clear visualization of intricate mechanical and electrical components, wiring schematics, and exploded views.

Diagram Resolution:

High resolution for all diagrams, schematics, and illustrations, ensuring clarity for component identification and assembly/disassembly steps.

Binding:

N/A (digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L SOHC Inline-4 (4G64) and 3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72).

2.4L Engine Details:

Displacement: 2351 cc, Power: ~147-154 hp @ 5750-6000 rpm, Torque: ~160-165 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm.

3.0L V6 Engine Details:

Displacement: 2972 cc, Power: ~195-205 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm, Torque: ~200-214 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 rpm.

Engine Variations:

GS (2.4L 4-cyl), GT (3.0L V6).

Turbocharged Option Availability:

No factory turbocharged option for the Spyder convertible model during this generation; the turbo was primarily on the coupe GS-T models.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per manufacturer specification, typically 87 or 89 minimum).

Engine Identification Codes:

4G64 (2.4L), 6G72 (3.0L V6).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II).

Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF for automatic, gear oil for manual. Consult manual for exact specifications and capacities.

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~175.4 inches

Width:

~69.5 inches

Height:

~51.7 inches

Wheelbase:

~101.8 inches

Seating Capacity:

4 (2+2 configuration)

Cargo Volume Convertible Up:

~4.7 cu ft (approx.)

Curb Weight:

~3200-3400 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to VIN sticker or owner's manual; typically around 4200-4400 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Consult specific year NHTSA data; generally moderate ratings for this era. Likely 4-star for front impact passenger.

Active Safety Features:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) available on some higher trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional on some models), seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced body structure for convertible.

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars or reinforced A-pillars were common safety features on convertibles of this era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity audio system with amplifier. Speaker sizes and locations detailed in manual.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control systems, with detailed operation and repair of HVAC components.

Advanced Driver Assistance:

Very limited by modern standards. ABS and TCS were the primary electronic aids.

Factory Options:

No significant factory connectivity features like Bluetooth or navigation were standard; aftermarket upgrades were common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Consult manual for exact OEM recommendation.

Timing Belt Interval:

For the 4G64 engine (2.4L), timing belt replacement is crucial, typically around 60,000-90,000 miles. For the 6G72 V6, timing belt replacement is also critical at similar intervals. The manual will specify exact mileage and time recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Typically 30,000-100,000 miles. Manual will list specific plug type and interval.

Engine Oil Spec:

Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30. API certified. Consult manual for exact specification and capacity (approx. 4.5-5.5 quarts for 4-cyl, 5-6 quarts for V6).

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol based coolant (red or green depending on OEM spec for the era). Capacity approx. 7-9 quarts. Manual specifies type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will specify.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

DiaQueen ATF-SP III or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon specification fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5. Manual will specify precise type.

Common Wear Items:

Convertible top hydraulics/motors, suspension bushings and components, catalytic converter issues, starter motor wear, occasional transmission synchro issues in manual transmissions.

Engine Specific Concerns:

4G64: Timing belt tensioner failure can lead to belt failure. 6G72 V6: Can be prone to oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and rear main seal. Spark plug blowout on early 3.0L V6 models was an issue, often rectified with updated plugs/coils.

Electrical Quirks:

Door lock actuators, power window regulators, and convertible top switch failures are not uncommon.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors History:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer. Known for performance models like the Lancer Evolution, Eclipse, and Pajero.

Eclipse Spyder Lineage:

The Eclipse Spyder is the convertible variant of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was co-developed with Chrysler as part of the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) joint venture. This third generation marked a styling departure, moving towards a more curvy, American-influenced design compared to the previous generations.

Manufacturing Location:

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

Eclipse Spyder 3Rd Gen Production:

2000-2005.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Awards:

The Eclipse nameplate, in general, has received various automotive press awards over its generations, often for styling and performance value. Specific awards for the 2000-2002 Spyder are less prominent compared to the coupe GS-T or performance-oriented trims of other models.