🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

3G (Third Generation)

Generation Code:

3G

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Coupe/Convertible

Competitors 2001:

Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX (previous generation), Ford Mustang (entry-level trims), Chevrolet Camaro (entry-level trims).

Key Selling Points:

Affordable performance, striking styling, availability of potent V6 engine, optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on GT models.

Design Era:

Iconic 'jellybean' styling, a departure from the sharper lines of the second generation.

Platform:

Shared platform with the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, but significantly re-engineered for performance and aesthetics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and Service

Scope:

Comprehensive diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and overhaul procedures for all major vehicle systems.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (5-speed/6-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, driveline, differentials.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake, hydraulic system.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and indicators, body electrical, power accessories, HVAC controls.

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, safety systems (airbags).

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, wiring diagram analysis.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake service, suspension repair, electrical component repair.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, alignment settings, diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Detailed repair procedures, component removal/installation, diagnostic flowcharts, electrical troubleshooting diagrams, complete system overhauls.

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians, advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Type:

Digital Download (not applicable for printed)

Type:

Digital (not applicable for printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G64

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2351 cc)

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower:

145 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque:

155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane recommended)

Engine Code:

6G72

Configuration:

V6 (SOHC)

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 24 valves

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane recommended)

Engine Code:

6G72 Turbo

Configuration:

V6 (SOHC) Twin-Turbocharged

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 24 valves

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 6000 rpm (Note: Often understated, actual output higher)

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Note: Often understated, actual output higher)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Twin Turbochargers

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:

4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended)

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Diaqueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual

Type:

4-speed Automatic

Type:

5-speed Manual (Optional 6-speed manual on GTS)

Type:

4-speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential and Torsen® limited-slip rear differential.

Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Manual Transmission Fluid

Capacity:

Approx. 2.3 US Quarts (2.2 Liters)

Type:

DIAQUEEN ATF SP-III (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)

Capacity:

Approx. 7.6 US Quarts (7.2 Liters) for total fill

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.0 inches (4470 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

52.4 inches (1330 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.2 inches (2620 mm)

Length:

176.4 inches (4480 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

53.0 inches (1345 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.2 inches (2620 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 7.5 cubic feet (with rear seats up)

Curb Weight Gs Coupe 5Mt:

Approx. 3030 lbs (1374 kg)

Curb Weight Gt Coupe 4At:

Approx. 3220 lbs (1460 kg)

Curb Weight Gts Coupe AWD 6Mt:

Approx. 3415 lbs (1550 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:

4/5 Stars (2001 Model Year Data)

NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:

4/5 Stars (2001 Model Year Data)

ABS:

Standard on GT and GTS models, optional on GS.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.

Rollover Protection Convertible:

Pop-up roll bar system (integrated into the windshield frame and rear headrests/support structure).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player. Optional premium audio systems were available, sometimes with Rockford Fosgate branding. Cassette tape players were also common in base models.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trim levels.

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trim models, particularly those with AWD.

Aux Input:

Not typically available from the factory; aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used - consult manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plugs 4Cyl:

Approx. 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap)

Spark Plugs V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type)

Timing Belt Replacement V6:

Crucial for the 6G72 V6 engines. Recommended interval is typically 60,000 miles due to potential for catastrophic engine damage if it breaks. The manual will detail the procedure and replacement parts (belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, water pump).

Type:

Power steering fluid (refer to manual, typically Dexron III or equivalent)

Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (consult manual for exact specification)

Common Issues General:

Premature wear of suspension components (bushings, ball joints), potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan, intermittent electrical issues (e.g., power windows, door locks), HVAC blower motor issues, catalytic converter failure (especially on higher mileage vehicles).

Specific Issues:

Turbocharger oil feed line clogging leading to turbo failure, intake manifold gaskets, intercooler issues, ignition coil failures (common on many Mitsubishi models of this era).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History Snippet:

Mitsubishi has a long history of producing sporty and capable vehicles, with the Eclipse lineage dating back to the early 1990s, establishing itself as a prominent player in the affordable sports car market.

First Generation Eclipse:

1990-1994 (DSM - Diamond-Star Motors, shared platform with Chrysler Sebring/Concorde).

Second Generation Eclipse:

1995-1999 (Continued DSM platform, more aggressive styling, turbocharged options highly regarded).

Third Generation Eclipse:

2000-2005 (Introduced the '3G' model, shared platform with Dodge/Plymouth Neon, significant styling change, engine options revised).

Manufacturing Location:

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

Production Years For Model:

1990-2012 (across all generations)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:

While not specifically awarded 'Car of the Year' by major publications in 2001, the Eclipse was generally well-received for its styling and performance value in its class.

Automotive Journal Reviews:

Contemporary reviews often praised the GTS model for its spirited acceleration and handling, though criticism sometimes targeted interior materials and the departure from the more aggressively styled 2nd generation.