Segment:
Sporty Compact Car / Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000 (though more upscale), Toyota Celica, Hyundai Tiburon
Distinctiveness:
Affordable performance, stylish design (especially in the third generation), available convertible option (Spyder), powerful V6 engine option
Manual Value:
Provides essential knowledge for maintaining and repairing a specific generation of a popular sports coupe/convertible, saving owners significant costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including timing belt/chain, valve timing), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system, cooling system, engine control systems (ECU diagnostics), transmission (manual & automatic, including clutch, torque converter, gear sets), differential
Chassis:
Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), steering system (power steering, steering column), suspension (front & rear struts, control arms, bushings), chassis and body structure
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, audio system, climate control system, SRS (Airbag) system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Interior:
Body panels (removal/installation), doors, windows, convertible top (Spyder), interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system (heater core, A/C evaporator, blower motor)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets), cylinder head removal/installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, HVAC system repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, diagnostic data, electrical schematics, component identification
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system repair.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2003-2005 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2003-2005 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2003-2005 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2003-2005 models)
ABS:
Standard on all models (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (standard)
Traction Control:
Optional on V6 models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side curtain airbags available on some models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for normal driving; check manual for severe conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 90,000 miles or 7 years for 4-cylinder (4G64) engines (critical preventive maintenance).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum/iridium.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API SN/SP or equivalent (check manual for exact OEM recommendation and viscosity for climate)
Coolant Spec:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-9764) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Common Complaints:
Oil consumption (especially V6), starter motor issues, alternator problems, power steering pump leaks, front suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), rear brake caliper seizing, convertible top mechanism issues (Spyder), transmission bearing noise.
Timing Belt Awareness:
Crucial to replace the timing belt on the 4-cylinder engine at recommended intervals to prevent catastrophic engine damage if it breaks.
Mitsubishi Performance History:
Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsport, including rallying (WRC) and Dakar, influencing their performance-oriented models.
Eclipse Lineage:
The Eclipse evolved from a sporty coupe co-developed with Chrysler (DSM era) to a more distinct Mitsubishi design in its third generation.
Third Gen Redesign:
The 2000-2005 generation saw a complete redesign, moving away from the DSM platform to Mitsubishi's own PS platform. It featured a more aggressive, bulbous styling and gained the Spyder convertible variant.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (and potentially other Mitsubishi facilities)
Production Years Covered By Manual:
2003-2005
