Segment:
Compact Sports Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Competitors 2003:
Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Nissan 350Z Roadster (though slightly higher segment).
Vehicle Appeal:
Stylish convertible design, sporty handling, available powerful V6 engine, practical for everyday use compared to some pure sports cars.
Purpose:
To provide comprehensive guidance for the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (ECU).
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain components, differentials, drive axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Power distribution, starting and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals, HVAC controls, power windows/locks, audio system, SRS (Airbag) system.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, glass, seals.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, lubrication points, inspection procedures.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical schematics, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation, sub-assembly repair, torque specifications, alignment procedures.
Special Procedures:
Convertible top operation and repair, airbag system servicing, anti-lock braking system bleeding, engine and transmission control module (ECM/TCM) programming/replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Type Base:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportronic Shifting)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Consult manual for specific Mitsubishi P/N)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIAQueen ATF SP-III (Consult manual for specific Mitsubishi P/N)
Length:
Approx. 182.1 inches
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches
Height:
Approx. 53.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.4 inches
Seating Capacity:
4-Seater (2+2)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 5.4 cu. ft. (with top up)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3250 lbs (4-cyl manual)
Curb Weight Optional:
Approx. 3450 lbs (V6 automatic)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult manual or VIN plate
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated for convertibles historically by NHTSA in the same way as coupes.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated for convertibles historically by IIHS in the same way as coupes.
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags, optional side airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bars (deploy automatically in rollover detection).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer. Steering wheel audio controls available on some trims.
Navigation:
Rarely offered from factory for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Available on V6 models.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Usb Ports:
Not available from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. Severe driving may require more frequent changes.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles (CRITICAL for interference engines, consult manual for specific engine). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SJ or SL (Consult manual for specific viscosity and certification).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (LLC) Green (Ethylene Glycol based). Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water. Consult manual for P/N.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Consult manual for specific recommendation).
Convertible Top Motors:
Hydraulic leaks or failing motors for the power convertible top mechanism.
Evap Emissions System:
Canister purge solenoid issues, leading to check engine lights.
Suspension Components:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can lead to clunking noises.
O2 Sensors:
Premature failure of oxygen sensors can cause poor fuel economy and drivability issues.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, thermostat sticking, and water pump failures can lead to overheating.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Founded in 1870, Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history of performance and innovative vehicles.
Eclipse Spyder Generation:
This manual covers the 3rd generation Eclipse Spyder (2000-2005), which was a departure from the previous DSM (Diamond-Star Motors) platform and was developed in partnership with Chrysler.
Platform Sharing:
Shares platform and some components with the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Dodge Stratus Coupe of the same era.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (by Diamond-Star Motors Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors).
