🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Eclipse

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

D20, D22, D27

Platform:

First Generation (Chrysler's Diamond-Star Motors platform)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a groundbreaking sporty coupe/convertible that aimed to capture the youthful and performance-oriented market. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, and Mazda MX-6.

Competitors:

Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Mazda MX-6, Honda Prelude, Ford Probe.

Features:

Sleek, aerodynamic styling; available all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine; sporty handling; front-wheel-drive platform shared with Chrysler products.

📋 Manual Details

Engines:

2.0L (4G63) Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged; 1.8L (4G37) Naturally Aspirated

Transmissions:

5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for Turbo models

Approximate Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing belt, oil pump, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, emission control systems

Transmission:

Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul, clutch system, transfer case (AWD)

Drivetrain:

Axles, driveshafts, CV joints, differential (FWD), viscous coupling (AWD)

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (independent multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (ventilated on Turbo), rear disc brakes, brake system components, hydraulic system, parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, wheel alignment specifications

Electrical:

Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrumentation, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, sound deadening

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, components

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement

Repair:

Engine component repair and replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems, common problems and solutions

Rebuild:

Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation and troubleshooting, sensor testing, actuator testing

Engine Tuning:

Basic engine tuning, idle speed adjustment, ignition timing.

Wheel Alignment:

Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic charts and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

1.8L Sohc:

4G37, 1.8L Inline-4, 8-valve, ~98 hp, ~103 lb-ft torque, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

2.0L DOHc:

4G63, 2.0L Inline-4, 16-valve, ~135 hp, ~125 lb-ft torque, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

2.0L DOHc Turbo:

4G63T, 2.0L Inline-4, 16-valve, turbocharged, intercooled, ~195 hp, ~203 lb-ft torque, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Turbocharged Horsepower:

195 hp

Turbocharged Torque:

203 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Turbo:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) for all variants, with specific tuning for turbo models.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specifics based on climate)

Valve Train Turbo:

DOHC, 16 valves

4G63T Identifier:

4G63T

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic with Lock-up Converter

AWD Transmission:

AWD models utilize a viscous coupling center differential integrated with the transmission/transfer case.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (capacity approx. 5.5-6.5 liters for overhaul)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Length:

175.7 inches (4463 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

51.6 inches (1311 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2850-3200 lbs (1293-1451 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 10.0 cu ft (trunk)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not rated (vehicle pre-dates stringent modern testing)

IIHS Side Impact:

Not rated (vehicle pre-dates stringent modern testing)

ABS:

Optional on some models, standard on higher trims/Turbo

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard on most models

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on some models. Speaker configurations varied by trim.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

No Modern Connectivity:

No Bluetooth, USB, or navigation systems available from the factory in this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (or 6 months), depending on driving conditions and oil used.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 4G63/4G63T engines to prevent catastrophic damage)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.5-7.0 liters (1.7-1.8 gallons)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent

Turbo Lag:

Characteristic of turbocharged engines of this era, though the 4G63T is known for relatively good response.

Clutch Wear:

Can be a wear item, especially in performance-oriented driving.

Suspension Bushings:

Aging rubber bushings can lead to noise and degraded handling.

Electrical Gremlins:

Common in vehicles of this age, especially concerning ground points and aging wiring harnesses.

Turbo Charger Failure:

Can occur if maintenance is neglected, especially oil changes and proper cool-down procedures.

Check Engine Light Diagnosis:

Procedures for diagnosing and clearing check engine light codes for OBD-I systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mitsubishi has a history of producing sporty and performance-oriented vehicles, often leveraging their rally racing expertise (e.g., Lancer Evolution).

First Generation:

Launched for the 1990 model year as a 1991 model. Developed by Diamond-Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler. Known for its distinct styling and performance capabilities, especially in turbocharged form.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform with the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser.

Manufacturing Location:

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

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Turbo was frequently lauded by automotive press for its performance and value, though not specifically listed in Car and Driver's 10 Best in 1991.