Market Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors:
Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Ford Probe, Nissan 240SX
Styling:
Distinctive wedge shape, pop-up headlights (first generation), sporty and aerodynamic design
Performance Variants:
Available naturally aspirated and turbocharged (GS/GTX/GSR trims) engines, offering significant performance potential
Drivetrain Options:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) available on select turbocharged models (e.g., GS-T, AWD Turbo)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU), turbocharging (where applicable)
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (F5M33, W5MG1), Automatic transmission (F4A23, F4A33, F4A42, W4A42), clutch system, drivetrain components (axles, CV joints)
Brake Systems:
Front disc, rear disc/drum, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and troubleshooting, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link independent suspension, power steering system, steering gear/rack, alignment specifications
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks), body control modules, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, components, and servicing
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, latches, hinges, bumpers, frame and chassis components
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), lubrication, inspections, fluid level checks
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical components), detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code identification and resolution
Diagnostic Procedures:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, emissions system diagnostics
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across various systems
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics including ECU scanning (OBD-I), sensor data interpretation, and circuit analysis
Rebuild Instructions:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including clearance specifications and assembly sequences
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams with component locations and connector pinouts
Engine Code Base:
4G63 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement Base:
2.0L (1997cc)
Engine Type Base:
Inline-4, SOHC (later DOHC)
Horsepower Base:
~135-145 hp
Torque Base:
~125-135 lb-ft
Engine Code Turbo:
4G63T (Turbocharged)
Engine Displacement Turbo:
2.0L (1997cc)
Engine Type Turbo:
Inline-4, DOHC, Turbocharged, Intercooled
Horsepower Turbo:
~190-210 hp (depending on year/spec)
Torque Turbo:
~203-225 lb-ft (depending on year/spec)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium for Turbo models)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
AWD Availability:
Available on select turbocharged models (e.g., GST, GSX, AWD Turbo)
Manual Transmission Codes:
F5M33 (FWD), W5MG1 (AWD)
Automatic Transmission Codes:
F4A23, F4A33, F4A42, W4A42
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings Gen1:
Driver - 4 stars (frontal), Passenger - 4 stars (frontal) - Specific ratings may vary by year and testing methodology.
ABS Availability:
Available, standard on some higher trims and later model years
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard from mid-1990s onwards
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per manual recommendation for synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Naturally Aspirated:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) - NGK BPR6ES-11 or equivalent
Spark Plug Replacement Turbocharged:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) - NGK BPR7ES-11 or equivalent (colder plug)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for 4G63/4G63T engines (critical maintenance item due to interference design)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
~4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF SP-II or SP-III, or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Turbocharger Failures 4G63T:
Bearing failures due to oil starvation or coking, wastegate issues
Timing Belt Failure:
Catastrophic engine damage if belt breaks (interference engine). Timely replacement is paramount.
Clutch Wear:
Wear on clutch components (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) under spirited driving
Cv Axle Boots:
Tears in CV axle boots leading to joint failure
Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage, especially in areas with road salt
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging electrical connectors, grounds, and switch failures can lead to intermittent issues
Mitsubishi Performance:
Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in motorsport, notably with rally racing (Lancer Evolution), which influenced the Eclipse's sporty character.
Generation 1 Codename:
Mitsubishi Eclipse (D22A/D27A)
Generation 1 Years:
1990-1994
Generation 1 Design:
Developed in collaboration with Chrysler (Chrysler DSM - Diamond-Star Motors), shared platform with Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon. Distinctive pop-up headlights.
Generation 2 Codename:
Mitsubishi Eclipse (D31A/D32A/D33A/D38A)
Generation 2 Years:
1995-1999
Generation 2 Design:
Completely redesigned platform. Discontinuation of pop-up headlights, more aerodynamic styling. Continued platform sharing with Chrysler vehicles (Sebring Coupe, Avenger).
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)