Segment:
Sport Compact / Personal Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional automotive repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Mazda RX-8, Ford Mustang (V6), Chevrolet Camaro (V6).
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, performance-oriented variants, front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform (with available all-wheel drive on some GT trims).
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information, empowering owners and technicians to maintain and restore the Mitsubishi Eclipse to optimal condition.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU), transmission (manual and automatic), driveline, axles, clutch, transfer case (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD, parking brake), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, interior and exterior lighting, instrument cluster, audio system, HVAC controls, power windows/locks/mirrors, security system, airbags (SRS), engine control modules (ECM), transmission control modules (TCM), body control modules (BCM), wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim components, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, seals, body repair procedures, paint and coatings.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, fuel filter replacement.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering component replacement, exhaust system repair, transmission repair, clutch replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, wiring diagrams, diagnostic data (OBD-II), component identification, measurements and tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and checks to major component overhauls and complex diagnostic procedures. Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and technical diagrams.
2.4L I4:
Engine Code: 4G69. Displacement: 2378 cc. Bore x Stroke: 87.0 mm x 97.0 mm. Compression Ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 162 hp @ 6000 rpm. Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI). Emissions: California LEV-II.
3.8L V6:
Engine Code: 6G75. Displacement: 3828 cc. Bore x Stroke: 95.0 mm x 87.8 mm. Compression Ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 263 hp @ 6000 rpm (later models up to 265 hp). Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm. Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI). Emissions: California LEV-II.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 2.4L, 89 octane recommended for 3.8L for optimal performance).
Timing Belt Chain 2.4L:
Timing Belt (requires periodic replacement as per maintenance schedule).
Timing Belt Chain 3.8L:
Timing Chain (generally maintenance-free, but requires inspection for wear).
2.4L FWD:
5-speed manual transmission.
3.8L FWD/AWD:
6-speed manual transmission.
2.4L FWD:
4-speed automatic transmission.
3.8L FWD/AWD:
6-speed automatic transmission with INVECS-II technology.
AWD System:
Active All-Wheel Drive (AWC) system available on GT trims, utilizing an electronically controlled center differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended in manual, typically 75W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA QUEEN ATF-SP III or equivalent.
Length:
Approximately 180.1 inches (4575 mm)
Width:
Approximately 71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
Approximately 53.1 inches (1349 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Cargo Volume:
Approximately 12.7 cubic feet (rear seats up).
Curb Weight 2.4L:
Approximately 3109 lbs (1410 kg)
Curb Weight 3.8L:
Approximately 3440 lbs (1560 kg) for FWD, 3593 lbs (1630 kg) for AWD.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger in most configurations).
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (for models tested).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims.
Airbags:
Front-seat airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and available front and rear side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier. Available touch-screen navigation system on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard. Automatic climate control available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry and ignition.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack on some models for connecting external devices.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free calling system on later models.
Oil Change 2.4L:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Oil Change 3.8L:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt 2.4L:
Recommended replacement every 90,000 - 105,000 miles (145,000 - 170,000 km) or 7-10 years, whichever comes first.
Spark Plugs 2.4L:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs, typically recommended for replacement every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Spark Plugs 3.8L:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs, typically recommended for replacement every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil 2.4L:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic engine oil. API Service SN or newer.
Engine Oil 3.8L:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic engine oil. API Service SN or newer.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Orange colored.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Issues:
Some reports of automatic transmission shudder or delayed shifting, potentially related to fluid degradation or solenoid issues. Manual transmissions generally robust.
Engine 2.4L Issues:
Occasional oil consumption reported. Timing belt replacement is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Engine 3.8L Issues:
MIVEC system issues (variable valve timing) can cause rough idle or performance loss. Serpentine belt tensioner can become noisy.
Suspension Issues:
Struts and shock absorbers can wear over time, leading to a less composed ride. Some instances of control arm bushing wear.
Electrical Issues:
Body control module (BCM) issues can manifest in various electrical gremlins. Power window regulators can fail.
Mitsubishi Sports Coupes:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing stylish and performance-oriented coupes and sports cars, including the Starion, Eclipse predecessors, and the Lancer Evolution.
Fourth Gen Design:
The fourth-generation Eclipse moved to a more aggressive, muscular design language, sharing its platform with the Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a former joint venture with Chrysler).
Production Years:
2006-2011 model years.
