Market Position:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse and its badge-engineered sibling, the Eagle Talon, were positioned as affordable, sporty front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive coupes in the highly competitive compact sports car segment of the 1990s. They were known for their performance-oriented options and styling.
Performance Segment:
Compact sports coupe / performance coupe.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with vehicles such as the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, and Mazda MX-6. The availability of turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive on certain trims gave the DSM cars a distinct performance advantage in their class.
Key Features:
Distinctive styling, turbocharged engine options, available all-wheel drive, sporty handling, affordable performance, and a high degree of customization potential.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and any owner looking to perform maintenance or repairs on their 1995-1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse or Eagle Talon.
Coverage Areas:
Complete service and repair for 1995-1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon models.
Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory-level service manual of this era).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Technician Level:
Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Printable Pages:
Yes, all pages are printable.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (EFI), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drive axles, suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), body electrical systems, lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), chassis, interior trim, exterior trim, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Covers frame and body construction, door and panel alignment, rust repair guidance, interior trim removal, seat removal, dashboard components, and exterior trim.
Procedures Included:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system bleeding and service, suspension component replacement, steering linkage adjustments, HVAC system servicing, electrical troubleshooting, diagnostic fault code retrieval and interpretation, maintenance procedures, lubrication specifications, alignment procedures, body panel repair, interior component removal and installation.
Specific Procedures Examples:
Engine timing belt replacement for 4G63/4G63T engines, turbocharger diagnosis and replacement, AWD system clutch pack service, differential fluid changes, fuel pump and filter replacement, complete brake caliper and rotor service, power steering pump and rack replacement, HVAC blower motor and evaporator core service, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) lookup and resolution tables, headlight and taillight bulb replacement, interior panel removal for access.
Wheel Alignment:
Detailed procedures and specifications for front and rear wheel alignment, including camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from routine maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics, and detailed electrical system troubleshooting. Includes factory-specific procedures and specifications.
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers diagnostic procedures using factory scan tools or common OBD-I/OBD-II readers (depending on specific ECUs) and methods for interpreting sensor data and fault codes.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, audio, and accessories.
Searchable Text:
Yes (PDF allows for keyword searching of technical information).
Compatibility:
Compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and photographs.
Diagram Clarity:
High clarity for exploded views, wiring diagrams, and component illustrations.
Binding Type:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital Download - printable pages)
Primary Engine:
4G63T 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Inline-4 (DSM models)
Performance:
4G63T: Approximately 210-215 horsepower and 214-220 lb-ft of torque (depending on specific model year and configuration). Non-turbo models (e.g., 4G63 2.0L SOHC) produced around 140-150 hp.
Torque Curve Characteristics:
The 4G63T engine is known for its strong mid-range torque delivery, characteristic of turbocharged engines, providing excellent acceleration from a standstill and during overtaking maneuvers.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-port fuel injection (MPI). Turbocharged models featured intercooled turbocharger systems.
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Specific fuel pressure values for EFI systems will be detailed in the manual, typically around 30-45 psi for naturally aspirated and higher for turbo models.
Engine Codes:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC NA), 4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged)
Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with electronic control)
Features:
All-wheel drive (AWD) available with both manual and automatic transmissions on performance variants (e.g., Eclipse GST/GSX, Talon TSi). Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on lower trims.
AWD System Type:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive system utilizing a transfer case and a viscous coupling center differential, with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential on some AWD models for enhanced traction and handling.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios vary by transmission type (manual/auto) and drivetrain (FWD/AWD). The manual 4G63T AWD transmission typically features shorter ratios for performance.
Exterior:
Length: approx. 177.7 inches, Width: approx. 69.4 inches, Height: approx. 50.6 inches, Wheelbase: approx. 98.7 inches.
Wheelbase:
98.7 inches (2507 mm)
Interior:
Seating capacity: 2+2 coupe configuration. Front headroom/legroom typical for the segment, rear seats are best suited for small children or temporary use.
Cargo:
Trunk space typically around 8.5 cubic feet, expandable via folding rear seats.
Weights:
Curb weight ranges from approximately 2800 lbs (FWD base models) to over 3200 lbs (AWD turbo models).
Towing Capacity:
Not specified or recommended. These vehicles are not designed for towing.
Ratings:
NHTSA ratings for this era vary by specific model and year. Frontal impact ratings generally received 3-4 stars. Side impact ratings were less comprehensive in this period. Specific VIN-dependent data may be needed.
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many models, particularly performance variants. Traction control was not a common feature on these models.
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Yes, standard on front seats.
Passive Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, reinforced safety cage construction.
Body Structure:
Designed with a unibody construction and integrated safety cell for improved crashworthiness.
Infotainment:
Base models featured a standard AM/FM/Cassette stereo. Higher trims and optional upgrades included CD players, upgraded speaker systems (e.g., Mitsubishi Premium Audio), and analog tuning dials. Features were basic by modern standards.
Audio System Features:
Cassette player standard, optional CD player, AM/FM radio with digital or analog tuning, bass and treble controls. Some premium systems included amplifiers and equalizer adjustments.
Climate Control Type:
Manual climate control systems with rotary knobs for temperature, fan speed, and air direction. Some models may have offered optional automatic climate control.
Driver Assistance:
Very limited. Optional ABS was the primary advanced driver assistance feature. No cruise control or other electronic aids were prevalent.
Connectivity:
No factory-integrated smartphone connectivity (Bluetooth, USB, etc.). Options were limited to aftermarket head unit installations.
Service Intervals:
Oil changes: Every 3,750 miles or 3 months. Air filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Spark plugs: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed (typically platinum-tipped). Timing belt: Crucial maintenance item on the 4G63 engines; recommended replacement every 60,000 miles or 4 years. Coolant flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Transmission fluid: Manual every 60,000 miles, Automatic every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Type:
Typically platinum or iridium tipped spark plugs for extended life. Refer to manual for exact specification and gap.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Crucial to use correct fluid type to prevent damage, especially for the Automatic Transmission and AWD system.
Fluid Specifications:
Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic recommended for turbo models). Transmission Fluid (Manual): GL-4 Gear Oil (specific viscosity depends on climate, typically 75W-90). Transmission Fluid (Automatic): ATF SP-III (or equivalent). Coolant: Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water). Brake Fluid: DOT 3. Power Steering Fluid: ATF Dexron II/III.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.4 quarts (6.9 liters) for 2.0L engine, slightly more for V6 models (if applicable to this manual's scope, though not mentioned).
Known Issues:
Turbocharger failure (oil starvation/sludge), head gasket issues on high-mileage turbo models, worn O2 sensors, fuel injector clogging, transmission synchro wear (manual), AWD viscous coupling issues, ABS sensor failures, interior electronic accessory failures (power windows, locks), exhaust manifold cracking (turbo models).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, worn engine mounts, suspension bushings, CV joints (especially on AWD models), catalytic converter failure.
Cooling System Concerns:
Radiator leaks, thermostat failures, water pump leaks, and degradation of coolant hoses are common maintenance points.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its engineering prowess and rally heritage, which heavily influenced the development of the Eclipse and Talon.
Model Evolution:
The 1995-1996 models represent the second generation of the Eclipse/Talon platform. This generation saw significant styling updates (more aerodynamic and modern design), chassis improvements, and refined powertrain options, including the enhanced 4G63T engine. This generation also introduced the convertible body style.
Generation Designation:
Second Generation (1995-1999 model years)
Production:
Manufactured at Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) plant in Normal, Illinois, USA, as part of the joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and the Chrysler Corporation.
Joint Venture Details:
Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) was a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation, aimed at producing sporty vehicles for both brands in North America.