Positioning:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder (1st Generation) were popular compact sports coupes and convertibles, known for their stylish design, performance options (especially turbocharged models), and affordable entry point into the sports car market. They competed with vehicles like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, and Ford Probe.
Competitors:
Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6
Distinguishing Features:
Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on turbo models, powerful 4G63T engine, sleek coupe and convertible body styles, sporty handling.
Years Covered:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
4G63 2.0L SOHC, 4G63T 2.0L DOHC Turbocharged, 6G72 3.0L SOHC V6
Transmission:
5-speed Manual (F5M33, W5M33), 4-speed Automatic (F4A22, F4A33)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Transfer Clutch (ATC)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut, Rear: Multi-link independent suspension
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Discs (ABS optional on select models)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
Electrical:
Ignition system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electronics, ECU diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (Spyder)
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), component testing
Repair:
Engine repair (head gasket, timing belt), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component diagnosis
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, dent repair, convertible top repair
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and detailed wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
2.0L SOHC (4G63), 2.0L DOHC Turbocharged (4G63T), 3.0L SOHC V6 (6G72)
2.0L Sohc (4G63):
Horsepower: ~135-145 hp, Torque: ~136-145 lb-ft
2.0L Turbocharged (4G63T):
Horsepower: ~190-210 hp (GS-T/GST), Torque: ~203-214 lb-ft
3.0L V6 (6G72):
Horsepower: ~150-160 hp, Torque: ~180-190 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) with Electronic Fuel Pump
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (SOHC, V6), 91 Octane Premium Unleaded (Turbocharged 4G63T)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact spec based on climate)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (F5M33 for 4-cyl, W5M33 for V6)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (F4A22 for 4-cyl, F4A33 for V6)
AWD Transfer Case:
Active Transfer Clutch (ATC) system for AWD models, allowing variable torque distribution.
Manual Trans Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific capacity and type)
Automatic Trans Fluid:
Diamond SP-III or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific capacity and type)
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm) (Coupe), 178.3 inches (4529 mm) (Spyder)
Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
50.4 inches (1280 mm) (Coupe), 50.0 inches (1270 mm) (Spyder)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2900-3300 lbs (1315-1497 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4000 lbs
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 7.9 cu ft (Coupe), significantly less with top stowed (Spyder)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Tire Sizes:
Common sizes include 205/55R16, 215/50R17 (check specific trim for exact size)
Crash Test Ratings:
Refer to NHTSA or IIHS archives for specific year and model ratings. Early models may have limited data.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on many trims, standard on some higher performance models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on later models and many 1995+ models.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point inertia reel seat belts. Spyder models feature reinforced A-pillars and roll-over protection.
Body Reinforcement:
Reinforced chassis for coupe structure. Spyder models feature significant chassis bracing and A-pillar reinforcement for structural integrity.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD players. Premium Infinity audio systems were optional on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on many models, optional on base trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCL) was available as an option on select AWD models.
Air Conditioning:
Manual or automatic climate control systems were available depending on trim level.
Headlights:
Composite halogen headlights with integrated turn signals. Fog lights were optional.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Turbocharged models may require more frequent changes or specific oil types.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 4G63/4G63T engines. Recommended every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (check manual); earlier intervals for conventional plugs.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
DEXRON II or equivalent ATF (check manual).
Turbo Models:
Oil sludge buildup due to heat and infrequent oil changes, turbocharger seal failure, intercooler piping leaks.
Engine 4G63:
Head gasket failure (especially on higher mileage or modified engines), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, worn motor mounts.
Transmission:
Clutch wear (manual), torque converter shudder or failure (automatic), worn synchros (manual).
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts; rear multi-link bushings can deteriorate.
Electrical:
Corroded grounds, intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, and sensors. Check engine light due to O2 sensors or vacuum leaks.
Spyder Specific:
Convertible top mechanism issues (motors, hydraulic lines, seals), water leaks around seals and drains.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Japan)
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1990 for the 1990 model year, as a replacement for the Mitsubishi Starion and some aspects of the Mitsubishi Cordia. It was a joint venture with Chrysler Corporation for the North American market, sharing its platform with the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Laser.
Facelift:
Received a significant styling refresh for the 1995 model year, with updated front and rear fascias, revised interior, and improved powertrain options (the 3.0L V6 became more common, and the 4G63T was further refined).
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a joint venture with Chrysler)
Production Years For This Gen:
1990-1994 (pre-facelift), 1995-1999 (facelift - this manual covers up to 1998)
