๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Eclipse & Eclipse Spyder Production Years Covered: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Codes Platform Codes: D21A (Coupe), D22A (Coupe), D27A (Coupe), D31A (Coupe), D32A (Coupe), D33A (Coupe), D38A (Spyder), D39A (Spyder) ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Sports Coupe / Convertible. Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1G: Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6. Key Competitors 2G: Honda Civic Si Coupe, Toyota Celica GT-S, Nissan 200SX (S14), Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang. Key Features Styling: Distinctive wedge-like styling (1st Gen), more aerodynamic and aggressive lines (2nd Gen), available convertible variant. Performance Options: Performance-oriented models like the GSX and GST with turbocharged engines and AWD, and the GT with a naturally aspirated V6. All Wheel Drive: Available AWD system on performance trims (e.g., GSX, GST) significantly enhanced handling and traction. Convertible Offering: The Eclipse Spyder provided a stylish and relatively affordable open-top driving experience. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Countries Of Sale: North America (USA, Canada), potentially others where Mitsubishi sold these models. Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, repair, and maintenance for all gasoline engines offered during these model years. Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition systems, emissions control, diagnostics, sensor testing, ECU (Engine Control Unit) information. Transmission Manual: Repair, overhaul, and maintenance of manual transmissions. Transmission Automatic: Repair, overhaul, and maintenance of automatic transmissions, including hydraulic control and electronic components. Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, CV joints, and driveshafts. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, hydraulic lines, parking brake. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, accessories. Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (Spyder), interior trim, structural components. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair. Body Electrical: Power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio systems, security systems. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement. Component Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues. Diagnostics: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and testing procedures. Rebuilding: Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding. Specifications Torque: All critical torque specifications for fasteners and components. Alignment Procedures: Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures. Convertible Top Repair: Specific procedures for the Eclipse Spyder's convertible top mechanism, hydraulics, and seals. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics). ๐ Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High resolution, printable, searchable text for ease of navigation. Print Quality Printability: Optimized for printing individual sections or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Downloadable PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Downloadable PDF) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1G 4Cyl Na: 4G63 (2.0L SOHC, Naturally Aspirated) Engine Code 1G 4Cyl Turbo: 4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged) Engine Code 2G 4Cyl Na: 420A (2.0L DOHC, Naturally Aspirated - Chrysler sourced) Engine Code 2G 4Cyl Turbo: 4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged) Engine Code 2G V6: 6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6) Performance Horsepower 4G63 Na: Approx. 135 hp Torque 4G63 Na: Approx. 130 lb-ft Horsepower 4G63T: Approx. 195-210 hp (depending on year/tune) Torque 4G63T: Approx. 203-214 lb-ft (depending on year/tune) Horsepower 420A: Approx. 140 hp Torque 420A: Approx. 135 lb-ft Horsepower 6G72 V6: Approx. 160-170 hp Torque 6G72 V6: Approx. 180-185 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type Recommended: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine, premium recommended for turbo models) ๐ง Transmission Standard Standard Transmission 1G: 5-speed Manual Standard Transmission 2G: 5-speed Manual (on most models, exception for some V6) Optional Optional Transmission 1G: 4-speed Automatic Optional Transmission 2G: 4-speed Automatic Features AWD Transmission Features: Viscous coupling center differential on AWD models. Manual Transmission Fluid: Typically GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid. Manual specifies specific type and viscosity, e.g., Diaqueen Super Synthesized Oil (SSO) or equivalent. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mitsubishi ATF SP II or equivalent. ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length 1G: Approx. 172.4 inches (Coupe) Width 1G: Approx. 69.1 inches Height 1G: Approx. 50.0 inches (Coupe) Wheelbase 1G: Approx. 100.4 inches Length 2G: Approx. 178.0 inches (Coupe) Width 2G: Approx. 70.5 inches Height 2G: Approx. 51.6 inches (Coupe) Wheelbase 2G: Approx. 103.2 inches Interior Seating Capacity: 4 Cargo Cargo Volume: Varies by body style (Coupe vs. Spyder) and year; typically around 8-10 cu...
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and testing procedures.
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Specifications Torque:
All critical torque specifications for fasteners and components.
Alignment Procedures:
Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.
Convertible Top Repair:
Specific procedures for the Eclipse Spyder's convertible top mechanism, hydraulics, and seals.
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High resolution, printable, searchable text for ease of navigation.
Print Quality
Printability:
Optimized for printing individual sections or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1G 4Cyl Na:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC, Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code 1G 4Cyl Turbo:
4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged)
Engine Code 2G 4Cyl Na:
420A (2.0L DOHC, Naturally Aspirated - Chrysler sourced)
Engine Code 2G 4Cyl Turbo:
4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged)
Engine Code 2G V6:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Performance
Horsepower 4G63 Na:
Approx. 135 hp
Torque 4G63 Na:
Approx. 130 lb-ft
Horsepower 4G63T:
Approx. 195-210 hp (depending on year/tune)
Torque 4G63T:
Approx. 203-214 lb-ft (depending on year/tune)
Horsepower 420A:
Approx. 140 hp
Torque 420A:
Approx. 135 lb-ft
Horsepower 6G72 V6:
Approx. 160-170 hp
Torque 6G72 V6:
Approx. 180-185 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine, premium recommended for turbo models)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission 1G:
5-speed Manual
Standard Transmission 2G:
5-speed Manual (on most models, exception for some V6)
Optional
Optional Transmission 1G:
4-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission 2G:
4-speed Automatic
Features
AWD Transmission Features:
Viscous coupling center differential on AWD models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Typically GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid. Manual specifies specific type and viscosity, e.g., Diaqueen Super Synthesized Oil (SSO) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi ATF SP II or equivalent.
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length 1G:
Approx. 172.4 inches (Coupe)
Width 1G:
Approx. 69.1 inches
Height 1G:
Approx. 50.0 inches (Coupe)
Wheelbase 1G:
Approx. 100.4 inches
Length 2G:
Approx. 178.0 inches (Coupe)
Width 2G:
Approx. 70.5 inches
Height 2G:
Approx. 51.6 inches (Coupe)
Wheelbase 2G:
Approx. 103.2 inches
Interior
Seating Capacity:
4
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Varies by body style (Coupe vs. Spyder) and year; typically around 8-10 cu ft for coupes.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by trim and drivetrain, ranging from approx. 2,800 lbs to 3,400+ lbs.
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
NHTSA crash test data available for specific model years; generally mixed ratings for this era of vehicle.
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-90s onwards, potentially optional or unavailable on earlier models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts, front and rear.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; CD players became available on higher trims or as options later in production.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Connectivity
OBD System:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system for engine diagnostics, requiring specific Mitsubishi diagnostic tools or knowledge for full access.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual specifies.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper, platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 4G63 engines. Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30, consult manual for specific engine/temperature range.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, check manual for specific requirement.
Known Issues
Turbo Failures 4G63T:
Oil starvation and turbocharger failure can occur if maintenance is neglected, especially oil changes.
Clutch Wear:
Clutches can wear prematurely with aggressive driving, particularly on manual transmission models.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn suspension bushings and ball joints are common with age and mileage, affecting handling and ride quality.
Rust And Corrosion:
Rust can be an issue in areas prone to salt and moisture, especially on rocker panels, wheel wells, and rear quarter panels.
Spyder Convertible Top Leaks:
Convertible top seals can degrade over time, leading to water leaks into the cabin. Mechanism can also require maintenance.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Performance Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in performance vehicles, notably with rally racing (Lancer Evolution), which influenced the Eclipse's performance variants.
Model Evolution
Generation 1:
1990-1994. Developed in collaboration with Chrysler (DSM - Diamond-Star Motors). Introduced with 4-cylinder engines, including the legendary 4G63T turbo engine, and optional AWD. Coupe body style.
Generation 2:
1995-1999. Redesigned with a more rounded, aerodynamic body. Introduced the 420A Chrysler engine as a base option and a V6 option. Turbocharged 4G63T remained for performance trims. Introduced the Spyder convertible body style.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler).
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and many components with the Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon during the DSM era.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The first generation Eclipse GSX was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1990.