๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Eclipse / Eclipse Spyder Generation: Third Generation (D53A) Codes Chassis Codes: D53A ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Sport Compact / Entry-Level Sports Car Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Toyota Celica, Ford Focus SVT Key Features Model Appeal: Styling, affordable performance, availability of turbocharged engine Manual Utility Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Eclipse owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge Value Proposition: Provides official factory procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness for repairs and maintenance. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 2003, 2004, 2005 Body Styles Covered: Coupe, Convertible (Spyder) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Delivery Method: Digital Download ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, lubrication, fuel delivery, cooling, intake & exhaust, ignition, engine electrical, emission control Drivetrain Systems: Clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle, front axle, rear axle Suspension Steering: Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system Brakes: Service brakes (hydraulic), parking brakes Body Exterior: Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows Electrical Chassis: Chassis electrical systems, lighting, instruments, body electrical Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics Repair Procedures: Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments Wiring Information: Circuit diagrams, splice locations, component location charts Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repairs) ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text (if created from digital source, typical for factory manuals) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital images and text Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.4L 4-Cylinder (4G69 SOHC), 3.0L V6 (6G72 SOHC) Turbocharged Option: 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbocharged (4G63T DOHC - GT trim) Performance 4 Cylinder Horsepower: 147 hp @ 5800 rpm (4G69) 4 Cylinder Torque: 158 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (4G69) V6 Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5500 rpm (6G72) V6 Torque: 205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (6G72) Turbo 4 Cylinder Horsepower: 205 hp @ 5500 rpm (4G63T - US market GT) Turbo 4 Cylinder Torque: 205 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (4G63T - US market GT) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Injection Type: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for naturally aspirated, Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) for turbo Engine Electrical Ignition System: Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug or distributorless ignition system (DIS) depending on engine ๐ง Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-Speed Manual (F5M43 for 4-cyl, F5M51 for V6) Optional Optional Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic (F4A51 for 4-cyl, W4A51 for V6) Features All Wheel Drive: Available on GT V6 models (AWD system). ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 183.7 in (4665 mm) Width: Approx. 70.1 in (1780 mm) Height: Approx. 53.7 in (1365 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), varies by model and drivetrain ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: โ โ โ โ โ (4/5) NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: โ โ โ โ โ (4/5) IIHS Frontal Offset: Good Active Features ABS: Standard on most trims, optional on base models. Traction Control: Available on higher trims and GT models. Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags standard. Side-impact airbags available on some trims. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player with available Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system on higher trims. Some models may have optional CD changer. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not commonly factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions often available. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions). 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (under normal conditions), consult manual for specifics. Spark Plug Replacement: Refer to manual; typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (Iridium recommended). Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for 4-cylinder engines (4G69 and 4G63T). Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km). Consult manual for exact interval. V6 uses a timing chain. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SJ or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 is common. Consult manual for exact recommendation based on climate. Coolant Specification: Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (DIA-QUEEN SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil for manual transmissions. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dia Queen ATF SP-III or equivalent. Known Issues Engine Performance Issues: Potential for piston ring issues in early 4G69 engines, leading to oil consumption. Timing belt failure on 4-cylinder engines can cause severe engine damage. Transmission Issues: Some automatic transmissions can experience hesitation or shifting problems. Manual transmissions generally robust but clutch wear is normal. Suspension Wear: Front control arm bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues. Electrical Gremlins:...
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for naturally aspirated, Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) for turbo
Engine Electrical
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug or distributorless ignition system (DIS) depending on engine
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (F5M43 for 4-cyl, F5M51 for V6)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (F4A51 for 4-cyl, W4A51 for V6)
Features
All Wheel Drive:
Available on GT V6 models (AWD system).
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 183.7 in (4665 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 in (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.7 in (1365 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), varies by model and drivetrain
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
โ โ โ โ โ (4/5)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
โ โ โ โ โ (4/5)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Traction Control:
Available on higher trims and GT models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Side-impact airbags available on some trims.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with available Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system on higher trims. Some models may have optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not commonly factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions often available.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions). 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (under normal conditions), consult manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (Iridium recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4-cylinder engines (4G69 and 4G63T). Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km). Consult manual for exact interval. V6 uses a timing chain.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 is common. Consult manual for exact recommendation based on climate.
Coolant Specification:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (DIA-QUEEN SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil for manual transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dia Queen ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Known Issues
Engine Performance Issues:
Potential for piston ring issues in early 4G69 engines, leading to oil consumption. Timing belt failure on 4-cylinder engines can cause severe engine damage.
Transmission Issues:
Some automatic transmissions can experience hesitation or shifting problems. Manual transmissions generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with power windows, door locks, and instrument cluster lighting reported.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motorsport:
Mitsubishi has a strong rally heritage, particularly with the Lancer Evolution, which influenced the design and engineering of performance models like the Eclipse GT.
Model Evolution
Third Gen Design:
The third generation marked a significant departure from the previous model's aggressive, angular styling, adopting a more rounded, organic design language.
Platform:
Built on Mitsubishi's D platform, shared with the Mitsubishi Galant.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Segment Performance:
While not a major award winner, the GT V6 and Turbo models were recognized for offering spirited performance in the affordable sports coupe segment.