Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Compact Sports Coupe / Hatchback
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Target Audience:
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Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, DIY mechanics
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors:
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Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica GT-S/GT-Four, Mazda RX-7, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe
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Key Features
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Distinctive Selling Points:
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Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD), potent turbocharged engines, strong aftermarket support, distinctive styling (especially 2G Eclipse/Talon), shared platform with Dodge/Plymouth models.
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Manual Value Proposition:
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Provides detailed, expert guidance for maintaining and repairing these performance-oriented vehicles, crucial for owners who want to preserve or enhance their capabilities.
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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Model Years Covered:
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1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
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Vehicle Variants Covered:
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Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser
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Page Count
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Estimated Page Count:
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1500-2000+ (variable depending on specific edition and included supplements)
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Manual Type
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Manual Type:
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Workshop Service Repair Manual
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Language
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Language:
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English
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Format
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Format:
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Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format for distribution)
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), turbocharger systems (for turbo models)
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Transmission Drivetrain:
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Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, drive axles, CV joints, differentials, transfer case (AWD models)
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Chassis Suspension:
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Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment, power steering system
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Brakes:
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Front brake system, rear brake system, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics
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Electrical Electronics:
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Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, HVAC controls, diagnostic connector (OBD-I)
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Body Interior:
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Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, seats, airbags (if applicable), climate control (HVAC), body hardware
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation
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Repair Overhaul:
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Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), wiring harness testing, sensor testing, actuator testing
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Special Tools:
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Identification and usage of specific tools required for certain procedures (e.g., timing belt tensioner tool, ball joint separator)
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Technical Depth
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Depth Of Coverage:
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Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Naturally Aspirated Engine Options:
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2.0L 4G63 SOHC (non-turbo), 2.4L 4G64 SOHC (later models)
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Turbocharged Engine Options:
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2.0L 4G63 DOHC Turbo (G63B/4G63T)
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Performance
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Horsepower Range:
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Approx. 135-150 hp (NA), 200-210 hp (Turbocharged), up to 250 hp (Evo variants - though Evo not typically covered by this specific manual title, it shares core components).
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Torque Range:
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Approx. 125-135 lb-ft (NA), 200-205 lb-ft (Turbocharged)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Injection Type:
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Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
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Fuel Requirement:
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87 Octane (NA), 91+ Octane Recommended (Turbocharged)
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Maintenance Items
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Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
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60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 4G63/4G63T engines to prevent catastrophic damage)
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Spark Plug Type:
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NGK Copper or Platinum (specific part numbers vary by year/engine)
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Transmission
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Standard
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Manual Transmission:
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5-speed manual (F5M21/F5M31 series)
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Optional
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Automatic Transmission:
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4-speed automatic (W4A32 series)
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Features
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All Wheel Drive Availability:
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Available on higher trim levels (e.g., Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD), featuring viscous coupling center differential and limited-slip rear differential.
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Fluid Specifications
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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DIA QUEEN ATF SP-III (or equivalent)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
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Coolant Flush Interval:
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Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (using high-quality long-life coolant).
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (synthetic recommended for turbo models).
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Engine Coolant Type:
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Mitsubishi DIA QUEEN SUPER Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant.
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4.
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Known Issues
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Turbocharger Reliability:
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Early turbo models can suffer from turbo seal wear, cracked exhaust manifolds, and oil starvation if maintenance is neglected. Intercooler piping leaks are also common.
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Engine Mechanical Issues:
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Cracked cylinder heads (especially on early 4G63T), worn piston rings, timing belt tensioner failure (if not replaced at intervals), and distributor issues are possible.
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Suspension And Chassis:
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Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and leaking struts/shocks are common due to age and use. Rust can be an issue in certain climates, particularly on subframes and rocker panels.
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Electrical Gremlins:
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Corroded grounds, failing window regulators, dim instrument cluster lights, and intermittent ECU issues can occur.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Mitsubishi Performance Legacy:
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Mitsubishi has a strong motorsport heritage, particularly with the Lancer Evolution series, which shares much of its powertrain and chassis technology with the DSM platform.
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Model Evolution
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Generation 1 Eclipse Laser Talon:
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Launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year. Known for its sporty styling, front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) options, and the introduction of the 4G63T engine.
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Generation 2 Eclipse Laser Talon:
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Launched in 1994 for the 1995 model year. Featured a complete redesign with more aggressive styling, revised powertrains, and improved suspension. The Laser and Talon nameplates were phased out in North America after the second generation.
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Production
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Manufacturing Location:
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Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler).
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