Segment:
Mid-size sedan, often positioned as a comfortable and reliable family car with available sporty variants.
Competitors Era:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, and Nissan Maxima.
Design Era:
Reflected the automotive design trends of the late 1980s and early 1990s, often featuring aerodynamic lines and spacious interiors.
Powertrain Options:
Offered both fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines and more powerful V6 engines, coupled with manual and automatic transmissions.
Demographic:
Families, individuals seeking reliable transportation, and enthusiasts who appreciated Mitsubishi's engineering.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine fuel & emissions, engine electrical, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, body, HVAC, electrical system, troubleshooting, maintenance.
Total Pages:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for WSM of this era).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (WSM) / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, possibly scanned)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing belt/chain systems.
Engine Fuel Emissions:
Fuel injection systems (MPI/EFI), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, emissions control systems (EGR, catalytic converter, evaporative emissions), diagnosis of fuel and emission faults.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system (coil, distributor, spark plugs), starter system, charging system (alternator, regulator), ECU/ECM operation and diagnosis, wiring diagrams, sensor testing.
Transmission:
Manual transmission: clutch operation, gearbox disassembly/assembly. Automatic transmission: hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, solenoids, general overhaul procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) systems, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and master cylinder overhaul.
Body Exterior Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, seals, interior trim, seat adjustments.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit.
Electrical Accessories:
Lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, audio system, instrument cluster, fuses, relays.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacements, brake fluid changes, air filter replacement, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common issue diagnosis.
Repair Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, engine clearances, fluid capacities, alignment settings, resistance values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth diagnostic procedures and complete component overhauls.
Engine Codes Common:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC I4), 6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 105 hp (2.0L) to 150 hp (3.0L V6), depending on engine variant and market.
Torque Range:
Approx. 125 lb-ft (2.0L) to 170 lb-ft (3.0L V6).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typically recommended, but check manual for specific variants).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Ignition Timing:
Refer to manual for specific base timing and electronic timing advance specifications. Adjustable via ECU or specific sensors.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-up Torque Converter
Automatic Features:
Sport/Economy modes (on some models), electronic control for shift points.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (verify exact spec in manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi Genuine ATF SP-II or equivalent (e.g., Dexron II/III compatible fluids, but verify with manual).
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for this era are generally unavailable or not comparable to modern standards. Focus on structural integrity and occupant protection features.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on many models, particularly with the V6 engine.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became increasingly common and standard by the early 1990s. Passenger airbag was a rarer option.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front occupants, two-point lap belts for rear occupants.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, typically composite units.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: 4G63 engines are interference engines. Replacement typically recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Consult manual for precise interval and procedure.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 is common. Check manual for precise viscosity and API rating.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0-7.0 quarts (5.7-6.6 liters), depending on engine and cooling system size. Check manual for exact capacity.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration and noise.
Automatic Transmission:
Some transmissions may experience rough shifting or delayed engagement, potentially due to solenoid issues or low fluid levels/quality.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are common wear items leading to steering looseness and clunks.
Rust Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be an issue, particularly in areas with harsh winters or coastal environments. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
Electrical Connections:
Corroded grounds or frayed wiring can lead to intermittent electrical issues in various systems.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi, a Japanese manufacturer with a long history in automotive production, known for engineering prowess and distinctive designs (e.g., Lancer Evolution lineage, although the Galant is a mainstream sedan).
E30 Generation:
The E30/E33A generation marked a significant shift in styling and technology for the Galant, moving towards more aerodynamic and modern design language. It was available in various trim levels and body styles, including sedan and hatchback (later discontinued).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan. Some models may have been assembled in other regions under license or joint ventures.
Market Reception:
The Galant enjoyed moderate sales success during this period, valued for its comfortable ride, good feature set for the price, and often reliable powertrains.