The 1996 Mitsubishi Galant represents a capable and stylish mid-size sedan, known for its reliable engineering and accessible performance. This generation of the Galant offered a comfortable interior, aerodynamic design, and a choice between a fuel-efficient 2.4L inline-four engine or a more powerful 3.0L V6. Select models were also equipped with an optional All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction and handling. Competing in a segment alongside established rivals, the Galant distinguished itself with its value proposition and the sporty driving dynamics of its higher trims.
This comprehensive service and repair manual is designed to provide detailed guidance for the 1996 Mitsubishi Galant, covering North American and global markets. It thoroughly details all major systems, including the powertrain (engines 4G63 and 6G72, transmissions, drivetrain, fuel, and exhaust), chassis (suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires), electrical systems (ignition, lighting, HVAC, ECU diagnostics), and bodywork. The manual includes routine maintenance procedures, step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic troubleshooting guides, and technical specifications, making it an essential resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians seeking to maintain and repair this vehicle effectively.
Chassis Code:
E30, E33, E34, E35, E38, E39, E3A (varies by market and specific chassis designation)
Engine Code Primary:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC)
Engine Code Secondary:
6G72 (3.0L V6 SOHC)
Positioning:
The 1996 Mitsubishi Galant was a mid-size sedan positioned as a practical, reliable, and stylish family car with a focus on value and accessible performance, particularly in its sporty GS trims.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, and Chevrolet Lumina.
Design:
Aerodynamic styling, comfortable interior, available with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on select models (e.g., AWD GS).
Engine Options:
Offered with a robust 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a smooth 3.0L V6, providing a range of performance choices.
Primary Coverage:
North American and Global Markets
Secondary Coverage:
Specific regional variants might have minor differences noted
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (typical for a comprehensive service manual)
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63, 6G72), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheel & Tire Service
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Engine Control Unit (ECU) Diagnostics
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Seats, Restraints (SRS)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, timing belt replacement
Repair:
Component disassembly, assembly, replacement, and adjustment for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical circuit diagrams
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and filter changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and bodywork repair.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Typically text-searchable within the PDF for quick information retrieval
Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for printing key sections or the entire manual
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Displacement:
2351 cc (2.4 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Horsepower Est:
140 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Est:
144 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Displacement:
2972 cc (3.0 Liters)
Configuration:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves
Horsepower Est:
175 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Est:
180 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Octane Rating:
87 Octane (minimum recommended, 91 for optimal performance in V6)
Type 4Cyl:
5-speed Manual
Type V6:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Type 4Cyl:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Type V6 AWD:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II) with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD System:
Optional Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with viscous coupling on certain trims, particularly the AWD GS.
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SP-III or equivalent Dexron-III ATF
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended)
Length Est:
4700-4750 mm (185-187 inches)
Width Est:
1750-1770 mm (68.9-69.7 inches)
Height Est:
1390-1420 mm (54.7-55.9 inches)
Wheelbase Est:
2640-2670 mm (103.9-105.1 inches)
Curb Weight Est Min:
1300 kg (2866 lbs)
Curb Weight Est Max:
1550 kg (3417 lbs)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 3-star or 4-star (typical for the era, documentation may vary)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most trims.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front seatbelts.
Structure:
Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available on higher trims. Basic speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control standard on most trims.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heating, with optional automatic climate control on some V6 models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic audio connectivity (cassette/CD). No modern Bluetooth or USB integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750-7,500 miles (6,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for the 4G63 engine (non-interference potential varies, but recommended replacement is vital).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for climate-specific viscosity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use long-life coolant if specified.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine 4G63:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (can cause interference damage), potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan.
Transmission Auto:
Hesitation or rough shifting can indicate low fluid, worn clutches, or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints, rear trailing arm bushings leading to alignment issues and noise.
Electrical:
Power window regulators, intermittent wiper switch issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Corrosion:
Rust can be an issue on rocker panels, wheel wells, and strut towers, especially in areas with road salt.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering innovation and diverse product lines.
Galant Generation:
This manual covers the sixth generation (E30 chassis) of the Mitsubishi Galant, produced from 1987-1993, with facelifts and updates extending into 1996 for certain markets. The 1996 model year represents the later part of this generation's lifecycle.
Production Years:
1987-1993 (E30 generation primary production), with 1996 being a model year within this platform's extended availability or a specific market's continuation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in other international locations.
Performance Awards:
While not a frequent award winner in its class, the Galant, especially the AWD GS variant with the 4G63 engine, was praised for its sporty handling and performance characteristics.
