Vehicle Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan, competitive with domestic and import rivals.
Competitors 1997:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima.
Vehicle Strengths:
Comfortable ride, stylish design, often good value for money, available V6 engine.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level repair information, reducing reliance on dealerships.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor inputs/outputs.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gear shifting mechanisms, internal component overhaul, fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, hydraulic control system, valve body, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle components (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shock absorbers.
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, lines), steering column, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes (depending on trim), ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul.
Electrical Body:
Lighting system, interior/exterior electrical components, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system wiring.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser), heating system, blower motor, climate control unit.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, underbody coatings, structural components.
Chassis Electrical:
Instrument cluster, dashboard warning lights, diagnostics connector (OBD-I/OBD-II).
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, transmission fluid changes, etc.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams for electrical issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation.
Adjustment And Calibration:
Procedures for clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment, idle speed adjustment, headlight aiming, etc.
Special Tools:
Identification of specific tools required for certain repair procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Exhaustive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics Focus:
Detailed explanation of diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of fault codes and sensor data.
Schematics:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Engine Code 1:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC Inline-4)
Displacement 1:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.5 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Horsepower 1:
135 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
137 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Displacement 2:
2972 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
8.5:1
Horsepower 2:
195 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG, SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate conditions)
Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter
Oil Capacity V6:
4.8 US quarts (4.6 Liters) with filter
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission (on select trims)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (INVECS-II with Sportronic on some models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, adaptive shift logic, manual mode (Sportronic) allowing driver selection of gears.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi ATF SP-II or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Length:
Approx. 187.6 inches (4765 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg), varies by trim and engine
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4300 - 4500 lbs
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 15.5 cubic feet (Varies slightly)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1997 model year estimate)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1997 model year estimate)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard; ISOFIX points may be present on some international models.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player, with optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard. Automatic climate control may be available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Available on mid-to-higher trim levels.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available for this model year.
Cellular Connectivity:
N/A (No built-in connectivity features)
OBD Standard:
OBD-I compliant, with a proprietary Mitsubishi diagnostic connector typically located under the dash or in the engine bay. Some later models might feature early OBD-II compatibility (16-pin connector).
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs (if equipped).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. Use genuine Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problem 1:
Timing belt failure (critical to adhere to replacement intervals, often 60,000-90,000 miles depending on conditions).
Common Problem 2:
Automatic transmission issues: slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifting can occur with age and mileage; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Common Problem 3:
CV joint wear: particularly the front inner CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during acceleration or turning.
Common Problem 4:
Engine oil leaks: valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are common sources of leaks over time.
Common Problem 5:
Power steering pump noise or leaks: wear in the pump or hoses can lead to these issues.
Common Problem 6:
ECS (Electronic Control Suspension) issues (if equipped with optional suspension): sensor faults or fluid leaks can affect ride height and comfort.
Mitsubishi Motors Origins:
Founded in 1970, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history in shipbuilding and diverse industries.
Galant Generations:
The 1997 Galant belongs to the sixth generation (E30/E40/E50/E60/E70/E80), introduced in late 1987 globally and for the US market in 1989. The 1997 model year reflects updates within this generation, specifically the facelifted version that arrived for 1994.
Key Design Elements Sixth Gen:
Aerodynamic styling, often featuring pop-up headlights in early models of this generation, later replaced by conventional headlights. Known for its comfortable and spacious interior for its class.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing for the North American market was in Normal, Illinois, USA, through Diamond-Star Motors (DSM).
Production Years Sixth Gen:
1987-1993 (initial phase), 1994-1998 (facelifted phase, including 1997).