Target Audience:
Families, commuters, and those seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan with a focus on value.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.
Design:
The 2004 Galant featured a distinctive 'wedge' styling and was known for its comfortable interior and generally reliable powertrain options.
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of features, comfort, and affordability compared to some rivals, often with aggressive pricing.
Engine:
Covers all aspects of engine operation, including maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all available engine variants.
Transmission:
Detailed coverage of automatic and manual transmission systems, including removal, installation, overhaul, and diagnostics.
Brakes:
Comprehensive information on ABS, brake hydraulics, caliper and rotor service, parking brake, and troubleshooting brake system faults.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics for lighting, ignition, charging, starting, and power accessories.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, steering system maintenance, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
HVAC:
Information on air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, climate control unit diagnostics, and heater core replacement.
Body Chassis:
Covers exterior and interior body panels, doors, windows, locks, and chassis component repairs.
Exhaust System:
Details on exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipe replacement.
Fuel System:
Coverage of fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing, and evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Maintenance:
Includes routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, and tune-ups.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting steps for identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components of the vehicle.
Overhaul:
In-depth instructions for complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing and fixing various problems, often with detailed symptom-to-cause correlation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complex electrical diagnostics and complete engine rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code 1:
4G64 (2.4L SOHC Inline-4)
Displacement 1:
2351 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
140 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
147 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Displacement 2:
2972 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
195 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
203 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Manufacturer-specific Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system.
Type 1:
4-speed Automatic (FWD)
Type 2:
5-speed Manual (available on some 4-cylinder models)
FWD Layout:
All models are front-wheel drive.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen SPIII (or equivalent ATF SP III)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 7.2 liters (7.6 US quarts) for a dry fill, less for a drain and refill.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Good (refer to specific NHTSA reports for exact year/testing conditions)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Good (refer to specific NHTSA reports for exact year/testing conditions)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system, some models may have premium audio with cassette tape player.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system was available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic blend recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change for 2.4L, 4.2 liters (4.4 US quarts) with filter change for 3.0L V6.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON®-III (or compatible ATF).
Engine Mounts:
Wear and tear on engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
Timing Belt:
The 4G64 engine uses a timing belt that requires replacement at recommended intervals (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles) to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Catalytic Converter:
Can fail over time, leading to performance issues and check engine lights.
Automatic Transmission:
Some units may experience shifting issues or premature wear if not maintained properly.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
15K 30K Miles:
Oil change, filter replacement, tire rotation, inspect brakes, fluids, belts, hoses.
60K Miles:
Replace spark plugs, timing belt (if applicable), serpentine belt, inspect transmission fluid, coolant.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer.
Generation 8:
The 2004 model year represents the final iteration of the eighth generation Galant (produced from 1998-2003 in Japan, with North American production continuing until 2004).
North American Market:
The Galant was a popular sedan in North America, known for its distinctive styling and value proposition.
Manufacturing Location:
North American models were primarily assembled in Normal, Illinois, USA.
Safety Award Example:
While specific awards for the 2004 model are less common, the Galant platform often received 'Good' ratings in IIHS crash tests for its generation.
Consumer Reports General:
Consumer Reports typically rated the Galant as average to below-average in predicted reliability compared to segment leaders during this period, often citing issues with the transmission and electrical systems.
