Generation:
Eighth Generation (E31A, E32A, E33A, E34A, E35A, E38A, E39A, E30 Series)
Production Years Covered:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Platform:
Mitsubishi E-Platform (shared with other Mitsubishi models of the era)
Chassis Codes:
E31A, E32A, E33A, E34A, E35A, E38A, E39A, E30 Series (varies by market and engine)
Market Position:
Aimed at both DIY owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals seeking comprehensive and accurate repair information for the Mitsubishi Galant.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money on labor costs, as well as professional mechanics needing a reliable reference.
Competitive Analysis:
Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as official dealer service manuals, offering a cost-effective alternative for maintenance and repair.
Key Features:
Vehicle-specific information (not generic), includes diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, step-by-step instructions, and technical specifications. Empowers owners to understand and discuss repairs knowledgeably with technicians.
Illustrative Content:
Contains clear diagrams, detailed illustrations, and exploded views to aid in the understanding of complex procedures and component identification.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft & Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior & Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Body And Chassis:
Covers exterior body panels, interior trim, upholstery, glass, doors, hood, trunk, and related hardware. Also details chassis components like the unibody structure, mounting points, and subframes.
Emission Control:
Details the emission control systems, including catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems, along with diagnostic and repair procedures.
Climate Control:
Detailed information on the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including component testing, refrigerant handling, A/C compressor service, blower motor, and control panel diagnostics.
Body Electrical System:
Covers power windows, power door locks, mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, instrument panel illumination, horn, wipers, and the central locking system.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, maintenance tasks, component removal and installation, wiring schematics, exploded diagrams, specifications
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides, allowing users to diagnose issues based on observable problems (e.g., 'engine runs rough,' 'transmission slips').
Engine Mechanical Repair:
Complete overhaul procedures for all engine variants, including cylinder head removal and reassembly, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing inspection, valve train adjustments, timing belt and chain service, and oil pan and pump replacement.
Electrical System Repair:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, ignition system, fuel injection system wiring, sensor circuits, body control modules, instrument cluster, and power accessories.
Suspension And Steering Service:
Covers inspection, repair, and replacement of suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends) and steering system components (steering rack, power steering pump, steering column).
Brake System Repair:
Detailed procedures for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line inspection and replacement, parking brake adjustment, and ABS component diagnostics.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Information on tire pressure recommendations, wheel alignment procedures, tire rotation, and wheel bearing replacement. Also includes lug nut torque specifications.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs) to advanced diagnostics and full rebuilds. Equivalent to factory dealer service documentation.
Torque Specifications:
Provides critical torque specifications for all fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, brake hardware, and drivetrain components, essential for proper assembly and safety.
Diagnostic Tools:
May reference specific Mitsubishi diagnostic tools or procedures, but generally covers information accessible with common automotive scan tools for the period.
Primary Engine Options:
The eighth-generation Galant featured several engine options, including inline-4 and V6 configurations. Common engines for the North American market during this period included the 2.0L 4G63 SOHC, 2.0L 4G63 DOHC (turbocharged in some performance variants like the VR-4), 2.4L 4G64 SOHC, and 3.0L 6G72 V6 SOHC. Specific engine availability varied by model year and market.
Engine Code Examples:
Examples of engine codes found in this generation include 4G63, 4G64, 6G72. The manual would specify which codes correspond to which engine configurations.
Performance Details:
Horsepower and torque varied significantly based on engine displacement, configuration (naturally aspirated or turbocharged), and tuning. For example, the 4G63 DOHC turbo in the Galant VR-4 typically produced around 218-237 horsepower and 203-230 lb-ft of torque. Naturally aspirated engines offered more modest output figures.
Horsepower Range:
Horsepower typically ranged from approximately 110 hp for base 2.0L engines to over 200 hp for turbocharged performance models.
Fuel System Type:
Fuel Injection (Multi-point fuel injection - MPI and/or Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI, depending on engine and model year).
Recommended Service Intervals:
The manual provides detailed maintenance schedules covering: Oil and Filter Changes (e.g., every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months), Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flushes, Brake Fluid Replacement, Transmission Fluid Changes (manual and automatic), Differential Fluid Changes (for AWD), timing belt replacement (critical for many Mitsubishi engines, typically around 60,000 miles).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Critical maintenance item, typically recommended every 60,000 miles or 4 years, to prevent catastrophic engine damage. The manual provides the exact interval and procedure for each engine variant.
Fluid Specifications:
Includes specific fluid types and viscosities for: Engine Oil (e.g., API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30), Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF - e.g., Dexron-II or equivalent), Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., GL-4 gear oil), Power Steering Fluid, Brake Fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4), Coolant (ethylene glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water), Differential Fluid (for AWD models).
Coolant Capacity:
Typical coolant capacity for this generation would be in the range of 7-9 quarts (6.6-8.5 liters), depending on the engine and cooling system configuration. The manual provides exact capacities.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Typically between 4.0 to 5.0 quarts (3.8 to 4.7 liters) for 4-cylinder engines and 4.5 to 5.5 quarts (4.3 to 5.2 liters) for V6 engines, depending on the specific engine. Manual provides precise capacity for each.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting:
The manual offers solutions for common issues such as: Ignition system problems (coil packs, spark plug wires), Fuel delivery issues (fuel pump, injectors), Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints, struts), Brake component wear, Power steering pump noise/leaks, Automatic transmission solenoid issues, Electrical system gremlins (corrosion, grounding).
Common Engine Issues:
Potential issues could include oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals, cooling system component failures (thermostat, radiator hoses), and ignition misfires due to worn spark plugs or ignition coils.