Key Selling Points:
Comfortable ride, spacious interior, reliable powertrain options, distinctive styling
Competitors 1997 2001:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, driver-focused cockpit
Availability:
Offered in various trim levels, including ES, LS, and GTS (sportier trim)
Engine:
2.4L 4G64 SOHC, 3.0L 6G72 SOHC V6
Fuel System:
MPI (Multi-Point Injection), Fuel delivery, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Spark Plugs, Coils
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Thermostat, Water Pump, Coolant Specifications
Exhaust System:
Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Exhaust Manifold, Emission Controls
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (F4A51, KM175), 5-Speed Manual (W5MG1)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (optional on select models)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Beam Axle
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical System:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body Panel Removal/Installation, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Chassis Components
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC System Components, Refrigerant, Operation
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), Seat Belts, Immobilizer System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Tune-ups, Belt Inspections and Replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Charts
Repair:
Engine Overhauls, Transmission Rebuilds, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) System, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Retrieval and Interpretation
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Adjustment:
Valve Adjustments, Clutch Adjustment, Park Brake Adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and torque specifications
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Engine 1 Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 140-156 hp (depending on specific model year and tune)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 145-157 lb-ft (depending on specific model year and tune)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Engine 2 Type:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 195-205 hp (depending on specific model year and tune)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 200-207 lb-ft (depending on specific model year and tune)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended, higher may be specified for V6)
Standard Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (F4A51)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (W5MG1)
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Possibly includes 'Sport' or 'Normal' modes for varying shift points
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond SP-III (or equivalent ATF Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.5 inches (2654 mm)
Length:
Approx. 188.2 inches (4780 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1400 - 1600 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4300 - 4500 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (for driver and passenger) based on era standards
IIHS Side Impact:
Varies; manual will detail specific structural integrity aspects.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (SRS)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners (front)
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard in this era; manual may reference alternative securing methods.
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe use) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal use) - consult manual for specific conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000-30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
If equipped, inspect annually or every 15,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type recommended, as per manual)
Transmission Fluid And Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (or per severe service schedule)
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill long-life, then every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Timing Belt:
105,000 miles (for 4G64 engine - CRITICAL replacement item; V6 likely has a different interval or chain)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.4L; 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for 3.0L V6
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for climate/severe duty recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - typically a pink or red color.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or III equivalent ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Mounts:
Wear over time, leading to vibration and noise
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional harsh shifts or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering looseness and noise
Exhaust System Corrosion:
Common in areas with road salt, leading to rust and leaks
Window Regulators:
Motor or mechanism failure in power windows
Radiator Leaks:
Can develop cracks over time, especially at the plastic end tanks
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan
Generation Overview:
The 8th generation Galant represented a significant styling and engineering update from its predecessor, aiming for a more sophisticated and global appeal.
Manufacturing Location:
North American models primarily assembled in Normal, Illinois, USA; some global markets may have different origins.
Production Years For This Generation:
1994-2003 (globally, North American market 1997-2001)