Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 626/Mazda6.
Strengths:
Often offered distinctive styling, sporty handling (especially with V6 engines), and good value for money. Known for reliable powertrains.
Weaknesses:
Interior materials could sometimes lag behind segment leaders, and some models experienced specific wear-and-tear issues common to the era.
Styling:
Aero-dynamic and often sleek design for its time.
Engine Options:
Choice between economical 4-cylinder and more powerful V6 engines.
Interior Appointments:
Comfortable seating, available premium audio, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emissions control systems (EVAP, EGR), turbocharging (if applicable to specific trims).
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (INVECS-II or similar) overhaul, torque converter, valve body, electronic control unit (TCU), gear shift mechanisms, fluid service.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission overhaul, clutch assembly, drive shafts, flywheel, linkage, fluid service.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut, multi-link), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications, alignment.
Electrical System:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting system, horn, wipers, washers.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, structural components, rust repair.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant charging, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pre-tensioners, diagnostic procedures for safety systems.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission), timing belt inspection/replacement (if applicable).
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-II), wiring diagram analysis.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve adjustments (if applicable), throttle body synchronization, brake adjustments.
Installation Procedures:
Installation guidelines for replacement parts and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Code And Type 1:
4G64 (2.4L SOHC Inline-4)
Displacement 1:
2351 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 145-150 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on model year and specific tuning)
Torque 1:
Approx. 160-165 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (depending on model year and specific tuning)
Fuel System 1:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System 1:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition depending on specific market/trim.
Engine Code And Type 2:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Displacement 2:
2972 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
9.5:1
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 195-200 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on model year and specific tuning)
Torque 2:
Approx. 200-205 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on model year and specific tuning)
Fuel System 2:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 7.5-9.0 seconds (V6), 9.0-10.5 seconds (4-cylinder), depending on transmission and trim.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 17.2 gallons (65 Liters)
Length:
Approx. 186.6 inches (4740 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.1 inches (968 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 43.0 inches (1092 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 36.8 inches (935 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 36.2 inches (919 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14.5 cubic feet (410 Liters)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3130 lbs (1420 kg) for 4-cylinder models
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3375 lbs (1530 kg) for V6 models
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4400-4600 lbs
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size 1:
P205/60R16 (common on base/ES models)
Optional Tire Size 1:
P215/50R17 or P215/55R16 (common on LS/GTS/GTZ models)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (2001 model year tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star (2001 model year tested)
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for models tested in this era)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models in earlier years.
Traction Control:
Available on some higher trims, particularly with V6 engines.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Side-impact airbags available on higher trims.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.
Service Intervals Gasoline
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to the manual for exact mileage based on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, as it significantly impacts HVAC performance and air quality.
Spark Plug Replacement 4 Cyl:
Platinum-tipped plugs typically last 60,000-100,000 miles. Iridium plugs can last longer. Check manual for specific plug type and interval.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Similar to 4-cylinder, depending on plug type specified.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for the 4G64 engine. Interval typically 60,000-105,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years. Use of Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) is recommended.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years, or as recommended by the manual, to maintain braking performance and prevent corrosion.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and fluid type used.
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SG/SH/SJ certified. Check manual for precise recommendation.
Engine Oil Capacity 4 Cyl:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Green ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, or Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-SLLC).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5-8.5 US quarts (7.1-8.0 Liters)
Engine 4G64 Timing Belt:
Crucial to replace at recommended intervals to prevent catastrophic failure due to the engine being interference.
Engine Mounts:
Can wear out over time, leading to increased vibration, especially at idle.
Automatic Transmission Shifting:
Some transmissions may exhibit rough shifting or slipping; regular fluid changes with the correct type (SP-III) are critical.
Suspension Bushings:
Control arm and sway bar bushings can degrade, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Power Steering Pump:
Can develop leaks or noise over time.
Ignition Coils:
Individual ignition coils (if equipped) can fail, leading to misfires.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors are a common failure point, illuminating the ABS warning light.
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automaker with a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles across various segments, from compact cars to SUVs and performance vehicles.
Galant Lineage:
The Galant nameplate has been used by Mitsubishi since 1969, with numerous generations and design philosophies. The 2001-2003 models represent the latter part of the eighth generation, which was sold globally in various forms.
Eighth Generation Era:
The eighth generation (introduced in 1996 globally) saw the Galant adopt a more aerodynamic and rounded design, moving away from the sharper lines of previous generations. North American models were often distinguished by unique styling cues and powertrain options.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and North America (Illinois, USA) for the respective markets.
Model Run:
Eighth generation: 1996-2003 (globally); 2001-2003 models covered by this manual are the facelifted versions of the North American E80 platform.