Positioning:
The Mitsubishi Galant of this era was positioned as a mid-size sedan, often competing with established Japanese and American rivals, offering a balance of comfort, performance, and value, with some models featuring sporty or upscale attributes.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu.
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its distinctive styling (especially the 'twin-cockpit' dash), optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) on some models, and capable yet comfortable ride. The V6 engine offered robust performance for its class.
Value Proposition:
This manual provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the detailed, factory-authorized information required to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Mitsubishi Galant across its 1997-2001 model years, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels including ES, LS, GS, GT, GTS
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), transmission (automatic & manual)
Chassis:
Brakes (ABS, hydraulic, parking), steering, suspension (front & rear), driveline (FWD & AWD)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, instrumentation, body electrical, power accessories, climate control, audio system
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, reassembly, component testing
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Code 1:
4G64 (2.4L SOHC Inline-4)
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
8.5:1
Horsepower 1:
140-143 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies by year/market)
Torque 1:
145-147 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by year/market)
Engine Code 2:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Bore X Stroke 2:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
8.5:1
Horsepower 2:
195-205 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by year/market)
Torque 2:
205-210 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Proprietary Mitsubishi ECU, OBD-II compliant for models sold in North America.
Transmission Type 1:
5-speed Manual (typically with 4-cylinder)
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II with Sportronic) (available with both engines)
AWD Option:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system available, typically paired with the V6 engine and automatic transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific DEXRON III or equivalent. Capacity typically 7-9 quarts for complete refill.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 viscosity. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 quarts.
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating Driver:
4 stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating Passenger:
4 stars (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most higher trims, optional on some base models. Covers 4-wheel disc brakes on V6 models and front discs with rear drums/discs on 4-cyl.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly with AWD or V6 engines.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were not commonly available during these model years.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM cassette or CD player, with optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity). Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on trim level. Includes A/C, heater, and recirculation functions.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, integrated into steering wheel or column stalks.
Anti Theft:
Factory immobilizer system on some models and markets.
OBD Ii:
OBD-II diagnostic port available for emission system monitoring and fault code retrieval on models sold in North America from 1996 onwards.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for the 4G64 and 6G72 engines. Recommended replacement every 60,000 - 90,000 miles. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature). Oil capacity approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts for 4-cyl, 4.5-5.0 quarts for V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Asian vehicle specific pink or red coolant. Capacity approx. 7.0-8.0 quarts.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual, typically ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration and clunking noises, especially on acceleration/deceleration.
Cv Axles:
Front CV axle boots can tear, leading to CV joint failure (clicking noise on turns).
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks in exhaust components, especially in rust-belt regions.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors.
O2 Sensors:
Oxygen sensor failure leading to check engine light and poor fuel economy.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors, a global automotive manufacturer with a history of innovation in powertrain technology, rally racing, and distinctive design.
8Th Gen Introduction:
The 8th generation Galant (1994-2004 globally, 1997-2001 in North America) was a significant redesign, introducing sleeker styling and more refined platforms. It was available in numerous global markets with different engine and feature configurations.
North American Assembly:
Produced at Mitsubishi's assembly plant in Normal, Illinois, USA.
Facelift Year:
Received a minor facelift for the 1999 model year, including revised front and rear styling, updated wheel designs, and interior enhancements.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Ratings varied by model year and specific powertrain. Generally considered average to above average for reliability during its production run, with some years showing stronger performance than others.
Jd Power And Associates:
While specific awards for this generation are not broadly publicized, Mitsubishi vehicles of this era generally aimed for competitive placement in quality and dependability studies.
Emissions Compliance:
All models comply with US EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for their respective model years.
