Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan (often positioned as a sporty or upscale alternative)
Competitive Set:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina
Galant Strengths:
Unique styling (especially during this generation), often good value, available V6 engines, sporty handling in some trims
Galant Weaknesses:
Interior materials perceived as less premium than some rivals, reliability perception varied by engine/transmission
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership or independent shop labor.
Manual Ease Of Use:
Designed to make repair jobs easy to do with clear instructions and detailed diagrams.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control (ECU), sensors, actuators
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control (EVAP)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearshift mechanism, gearbox overhaul, removal/installation
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission removal/installation, overhaul, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic control
Drivetrain:
Axles, CV joints, differential, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs
Steering:
Steering column, rack and pinion, power steering system (pump, lines, fluid)
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (discs/drums), ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, parking brake
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals
Electrical Body:
Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors, antenna
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant, cabin filter
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, airbags, seatbelts
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and replacements, brake pad/shoe replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, disassembly, reassembly, adjustment, replacement
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools for specific repair tasks
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical circuit diagrams for all systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Full rebuild procedures for major components (engine, transmission)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including circuit testing and component troubleshooting
Completeness:
Professional quality, in-depth service and repair information
Engine Code Common 1:
4G63 (2.0L DOHC Turbo - VR-4 model)
Engine Code Common 2:
6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6)
Engine Code Common 3:
4G93 (1.8L SOHC)
Engine Code Common 4:
4G94 (2.4L DOHC)
Hp 2.4L:
Approximately 140-150 hp (depending on year and specific variant)
Hp 3.0L V6:
Approximately 195-200 hp
Hp 4G63 Turbo (Vr-4):
Approximately 240-280 hp (factory figures, often higher with modifications)
Torque 2.4L:
Approximately 150-160 lb-ft
Torque 3.0L V6:
Approximately 200-210 lb-ft
Torque 4G63 Turbo (Vr-4):
Approximately 250-280 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine, premium recommended for V6 and Turbo)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,750 to 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped plugs typically 60,000-100,000 miles; standard plugs 30,000 miles (verify type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 4G63/4G93 engines (non-interference recommended at 60,000 miles, interference at 70,000-90,000 miles). Consult manual for specific engine type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (verify with manual for specific engine/climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a green or orange coolant. Refer to manual for specific type and mix ratio.
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Mitsubishi DIA Queen ATF-J2 or equivalent for automatics. Manual transmission fluid API GL-4 or GL-5.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), piston ring wear (high mileage 4G63/4G93), radiator issues, potential for head gasket failure on high-mileage V6s.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission harsh shifting or failure (especially earlier models), clutch wear in manuals.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn suspension bushings, premature strut/shock absorber wear, front end noises.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, alternator problems, sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor).
Mitsubishi Reputation:
Known for rally heritage (Lancer Evolution), innovative technologies, and robust engineering, though sometimes overlooked in mainstream segments.
Previous Generations:
The Galant has a long history dating back to the 1960s, with various design and platform changes.
8Th Generation Debut:
This generation (1994-2004 globally, 1996-2003 in North America) marked a significant styling shift with a more aerodynamic and rounded design compared to its predecessor.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform elements with other Mitsubishi models of the era, including the Eclipse and Endeavor in some aspects.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other global locations.