Target Audience:
Individuals seeking reliable, comfortable transportation with a touch of sportiness, often appealing to families and commuting professionals.
Key Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 626.
Design Philosophy:
The Galant of this era aimed for a blend of European-inspired styling, comfort, and advanced features, often with a focus on driver engagement.
Powertrain Options:
Offered a range of 4-cylinder and V6 engines, with the 2.4L 4-cylinder being a common and efficient choice, while the 3.0L V6 provided stronger performance.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Regions Covered:
Primarily North American and Global market specifications, with potential for variations referenced
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels for the specified years, including ES, LS, GTS, GTZ (depending on market availability)
Estimated Pages:
Detailed manual, estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (4G63, 6G72 V6), engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (W5MG1), automatic transmission (V4A51), transaxle, drive shafts, CV joints, differential, AWD system (if applicable to specific trims).
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering), braking system (front ventilated discs, rear discs/drums, ABS).
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, alternator/starter replacement, steering rack repair.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common faults, OBD-II diagnostics, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, voltage testing, continuity testing, sensor signal diagnosis.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including specifications, tolerances, and torque values for all major components.
Engine Type 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
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 (market dependent)
Torque 1:
Approx. 170-175 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm (market dependent)
Engine Code 2:
6G72 (SOHC)
Engine Type 2:
V6, SOHC, 24-valve
Displacement 2:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 195-200 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque 2:
Approx. 200-210 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (market dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for performance models may be specified)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs for each cylinder (on many models)
Type 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission (W5MG1)
Type 2:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (V4A51)
Features Auto:
Sportronic™ shift capability (manual selection of gears)
Fluid Type Auto:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 8.5-9.5 liters (refer to manual for exact capacity and refill procedure)
Length:
Approx. 188.9 inches (4800 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.3 inches (1785 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3500 lbs (1400-1600 kg), depending on engine and trim
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) (typically for 1997-1999 models, can vary by year/testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, if available)
ABS:
Standard on most trims from 1997 onwards.
Traction Control:
Optional on select higher trims, particularly with V6 engines.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available on some higher trims/later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetics may allow extended intervals, refer to manual).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for 4G63/6G72 engines (interference engines, failure causes severe damage). Check manual for exact interval.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SJ or higher (check manual for precise grade and API rating).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for confirmation).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III, or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid.
Engine 4G63:
Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan, potential issues with crankshaft position sensor.
Engine 6G72:
Timing belt tensioner failure (critical), valve stem seals, intake manifold gaskets, oil leaks.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, occasional hard shifts.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, worn tie rod ends, power steering pump leaks, premature wheel bearing failure on some models.
Electrical:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor issues, occasional instrument cluster problems.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (part of the Mitsubishi Group).
Eighth Gen Launch:
The eighth-generation Galant debuted in Japan in 1996 and launched in North America for the 1994 model year, with significant updates and a facelift occurring for the 1997 model year which this manual covers.
Facelift Impact:
The 1997 facelift brought revised styling (front/rear fascia, lighting) and interior updates, aligning it with Mitsubishi's contemporary design language. Engine updates and feature enhancements also occurred.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily assembled in Japan. Specific variants or regional markets might have had different assembly locations.