Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and professional technicians
Competitors 1998:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima
Platform:
Developed on Mitsubishi's global platform, sharing components with other contemporary Mitsubishi models.
Design Philosophy:
Known for its distinctive 'cab-forward' styling and comfortable ride in its era.
Licensing:
Officially licensed, ensuring accuracy and completeness as provided by the manufacturer.
Usability:
Digital format allows for quick searching of specific topics, procedures, and specifications.
Primary Coverage:
Full service, repair, diagnostics, and maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Electrical systems, body and chassis, specifications, troubleshooting
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable with searchable content)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, diagnostics
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, disc and drum brake service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, wheel bearings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body control modules, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, bumpers, collision repair basics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on implementation)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly procedures, torque specifications, adjustments
Specifications:
Detailed technical specifications for all major components and systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.
Engine Code 1:
4G63 (2.4L SOHC)
Displacement 1:
2351 cc (2.4 Liters)
Configuration 1:
Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC, 16 valves
Bore X Stroke 1:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
8.4:1
Horsepower 1:
145 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
195 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
6A13 (2.5L V6)
Displacement 2:
2498 cc (2.5 Liters)
Configuration 2:
V6 cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Horsepower 2:
160 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
177 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Injection:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Minimum) / 91 Octane (Recommended for optimal performance)
Type 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission (KM132 series)
Type 2:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (F4AXX series)
Automatic Modes:
Includes 'Sport' and 'Economy' modes on some variants
Manual Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (Refer to manual for exact Mitsubishi spec)
Automatic Fluid:
MITSUBISHI DIAQUEEN J3 / SP III ATF (or equivalent)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-Star (1998 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-Star (1998 model year)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select trims/options
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD player, typically 4-6 speakers
Display:
Basic digital or analog climate controls, simple instrument cluster
Cruise Control:
Standard on most mid to high trim levels
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic radio and antenna connections; no modern connectivity like Bluetooth or USB
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium recommended for longer life)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (Critical for 4G63 engine to prevent catastrophic damage)
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ, ILSAC GF-2 SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (Check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, meeting Mitsubishi specifications (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to vibrations and clunking noises
Exhaust Manifold:
Cracking can occur on some 4G63 variants due to heat cycles
Automatic Transmission:
Can exhibit harsh shifting or slipping if fluid is not maintained or if valve body issues arise
Window Regulators:
Plastic clips can fail, causing windows to drop into the door panel
Fuel Pump:
Can become noisy or fail, leading to starting issues or stalling
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has a long history in automotive manufacturing, dating back to the early 20th century, known for innovations in engine technology and rally racing.
Galant Fifth Generation:
The 1998 Galant is part of the fifth generation (E30 series was replaced by E50/E70/E80, followed by the sixth generation E30 for many markets, but the US market 1998 model refers to the 'Project Global' platform derived E30 series which was updated for North America in 1994 as the E33/E34 series. The US '98 Galant is typically the 6th generation (E33A/E34A chassis code in Japan, E81A/E83A for North America), distinct from the Japanese market 7th generation Galant.
Platform Designation:
USA market 1998 Galant uses the E81A/E83A platform designation, based on the 'Project Global' platform. This is a key distinction for service manual applicability.
Manufacturing Location Usa:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Awards Vehicle:
While specific awards for the 1998 model are not widely publicized, the Galant's generation was generally well-regarded for its value and comfort in the mid-size segment.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Ratings varied by year and specific model, often reflecting average reliability for the era, with some areas needing attention as detailed in the manual.