Years Covered:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Chassis Codes:
E31, E32, E33, E34, E35, E38, E39 (specific to generation and drivetrain)
Market Position:
The Mitsubishi Galant of this era was positioned as a mid-size sedan offering a blend of comfort, performance, and value, often competing with models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus.
Competitive Analysis:
The Galant was known for its distinctive styling (especially the fifth generation, 1987-1993) and available advanced features like all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering on certain trims, differentiating it from many mainstream competitors.
Key Features:
Available V6 engines, optional all-wheel drive (full-time or part-time), advanced suspension designs for its time, and a focus on aerodynamic styling.
Coverage Areas:
All mechanical and electrical systems, including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, HVAC, body, and diagnostics.
Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (W5M33, KM212) and automatic transmission (F4A21, F4A42) overhaul, operation, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials and driveshafts.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), anti-lock braking system (ABS) where applicable, parking brake.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging systems, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning (A/C), heater core, blower motor, controls.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis lubrication points.
Diagnostic Systems:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams for diagnostic circuits.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, air filter replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul (pistons, rings, bearings, cylinder heads), transmission rebuild, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension arm and ball joint replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnosis of common faults and performance issues using symptom-based flowcharts.
Specifications Tables:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing, valve clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, electrical resistance values.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Options:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC I4), 4G63T (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged I4 - common in performance trims like GSR/VR-4), 6G71 (2.5L SOHC V6), 6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6 - less common in US market for this gen but present elsewhere).
4G63 Performance:
Approx. 123-145 hp, 130-140 lb-ft torque (naturally aspirated). 4G63T offered 195-237 hp and 203-260 lb-ft torque depending on the specific tune and model (e.g., VR-4).
6G71 Performance:
Approx. 160-170 hp, 170-180 lb-ft torque.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI).
Engine Management:
ECI-Multi (Electronic Control Injection - Multi) system, utilizing sensors for engine speed, manifold absolute pressure (MAP), coolant temperature, throttle position, etc.
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostatically controlled fan.
Lubrication System:
Wet sump lubrication with internal oil pump and oil filter.
Timing System:
Timing belt driven overhead camshafts (OHC or DOHC).
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., W5M33 for AWD models, KM212 for FWD models).
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., F4A21 for FWD, F4A42 for AWD models).
AWD Transmission Features:
Active All-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems, often with viscous coupling center differential and optional rear limited-slip differential (LSD) on performance models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specific capacity and type detailed in manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (specific capacity and type detailed in manual).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm).
Overall Length:
Approx. 181.5 inches (4610 mm).
Overall Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm).
Overall Height:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm).
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and drivetrain, typically ranging from 3,000 to 3,500 lbs (1360-1590 kg).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specific to model and configuration, detailed in manual.
NHTSA Ratings:
Information for this era is less standardized than modern ratings. Consult specific VINs or recall databases for detailed safety performance. Likely received acceptable ratings for its time.
Active Features:
Front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on higher trims or AWD models.
Passive Features:
Seat belts (driver and passenger), reinforced safety cell, impact-absorbing steering column.
Optional Safety Features:
Driver-side airbag (became more common towards the end of this generation).
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player was standard. Optional features could include CD players and upgraded speaker systems.
Driver Assistance:
Limited by modern standards. Key advanced features for the era included optional ABS and, on select AWD models, active all-wheel drive systems and potentially four-wheel steering.
Connectivity:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Communication was limited to radio and cassette playback.
Other Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control (optional or standard on higher trims), climate control (manual or automatic).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Critical for engine longevity as failure can cause severe damage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., copper, platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine and climate recommendations).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mitsubishi recommends their own Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid (check manual).
Known Issues:
Timing belt tensioner failure (critical to replace with belt), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets, alternator failure, A/C system leaks, rust (especially in wheel wells and rocker panels), CV joint wear on AWD models.
Turbo Specific Issues:
Oil starvation on turbocharged models if maintenance is neglected, turbocharger bearing wear, wastegate actuator issues.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its engineering prowess, particularly in turbocharging and all-wheel-drive technology, often seen in its performance vehicles and rally heritage.
Model Evolution Generation:
This period covers the fourth generation (1987-1993), codenamed E31A, E32A, E33A, etc. This generation marked a significant redesign, featuring more aerodynamic styling and a wider range of powertrains, including the highly regarded turbocharged 4G63 engine in the GSR and VR-4 AWD variants.
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly potentially occurring in other global markets.
