E30, E33, E34, E35, E38, E39, E3A (varies by market and specific chassis designation)
Engine Code Primary:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC/DOHC)
Engine Code Secondary:
6G72 (3.0L V6 SOHC)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
The 1996 Mitsubishi Galant was a mid-size sedan positioned as a practical, reliable, and stylish family car with a focus on value and accessible performance, particularly in its sporty GS trims.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, and Chevrolet Lumina.
Key Features
Design:
Aerodynamic styling, comfortable interior, available with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on select models (e.g., AWD GS).
Engine Options:
Offered with a robust 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a smooth 3.0L V6, providing a range of performance choices.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
North American and Global Markets
Secondary Coverage:
Specific regional variants might have minor differences noted
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (typical for a comprehensive service manual)
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and filter changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and bodywork repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Typically text-searchable within the PDF for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for printing key sections or the entire manual
87 Octane (minimum recommended, 91 for optimal performance in V6)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type 4Cyl:
5-speed Manual
Type V6:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Optional
Type 4Cyl:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II)
Type V6 AWD:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II) with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Features
AWD System:
Optional Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with viscous coupling on certain trims, particularly the AWD GS.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SP-III or equivalent Dexron-III ATF
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Est:
4700-4750 mm (185-187 inches)
Width Est:
1750-1770 mm (68.9-69.7 inches)
Height Est:
1390-1420 mm (54.7-55.9 inches)
Wheelbase Est:
2640-2670 mm (103.9-105.1 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Est Min:
1300 kg (2866 lbs)
Curb Weight Est Max:
1550 kg (3417 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 3-star or 4-star (typical for the era, documentation may vary)
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, standard on higher trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most trims.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front seatbelts.
Structure:
Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available on higher trims. Basic speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control standard on most trims.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heating, with optional automatic climate control on some V6 models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic audio connectivity (cassette/CD). No modern Bluetooth or USB integration.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750-7,500 miles (6,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for the 4G63 engine (non-interference potential varies, but recommended replacement is vital).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for climate-specific viscosity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use long-life coolant if specified.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine 4G63:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (can cause interference damage), potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan.
Transmission Auto:
Hesitation or rough shifting can indicate low fluid, worn clutches, or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints, rear trailing arm bushings leading to alignment issues and noise.
Electrical:
Power window regulators, intermittent wiper switch issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Corrosion:
Rust can be an issue on rocker panels, wheel wells, and strut towers, especially in areas with road salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering innovation and diverse product lines.
Model Evolution
Galant Generation:
This manual covers the sixth generation (E30 chassis) of the Mitsubishi Galant, produced from 1987-1993, with facelifts and updates extending into 1996 for certain markets. The 1996 model year represents the later part of this generation's lifecycle.
Production
Production Years:
1987-1993 (E30 generation primary production), with 1996 being a model year within this platform's extended availability or a specific market's continuation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in other international locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Performance Awards:
While not a frequent award winner in its class, the Galant, especially the AWD GS variant with the 4G63 engine, was praised for its sporty handling and performance characteristics.