Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking in-depth information.
Competitors 1998:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu.
Design Philosophy:
Known for its distinctive 'cab-forward' design language and comfortable ride, offering a balance of sportiness and practicality.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control (ECU).
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, transfer case (if applicable), drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear brakes, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, instrument cluster, body electrical (power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn), audio system, HVAC controls.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, body repair, collision repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, inspections.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including use of diagnostic tools and interpretation of sensor data.
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded for clarity.
Engine Code:
4G63 (commonly found in many Galant variants)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Gross:
Approx. 140-150 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque Gross:
Approx. 170-180 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm (market dependent)
Engine Code:
6G72 (V6 variants)
Configuration:
V6, SOHC, 24-valve (some variants may be DOHC)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Fuel Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Gross:
Approx. 170-195 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque Gross:
Approx. 190-220 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm (market dependent)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Likely 4-star rating for driver and passenger in frontal impacts (based on contemporary models and general safety standards of the era).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models, standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some higher-performance or luxury trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard in 1998; typically uses vehicle seat belts for child restraint installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not typically equipped with a cabin air filter in this generation.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (often an in-tank filter that is not regularly replaced unless there are fuel delivery issues).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH rated synthetic or conventional motor oil, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for exact viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2-4.5 quarts (4.0-4.3 liters) with filter change for 4-cylinder; approx. 4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) for V6.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a green color, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon compatible if specified).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron II/III ATF.
Common Problem Engine:
Timing belt replacement is critical (non-interference engine for most variants, but check specific engine code); potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket; spark plug degradation.
Common Problem Transmission:
Automatic transmission shifting issues or delayed engagement; manual clutch wear.
Common Problem Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links leading to clunking noises or steering looseness; strut and shock absorber wear.
Common Problem Electrical:
Power window motor failure, erratic gauge readings, issues with the central locking system, alternator failure.
Recommended Spark Plugs:
NGK BKR5EKU (or equivalent) for 4-cylinder; NGK BKR6EKU (or equivalent) for V6. Check manual for exact part numbers and gap.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 4-5 years (critical maintenance item, especially for 4G63 engine).
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, including iconic sports cars and practical sedans.
Galant Generations:
The 1998 model belongs to the sixth generation (1993-1998) of the Mitsubishi Galant, known for its distinctive styling and performance variants.
Performance Variants:
Notable performance variants include the Galant VR-4, often featuring turbocharged engines and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly in other international locations.