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Question: 1995 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 40,000. We bought this car as a used car shipped from Japan to Jamaica last May. A few weeks after purchase the transmission was not selecting third speed. The dealers repaired it but it was never smooth. Just too much strain on the transmission when effort is made to accelerate quickly. Now the transmission is slipping to neutral when driving above 35 mph most times. What would you say is the cause of this and what is the best solution?

Answer:  It could be something as simple as low fluid or a plugged filter or something major like a worn out transmission. We would take it back to the dealer who repaired it and have them take a second look.

Question: 1998 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 60,000. Hey, guys I have question about transmissions. I have a Mitsubishi Galant with a semi-new engine, and just about everything else has replaced. The last thing to fix in the old car is the transmission. It has a 5-spd manual transmission. While driving on the interstate a few weeks ago, the 5th gear would "slip out" and the gearshift would go back to neutral. So to make it home, I had to hold it in 5th position. Eventually it went out completely. I got it home, but then when I wanted to move it out of my garage, I could not put it in reverse. So, both the 5th gear and reverse are no long useable. I've contacted some mechanics in my town, and they say that the synchronizers are shot, and that I will need a new transmission. Just wondering what you guys think about the situation, and if you could help. Thanks a bunch!

Answer: The cost of a replacement transmission may be relatively expensive. Done properly, having your transmission repaired would serve you just as well and be a whole lot cheaper.

Question: 1995 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 123,000. I noticed a leak under my car the other day, and it was green. I know it was the coolant. So, I checked the coolant bottle and it was bone dry. I filled it to the line, then I drove it around the block and the heat gauge started to go up. I took it to the mechanic the next day and he said the water pump needs to be replaced. The coolant bottle was COMPLETELY empty again. Does this sound right? And if it is the water pump, he said it's a good idea to change the timing belt as well. My big question how much is all this going to cost?

Answer: The coolant bottle is a coolant overflow tank. Refilling the overflow tank does not necessarily refill the entire cooling system. To refill the cooling system, the radiator cap must be removed and coolant added. This must be done with the engine cold. Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot or you will be scalded. There is a very good chance that the water pump leaked most of the coolant out of the system. With 63,000 miles, it is a good idea to do the timing belt with the water pump. As far as cost, check reputable service centers in your area and compare costs.

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Question: 1994 Mitsubishi  Galant mileage: 80,000. Hi, I recently had my timing belt replaced. Then less than 2 weeks later my engine dies going down the highway (also the same day as the mechanic smogged it and the same day I took it in to him complaining of excessive engine noise and vibration. He said after looking at the vehicle and test-driving it, nothing appeared to be wrong). I had the car (94 Gallant with 2.4 16 valve single ohc) towed to the mechanic. Mechanic found the motor had zero compression and the valves appeared to be bent (he showed me the loose rocker arms and pried on the valves till the rocker arms no longer wobbled I never got to see the head). After he removed the head, there were visible marks on the pistons from two of the valves on each cylinder. My question is what caused this? The car is still at the dealer and he is working on it. He hasn't told what caused the damage. Lay people that have had a similar situation have told me that the timing belt has jumped.... Help!

Answer: Zero compression and marks on the pistons from the valves, would only indicate one thing, that the new timing belt somehow came loose allowing the belt to jump resulting in bent valves.
 

Question:  1998 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 110,000.  The car has a vibration at idle and then when the engine hits 3000 rpm (70 mph).   We got the car from my mother in law who said that it started when she had the belts changed at 60,000 miles.  I suspected the silent shaft belt wasn't set right so I changed out the belts and followed the procedure in the manual for the car.  This didn't change it.  I still think that the shaft is set right but I could not locate the hole to check the silent shaft position, as the diagram in the book is confusing.  Can you tell me where this hole is supposed to be so I can check this again?  Do you think it could be something else?  I saw a listing in Service bulletins that said something about replacing the oil pump to cut down on engine noise.  I really don't want to have to take this to the Mitsubishi dealer, as I know if I can find an answer, I can fix it.  Thanks for your help Greg

Answer:  The vibration idle may be caused by the motor mounts failing.   Also, check with your local parts supplier, there should be a kit available that disables the silent shaft.  The engine runs the same with or without the silent shaft.

Question:  1993 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 199,500.   My '93 Galant has recently started making a squealing noise when I start it up.  It has gotten even worse through this cold spell that we had recently; but after the car warms up the noise stops.  I've been told that it is just the fan belts, which sounds right, but I still don't know what to do.  My question is: Is there anything that I can do or do I need to invest in new belts?

Answer:  You can find out if it is the belts by doing an easy test.   With the engine cold, remove the belts and start the engine.  If you don’t here the squealing that you described, then you will know that it is your fan belts making the noise.  Do not run the engine any longer than 1 minute without the fan belts.

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Question:  1999 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 130,000.  I have a new Galant. Recently I noticed that after traveling a few miles at about 50 MPH then slowing down, the car feels like it is having problems down-shifting.  Also, after slowing down then speeding back up again, the car revs real high and when it finally goes into gear, the car jerks real hard then accelerates.   Could this be transmission problems?  When I only had 5000 miles on the car Jiffy lube said the fluid was rather dark.

Answer:    From what you described, it sounds like you hit the nail on the head.  You are more likely than not having transmission troubles.

Question:  1995 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 125,000.   My Mitsubishi Galant has given me no problem until now.  Over the last few days I have heard a squeaky noise and something that I can only try to describe as a pump noise of some sort, almost like a dry pump.  Yesterday as I started the car, it turned over, but would not start?

Answer:   Here are some things to have checked:  1. Check to see if the timing belt/chain has failed, 2. Check for ignition spark at spark plugs, 3. Check for fuel pressure, 4. Scan P.C.M. (computer) for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the mal functioning components.

Question:  1995 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 80,000.  My question is if I replace the water pump on this vehicle, do I have to remove or lift the engine.

Answer: The “flat rate” time is 3.3 hours to change your water pump.  You do not have to remove the engine but you may have to lift it slightly.

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