The 2003 Mitsubishi Galant base model came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. The starter motor and solenoid are serviced as one piece, meaning both must be replaced if one or the other fails. The starter is between the engine and the firewall and is bolted to the transmission case. The starter can be removed and installed from the top side of the vehicle, but the air intake tube must be removed first.
Park the Galant on a level surface and set the parking brake. Raise the hood and support it with the hood prop rod.
Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable with the socket and ratchet.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the air flow sensor connector in the middle of the air intake tube. Loosen the air intake tube clamps with the screwdriver.
Remove the air intake resonator nuts with the socket and ratchet. Remove the air resonator and air intake tube from the engine.
Remove the two starter cover bolts with the socket and ratchet. Remove the starter cover from the starter.
Disconnect the starter solenoid wire by pulling it from the solenoid terminal. Remove the nut securing the battery cable to the starter with the socket and ratchet. Remove the battery cable from the starter.
Remove the two bolts that secure the starter to the transmission case, using the socket and ratchet. The bolts are threaded through the transmission case and into the starter.
Remove the starter from the transmission case. Push the starter straight back, lift it up and slide it between the engine and the firewall.
Compare the original starter with the new starter to ensure that they are the same. Slide the starter between the firewall and the engine. Lower the starter down and pull it back to its mounting location in the transmission housing. Install the bolts through the transmission case and into the starter mounting holes. Tighten the starter bolts to 23 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Attach the starter cover and tighten the bolts to 8 inch-pounds.
Connect the battery cable to the starter and tighten the retaining nut with the socket and ratchet. Do not overtighten the nut or you will damage the starter. Connect the solenoid terminal connector onto the connector on the solenoid.
Set the air intake resonator and intake tube onto the engine. Install the air resonator mounting nuts and tighten them with the socket and ratchet. Tighten the air intake tube clamp with the screwdriver.
Connect the wiring harness to the air flow sensor. The clip will make a clicking noise when properly connected.
Connect the positive battery cable and tighten the terminal with the socket and ratchet. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten with the socket and ratchet.
Start the car to ensure proper starter operation. There may be an initial grind when the starter is engaged, as the starter gear may not be perfectly lined up with the flywheel. If the initial grind noise is heard, the teeth of the starter gear should slip into alignment with the flywheel as the gear turns. If the starter fails to engage, check the electrical connections at the battery and the starter. If the connections are good, it is possible the starter is faulty and should be exchanged for a new one.
