Have a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant 4 cyl. When Car is cold starts fine. Once i run around shut car off will not start.(this does not happen all the time) If i keep trying to start it i can smell gas. then i let it sit for a little bit it will start right up. once this happens the service engine light will go on but in a few hrs sometimes days the light will go off. I have changed the two coils thinking they where bad.. but it is still the same problem .

Anand Kumar

• 2035 Answers
• Posted on May 15, 2008

SOURCE: 2002 Mitsubishi galant

Remove the drive belts, crankshaft pulley, and timing covers. Align the timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft and r+r the belt

SOURCE: 2001 Mitsubishi Galant 4 cyl

where the thermostat located on galant
2.4

SOURCE: service engine light on 2002 mitsubishi galant

it could be the spark plugs, at least that is what it was for mine, if you have over 50k miles without a spark plug change i highly suggest one, also a oil /transmission change would be great for your car too if you haven't done those reciently. I would also suggest using a higher grade gas, sometimes this fixes the trick too.
If you try all those and still experiencing hard transitions please let me know and i'll try a more indepth analysis on your car.
Thanks jyotsna.

SOURCE: 2002 mitsubishi galant

Has it overheated lately?
My wife overheated our Galant and it just stopped working, it cranks but that's it.
I pulled the sparkplugs and found them wrapped in a gewey jelly like substance. Like an oil/antifreeze combo.
I am going to replace the entire motor for $1000 as taking it to the mechanics to theorize and practice may cost more.

SOURCE: transmission delayed engagement at cold start

Depending on how Cold it is where you are, The cold will effect the Operation of the Tranny. I am pretty sure that your Tranny is Fine, Just Really Cold. Depending also on where you live, I use Valvoline Quick Change to service my Vehicles when I am on the Road. Have never had a Problem with them. On the Fluid, They make so many Different Kinds now adays that it is hard to Choose. Look in the Back of your Owners Manual and Use what is Suggested in there.