I need help PLEASE. My 1996 Galant is my pride and joy, never a days trouble in 96,000 miles ...... till today!  I drove it to work this morning and it was fine. But going home the trouble started only a few minutes after I started the motor, it was still cold. I let it run till it heated up, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

It starts fine but when I accelarate it hesitates terribly, does not backfire, but the whole car shakes. I couldn't drive more than 20 mph or it sounded like it was straining the engine or tranny. At times it idles fine! Then its like it cycles back to the rough idle and power loss. 

Thank You

 I would start with finding out why your check engine light is on.You can do this for no cost by using the check engine light itself as a diagnostic tool,the light will flash in sequence as described at the following website.Just go to www.troublecodes.net and use pulldown menu for trouble codes,select  mitsubishi from menu,and detailed instructions will tell you how to use light as a diagnostic tool.If i recall correctly,you simply have to cycle the ignition key on and off a few times within 5 seconds and the light will flash letting you know your trouble code(s),andf then you just look up code on charts provided.    My guess is it's your timing belt or chain,jumping back and forth into and out of correct timing.I had this happen to me once on an oldsmobile. Good luck,i hope this helps.

you know what your problem was i'll bet you you had Champion spark plugs in the engine , i may be wrong but seen it many times

NGK

that would cost you about 6 bucks

if you have anymore trouble with that Galant drop me a line i'll talk you through whatever ails your car

one other word

Timing Belt,

             Rick