🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Montero

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

V73W, V75W, V78W

Engine Code Primary:

6G72 (3.0L V6 SOHC)

Engine Code Optional:

6G75 (3.8L V6 SOHC)

Engine Code Diesel:

4M41 (3.2L DOHC Intercooled Turbo Diesel)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Body-on-frame Mid-size SUV

Target Audience:

Families, off-road enthusiasts, general consumers seeking robust utility

Key Competitors:

Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee

Strengths:

Renowned off-road capability, durable construction, spacious interior, available V8 engine, available Super Select II 4WD system.

Model Positioning:

Represents Mitsubishi's commitment to robust SUVs with a blend of on-road comfort and significant off-road prowess.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Global (specific regional variations may apply, primarily North America based on typical distribution)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM diagnostics and programming), manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, CV joints.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear independent, multi-link rear), steering system (hydraulic power steering), braking system (ABS, EBD, brake component replacement, hydraulic system bleeding), wheels and tires, chassis and frame.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument panel and gauges, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers and washers, horn, audio system wiring, remote keyless entry, immobilizer system, body control module (BCM) diagnostics, fuse and relay locations.

Body:

Body panels (doors, hood, tailgate), interior trim, seats, glass and seals, bumpers, exterior trim, door hardware, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable to specific trims), structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor, control panels.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid replacement, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, transfer case fluid change, belt inspection and replacement, battery service, tire rotation, wheel alignment checks.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation for OBD-II system, electrical system diagnostics using multimeter and oscilloscope, fuel system pressure testing, ignition system testing, emissions system diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine component repair (e.g., cylinder head removal/installation, piston ring replacement), transmission overhaul and repair, clutch replacement (manual transmission), brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, control arms), steering rack repair, CV axle replacement, exhaust system repair/replacement, starter/alternator replacement, door lock actuator replacement, power window motor replacement.

Installation:

Accessory installation (e.g., tow hitch wiring), minor component upgrades, sensor replacement.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhaul procedures. Includes detailed torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

V6, SOHC, 24-valve

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

177 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

207 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3798 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V6, SOHC, 24-valve

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3200 cc)

Engine 3 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, Turbocharged, Intercooled

Engine 3 Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (Common Rail in later revisions, likely DI for 2003)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

165 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

260 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (3.0L, 3.8L), Diesel Fuel (3.2L DI-D)

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent (Green)

Oil Type 3.0L:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher

Oil Capacity 3.0L:

4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter

Oil Type 3.8L:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher

Oil Capacity 3.8L:

4.7 Liters (5.0 US Quarts) with filter

Oil Type 3.2L Diesel:

SAE 5W-40 API CF-4 or higher

Oil Capacity 3.2L Diesel:

7.4 Liters (7.8 US Quarts) with filter

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission 2 Type:

4-Speed Automatic (INVECS-II)

4Wd System:

Available with Super Select II 4WD system (electronic control with lockable center differential and low-range gearing) or standard 4WD.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

DIAQueen ATF-SPII or equivalent

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 7.7 Liters (8.1 US Quarts) for fluid change

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Manual Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 2.8 Liters (3.0 US Quarts)

Transfer Case Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Transfer Case Capacity:

Approx. 1.8 Liters (1.9 US Quarts)

Front Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90

Front Differential Capacity:

Approx. 1.2 Liters (1.3 US Quarts)

Rear Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90

Rear Differential Capacity:

Approx. 1.7 Liters (1.8 US Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 186.6 inches (4740 mm)

Width:

Approx. 75.4 inches (1915 mm)

Height:

Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.0 - 9.1 inches (203 - 231 mm) depending on suspension/tire

Seating Capacity:

5-7 passengers (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 11.5 cu ft (257 cu L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 47.0 cu ft (1330 cu L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,300 - 4,900 lbs (1950 - 2220 kg) depending on engine/trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,700 - 6,200 lbs (2585 - 2812 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4/5 stars (for specific configurations, consult NHTSA archives)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Available Active Traction Control (Active Stability Control also available on some trims)

Airbags Front:

Dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Available front-seat side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Rockford Fosgate) may be available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Sensors:

Not typically standard, may be an optional dealer-installed accessory.

Keyless Entry:

Remote keyless entry system standard on most trims.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with iridium-tip plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement 3.8L:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with iridium-tip plugs.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change if fluid is discolored or contaminated. Typically recommended every 45,000 - 60,000 miles (72,000 - 96,000 km).

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for optimal performance.

Power Steering Fluid:

Power Steering Fluid (Dexron III/Mercon compatible)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 17.5 gallons (66 Liters)

Common Problems:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, occasional HVAC blower motor issues, potential for ABS sensor failure, rear differential pinion seal leaks, automatic transmission shift quality degradation with age/mileage.

Diesel Specific Concerns:

Check for injector seal leaks, glow plug issues, and potential turbocharger wear if maintenance is neglected.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in vehicle manufacturing, with a significant focus on durable and capable SUVs and off-road vehicles, tracing roots back to the Pajero lineage.

Generation:

Second Generation (1991-2000) followed by the Third Generation (2001-2006), this manual covers the early part of the Third Gen.

Third Gen Design:

Introduced a radical redesign with a unibody construction (monocoque chassis) for improved ride comfort and handling, moving away from the previous body-on-frame design.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Okazaki Plant)

Production Period:

2000 - 2006 (Third Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Acclaim:

The Montero (Pajero globally) has a strong heritage in off-road racing, including multiple victories in the Dakar Rally, underscoring its inherent capability.

Consumer Reports:

While specific year ratings vary, the Third Generation Montero was generally rated well for its off-road prowess and durability, though some reported average fuel economy.