Vehicle Class:
Body-on-frame SUV, often referred to as a 'traditional' SUV
Competitors 2004:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Strengths:
Robust off-road capability, powerful V6/V8 engines, spacious interior, often good value for money
Weaknesses:
Less refined on-road manners compared to unibody SUVs, fuel economy, some interior material quality concerns
Off Road Systems:
Super Select II 4WD system (on many models), locking center differential, available rear locking differential
Powertrain Options:
Reliable V6 and powerful V8 engine options
Utility:
Body-on-frame construction for towing and heavy-duty use, significant towing capacity
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine cooling, lubrication system, engine electrical, powertrain control modules (PCM)
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, audio system, climate control electronics
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, seats, body sealing
Climate Control:
HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), refrigerant system, control panels
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, belt checks and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using scan tools
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, specifications for tightening torques
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul
Electrical Repair:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, glass replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics with wiring schematics and component data
Specification Detail:
Detailed technical specifications, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical data
Engine Code:
6G74 (most common V6)
Engine Type:
3.5L SOHC V6 (24-valve)
Displacement:
3497 cc (213.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 85.8 mm
Horsepower Net:
197 hp @ 5000 rpm (typical for 6G74)
Torque Net:
230 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (typical for 6G74)
Engine Code:
8A80 (3.8L V8 - availability may vary by market, less common for 2004 Montero specifically, but possible in some export markets or earlier years)
Engine Type:
3.8L SOHC V6 (24-valve) - 6G75
Displacement:
3828 cc (233.6 cu in)
Horsepower Net:
200 hp @ 4500 rpm (typical for 6G75)
Torque Net:
260 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (typical for 6G75)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 octane recommended (check manual for specific requirement)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (INVECS-II)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission (less common in North America for this generation)
4Wd System:
Super Select II 4WD (Part-time 4WD with full-time mode, low-range gearing, and locking center differential)
Transmission Fluid:
Diamond SP-III ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Length:
Approx. 192.7 inches (4895 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1820 mm)
Height:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1840 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.2 inches (2800 mm)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (with optional third-row seating)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 48.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 17.0 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,400 - 4,800 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 5,800 - 6,200 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (check vehicle specific rating)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1,000 - 1,200 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-star driver/passenger (typical for this era)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
4-star front/rear passenger (typical for this era)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good in frontal offset (varying results in side impact depending on equipment)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) - typically linked to 4WD system
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - availability may vary by trim/market
Airbags:
Front airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system (e.g., Rockford Fosgate on higher trims)
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically basic audio input, no Bluetooth or USB standard.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service) - consult manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (inspect more frequently)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, iridium recommended)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (severe use/towing recommend more frequent)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SJ/SL (consult manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (with filter, for 6G74 V6)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, green type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Cv Axle Boots:
Tearing of CV axle boots leading to joint failure, especially with off-road use.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Occasional reports of rear main crankshaft seal leaks.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Potential for exhaust manifold cracks due to heat cycles.
Transmission Shifting Issues:
Some reports of harsh shifting or transmission slippage, often resolved by fluid change or solenoid replacement.
Window Regulator Failures:
Power window regulators can be a common failure point.
Mitsubishi SUV History:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing capable SUVs, starting with models like the Pajero (which the Montero is based on internationally) and the Montero Sport.
Generation 2004:
This 2004 model represents the third generation of the Montero (NS/NT series, 1999-2006). It transitioned to a more integrated body-on-frame design compared to earlier generations but retained its rugged capability.
Key Changes For 2004:
Minor styling updates, potential feature package adjustments, and continued refinement of powertrain and chassis.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Okazaki Plant)
Production Years:
Third Generation: 1999/2000 - 2006
