Segment:
Full-size body-on-frame SUV, known for off-road capability and versatility.
Competitors:
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Selling Points:
Robust construction, legendary Super Select II 4WD system, comfortable interior for its class, strong V6 and V8 engine options, proven off-road prowess.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, driveline, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear independent, multi-link), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, audio system, climate control system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, airbags, immobilizer system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), anti-theft system.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seats, roof systems, structural components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit diagnostics, mechanical component diagnosis, emission control system diagnosis.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair, interior component repair.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, live data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, component testing using multimeter and oscilloscope.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views, and specifications for all major systems.
Engine Displacement 1:
3.5L V6 (6G74)
Engine Type 1:
SOHC V6, 24 valves
Power Hp 1:
Approx. 197-205 hp (147-153 kW)
Torque Lb-Ft 1:
Approx. 227-230 lb-ft (308-312 Nm)
Engine Displacement 2:
3.8L V6 (6G75)
Engine Type 2:
SOHC V6, 24 valves
Power Hp 2:
Approx. 215-225 hp (160-168 kW)
Torque Lb-Ft 2:
Approx. 245-250 lb-ft (332-339 Nm)
Engine Displacement Diesel:
3.2L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel (4M41)
Engine Type Diesel:
DI-D (Direct Injection Diesel), Intercooled Turbocharged
Power Hp Diesel:
Approx. 160-175 hp (119-130 kW)
Torque Lb-Ft Diesel:
Approx. 275-285 lb-ft (373-386 Nm)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for petrol, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating as per market), Diesel Fuel.
0-60 Mph Approx:
8-10 seconds (V6 models)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (R5F51A for V73W, R5F51A/R5F51B for V75W)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (V4A51 for V73W, V5A51 for V75W/V77W/V78W)
Drivetrain:
Full-time 4WD with Super Select II system (selectable 2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc with lockable center differential and available rear locking differential).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
DIAQUEEN ATF-SP II M (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90
Differential Fluid Type Front Rear:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 (or SAE 85W-140 for heavy duty use)
Length Mm:
4720 - 4800 (depending on variant)
Height Mm:
1855 - 1895 (depending on variant and roof rails)
Ground Clearance Mm:
205 - 225 (depending on variant)
Approach Angle Degrees:
Approx. 36-39
Departure Angle Degrees:
Approx. 28-33
Breakover Angle Degrees:
Approx. 21-25
Curb Weight Kg:
1950 - 2150 (depending on engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
2600 - 2750
Towing Capacity Kg Braked:
2500
Towing Capacity Kg Unbraked:
750
Ancap Rating 2002:
4 Stars (for relevant models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most models
Ebd:
Standard on most models (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Optional/Standard on higher trims (Active Stability Control - ASC)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Standard on most models)
Airbags Side:
Optional/Standard on higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters (front), 3-point seatbelts (rear).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure, high-strength steel roof panel.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with CD player, optional premium sound system with subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional factory GPS navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Not a common factory feature for this generation, typically aftermarket.
Bluetooth:
Not standard, available as aftermarket upgrade or via specific accessory kits.
System Type:
Manual air conditioning and heating, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months (whichever comes first), or as per manufacturer recommendation based on driving conditions.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6 months (whichever comes first), recommended more frequently for diesel engines, especially under severe use.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 10,000 km, replace every 20,000 - 40,000 km or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement Petrol:
Platinum: 100,000 km. Iridium: 120,000 - 160,000 km (refer to specific engine variant).
Timing Belt Replacement Petrol 6G7X:
Every 90,000 - 105,000 km or 7 years (critical maintenance item, failure can cause severe engine damage).
Timing Chain Replacement Diesel 4M41:
Designed for engine life, typically does not require replacement unless issues arise (e.g., noise, wear).
Engine Oil Type:
Petrol: API SN/SM/SL SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40. Diesel: API CI-4/CH-4 SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 15W-40 (check manual for exact specs).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, CV joints, exhaust system components, suspension bushings, heater core (prone to leaks on some models).
Engine Specific:
Potential for radiator leaks (especially if original), injector seal leaks on early diesel models, occasional PCV valve issues.
Transmission Specific:
Some automatic transmissions may experience harsh shifting if fluid is not maintained. Transfer case actuator issues on rare occasions.
Electrical Specific:
Faulty alternator bushes, power window motor failures, intermittent issues with body control modules on high-mileage examples.
Pre Off Road Checks:
Tire pressure and condition, fluid levels, suspension integrity, transfer case and diff breathers, chassis lubrication.
Mitsubishi SUV Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, dating back to the original Pajero (also known as Montero in North America, Shogun in the UK) launched in 1982.
Third Generation Pajero:
The NP Pajero represents the final facelift of the third generation (1999-2006), which introduced a monocoque chassis (unibody) construction for improved ride comfort and handling compared to previous generations, while retaining significant off-road capability.
Production Period:
The NP Pajero (2002 model year) was produced from late 2001 to late 2002, following the NM Pajero (2000-2001).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primarily for global export), assembly plants in various countries depending on market.
Off Road Awards:
The Pajero series has a storied history in off-road racing, notably winning the Dakar Rally multiple times. While the NP generation may not have specific award mentions, it carries the lineage of a highly acclaimed off-road platform.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Historically, Pajeros have received mixed ratings from consumer organizations, often praised for off-road capability but sometimes criticized for fuel economy and interior refinement compared to monocoque SUVs.