🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Montero

Year:

1983

Chassis Code:

L040 Series (Initial Production)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/mid-size SUV, positioned as a capable and rugged off-road vehicle with utility features.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser (smaller variants), Nissan Patrol, and early Jeep Cherokee models.

Off Road Capability:

Renowned for its robust chassis, 4WD system, and high ground clearance, making it a strong contender in off-road environments.

Utility:

Offered practical cargo space and towing capability, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families.

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

Comprehensive factory service and repair procedures for the 1983 Mitsubishi Montero.

Pages:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a full factory service manual of this era, exact count not provided in description).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (implied by 'easy-to-read text sections with top quality diagrams and instructions' often referring to physical manuals for this era, though digital formats like PDF are common for reproduction).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all engine variants including gasoline and diesel options.

Fuel System:

Carburetor or fuel injection systems, fuel pump, fuel lines, tank, and emissions control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, and coolant specifications.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, and oil specifications.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor, timing, and electronic ignition components.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter (if applicable).

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, torque converter, and gear shift mechanisms.

Drivetrain:

Transfer case, propeller shafts, differentials (front and rear), drive axles, and CV joints.

Suspension:

Independent front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, and linkages.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake master cylinder, power booster, brake lines, and parking brake.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, and rotation procedures.

Body Chassis:

Frame, body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, and exterior trim.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, and relays.

Climate Control:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Safety Features:

Seat belts and other safety related components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, tune-ups, oil changes, filter replacements, and lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul:

Complete rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major components.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts, symptom guides, and testing procedures for electrical and mechanical systems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Covers all aspects from basic routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-quality reproductions of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Print Clarity:

Sharp text and clear, detailed illustrations and diagrams, crucial for accurate repair work.

Binding:

Likely a durable binding suitable for workshop use, such as spiral-bound or perfect-bound, to lay flat.

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock that can withstand workshop environments and repeated use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Gasoline Common:

G54B (2.6L SOHC Inline-4)

Engine Code Diesel Common:

4D55 (2.3L Inline-4 Diesel), 4D56 (2.5L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel - introduced later, but possible in early production variants).

Horsepower G54B:

Approximately 116 hp @ 5000 rpm (net)

Torque G54B:

Approximately 145 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm (net)

Fuel Delivery G54B:

Mikuni carburetor (common on early models) or possibly early electronic fuel injection systems on some variants.

Fuel Type Gasoline:

Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended).

Fuel Type Diesel:

Diesel fuel.

🔧 Transmission

Type Manual:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission.

Type Automatic:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case (e.g., 2H, 4H, 4L).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.1 inches (2415 mm)

Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:

Approx. 105.1 inches (2670 mm)

Length Short Wheelbase:

Approx. 163.6 inches (4155 mm)

Length Long Wheelbase:

Approx. 175.2 inches (4450 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,200 lbs (1588 - 1905 kg), depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards Era:

Designed to meet safety standards of the early 1980s; advanced safety features were limited compared to modern vehicles.

ABS:

Not typically available on 1983 models.

Seat Belts:

Standard 3-point front seat belts and lap belts in rear.

Body Structure:

Body-on-frame construction, providing a robust structure for its era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with an optional cassette player. Speaker count and quality are rudimentary by modern standards.

Features:

No electronic driver assistance systems like traction control, stability control, or advanced cruise control. Relies on driver input and mechanical systems.

Features:

No integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth, USB ports, or smartphone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months (depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Check every oil change, drain and fill every 24,000 - 30,000 miles (manual/automatic).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

API SG or SF; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for specific conditions).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Rust Corrosion:

Common issue in older vehicles, particularly in areas with road salt. Frame and body panels are susceptible.

Ignition Component Failure:

Distributor, ignition coil, and spark plug wires can degrade over time, affecting engine performance.

Fuel System Maintenance:

Carburetors may require regular cleaning and adjustment; fuel lines can degrade.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can wear out, leading to poor handling and alignment issues.

Cooling System Leaks:

Radiator, hoses, and water pump are prone to leaks with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing robust and reliable vehicles, particularly in the truck and SUV segments.

First Generation:

The 1983 model marks the introduction of the first generation Pajero/Montero, establishing its reputation as a capable off-roader.

Manufacturing Origin:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

While specific awards for the 1983 model are not widely publicized, the Pajero/Montero platform gained significant recognition for its off-road prowess, often winning or placing well in international rally events and off-road competitions in subsequent years.