Segment:
Mid-size body-on-frame SUV, known for off-road capability and durability.
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, families, individuals seeking a robust and versatile vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its robust chassis, advanced 4WD systems (Super Select II), and excellent ground clearance.
Durability:
Built with rugged components designed for demanding use and longevity.
Versatility:
Suitable for daily commuting, family transport, and serious off-road adventures.
Body Style:
Available in 3-door and 5-door configurations.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, inspection, repair, and diagnostics for all covered engine variants.
Engine Management:
EFI system, fuel delivery, ignition system, sensors, actuators, emission controls, ECU troubleshooting.
Transmission Manual:
Repair, clutch service, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism.
Transmission Automatic:
Overhaul, fluid service, valve body diagnostics, torque converter repair, electronic control unit.
Transfer Case:
Service, repair, and diagnostics for Super Select II 4WD system.
Drive Axles Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system, power steering.
Braking System:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, brake fluid service, caliper and rotor replacement.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system.
Body Exterior:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, sunroof, paint codes.
Body Interior:
Seating, dashboard, trim panels, sound deadening, airbags.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt and hose inspections, lubrication.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Engine Repairs:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring service, valve adjustments, timing belt/chain replacement, component rebuilds.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter changes, complete overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedure, ABS component replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness testing, sensor testing, module diagnosis, charging system troubleshooting.
Bodywork Restoration:
Dent repair, panel replacement, rust prevention, glass replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, sensor data interpretation, OBD-II (where applicable) code definitions.
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step illustrated instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and alignment procedures.
Specifications Data:
Extensive compilation of all technical specifications, tolerances, and capacities.
Engine Code V6:
6G72 (3.0L V6 SOHC MPI)
Bore X Stroke V6:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Compression Ratio V6:
8.8:1 (approx.)
Horsepower V6:
177 hp @ 5250 rpm (approx.)
Torque V6:
245 Nm @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code I4:
4G64 (2.4L SOHC MPI)
Horsepower I4:
133 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque I4:
206 Nm @ 2500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Diesel:
4M41 (3.2L DOHC DI-D Turbocharged)
Displacement Diesel:
3200 cc
Horsepower Diesel:
170 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Diesel:
373 Nm @ 2000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (3.0L V6, 2.4L I4), Diesel (3.2L DI-D)
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline, Direct Injection Diesel (DI-D) for diesel.
Fuel Pump Type:
Electric in-tank fuel pump
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Emission Standards:
Euro III / EPA (market dependent)
Transmission Type Gasoline Base:
5-speed Manual Transmission (W5A580)
Transmission Type Diesel Base:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II)
Transmission Type Gasoline Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II)
4Wd System:
Super Select II Four-Wheel Drive System with center differential lock and electronic control.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA QUEEN ATF-SP II M or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification)
Ancap Rating:
Not extensively rated by ANCAP for this specific generation, but generally considered robust.
NHTSA Rating:
Ratings vary by model year and testing standards; typically mid-range for its era.
ABS:
Standard on most models, Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models (TCL).
Stability Control:
Rarely standard on this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure for improved crashworthiness.
Service Intervals Gasoline
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
100,000 miles (Iridium type, if equipped); consult manual for exact intervals.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (due to diesel engine requirements).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (for 6G72 V6; diesel may have chain or belt depending on variant - consult manual).
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CF-4 or CI-4, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-9762) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron IIE or equivalent (check manual).
Radiator Leaks:
Prone to radiator leaks over time, especially after high mileage or in hot climates.
Differential Noise:
Rear differential bearing wear can cause noise or vibration, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds are a known issue on V6 gasoline engines.
Transmission Shifting:
Automatic transmission shifting issues can arise from worn solenoids or low fluid levels.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS wheel speed sensor failure can trigger ABS warning lights.
Mitsubishi Off Road Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long and successful history in off-road motorsport, notably the Dakar Rally, with the Pajero nameplate being synonymous with this heritage.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation Pajero debuted in late 1999 (for the 2000 model year), marking a significant departure with its monocoque (unibody) chassis with a built-in ladder frame, offering improved on-road manners while retaining off-road prowess.
Design Changes:
Distinctive styling with integrated body and chassis, independent front suspension (replacing torsion bars), and a more car-like interior.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Japan (Okazaki Plant); also produced in other global facilities under license or through joint ventures.
Production Years For Generation:
1999/2000 - 2006
