Segment:
Compact SUV / Mini SUV
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a capable, compact, and affordable off-road oriented vehicle.
Competitors:
Suzuki Vitara, Daihatsu Terios, Toyota RAV4 (early models), Honda CR-V (early models), Nissan X-Trail (early models)
Design Philosophy:
Compact dimensions, rugged styling, genuine off-road capability with optional 4WD systems.
Powertrain Options:
Known for its smaller, efficient 4-cylinder engines, often paired with robust 4WD systems.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the Pajero iO, empowering owners and independent mechanics.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Transfer case, Driveshafts, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Braking system (front and rear), Wheels and tires
Electrical:
Engine control system (ECU), Body electrical, Lighting system, Instruments and gauges, Audio system, Wiper and washer system, Power windows, Central locking
Body:
Exterior body panels, Interior trim, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Seats
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnostics, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Overhaul procedures, Component testing and adjustment
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuilds, Transmission overhauls, Differential rebuilds
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Measurement data, Electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code:
4G93 (likely common variant)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC, EFI
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1834 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 115-130 PS (Varies by specific engine variant and market)
Torque:
Approximately 160-170 Nm (Varies by specific engine variant and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (refer to manual for specific type and mixture ratio)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
Part-time 4WD (Super Select II or similar system on some variants)
Transfer Case:
Two-speed transfer case with high and low range gearing
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (Consult manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SPII or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon (Consult manual for exact specification)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (Consult manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 3,775 - 3,815 mm (Varies by trim and bumper design)
Width:
Approx. 1,690 - 1,735 mm
Height:
Approx. 1,770 - 1,870 mm (Varies with roof rails and tire size)
Seating Capacity:
4-5 Passengers
Cargo Volume:
Limited due to compact size, but versatile with folding rear seats.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,450 kg (Varies by drivetrain and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to VIN plate or manual for specific GVWR
Towing Capacity:
Generally not designed for heavy towing; refer to manual for specifications if applicable.
Crash Test Results:
Limited official crash test data readily available for all markets; consult specific regional safety databases.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Drums or Discs (depending on trim and market)
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags available on most models.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front), 3-point or lap belts (rear).
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory-fitted AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette player, basic speaker configuration.
Navigation:
Rarely equipped with factory navigation in this era.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Unlikely to have factory auxiliary input; aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-40,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-100,000 km depending on spark plug type (standard or iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Typically every 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5-7 years for interference engines. Refer to manual for specific engine.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 - 4.0 Liters (with filter change). Consult manual for exact capacity and viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 Liters. Use a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Consult manual for exact specification)
Common Problems:
Potential for minor oil leaks from seals, wear on suspension components (especially bushings and ball joints), catalytic converter issues, and electrical gremlins (door locks, power windows) typical of vehicles of this age.
4Wd System Maintenance:
Regular inspection and lubrication of the 4WD system components, including driveshafts and transfer case, is vital for longevity.
Heritage Context:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, most notably the Pajero (Montero) full-size SUV.
Origin:
The Pajero iO (also known as Pajero Pinin in some markets and Mitsubishi Montero iO in North America) was developed as a smaller, more city-friendly sibling to the larger Pajero.
Development Partnership:
In some markets (especially Europe), it was also sold as the Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin and was partly developed in collaboration with Pininfarina.
Production Years:
1998 - 2007 (with this generation covering 2000-2002 updates)
Manufacturing:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (by Mitsubishi Motors) and also in Italy (by Pininfarina for European markets).
