Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Isuzu Rodeo, Suzuki Grand Vitara
Vehicle Strengths:
Rugged body-on-frame construction, capable 4WD system (Super Select 4WD-II or Easy Select 4WD), reliable engines, good off-road capability for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing the Pajero Sport, reducing reliance on costly dealership services and empowering owners for DIY tasks.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, intake, emissions control
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, anti-lock braking system (ABS) (if equipped)
Electrical Lighting:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instruments and gauges, wipers and washers, power windows, central locking
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, frame
Climate Control:
Air conditioning (HVAC) system, heater, ventilation
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system (if equipped), seat belts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all vehicle systems
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Common:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC I4), 6G72 (3.0L SOHC V6), 6G74 (3.5L SOHC/DOHC V6)
Engine Displacement Options:
2.0L (1998cc), 3.0L (2972cc), 3.5L (3497cc)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 130 hp to 200+ hp depending on engine and specific market tuning
Torque Range:
Approximately 175 Nm to 300+ Nm depending on engine and specific market tuning
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS, or Distributor-based)
Manual Transmission Options:
5-speed manual
Automatic Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (with lock-up torque converter)
Transfer Case:
Available with Mitsubishi's 'Super Select 4WD-II' (full-time 4WD with locking center differential and high/low range) or 'Easy Select 4WD' (part-time 4WD with high/low range).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to specific manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III (or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to specific manual for exact spec)
Crash Test Results:
Varies by region and testing authority. Likely received moderate ratings for its era; a thorough search for specific NHTSA or Euro NCAP reports for this generation is recommended.
Driver Assistance Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) often optional or standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard or optional depending on trim and market.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts for front and rear occupants (center rear may be lap belt).
Audio System:
Factory-fitted AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette player; typically 4-6 speakers.
Navigation:
Not typically equipped with factory navigation in this era; aftermarket units were common.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Ports:
Rarely equipped with factory aux/USB ports; aftermarket solutions required.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact interval).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 km for iridium/platinum plugs, less for standard copper plugs (refer to manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 6G7-series V6 engines. Typically every 90,000 - 120,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with appropriate additives. Capacity approx. 7.0 - 8.0 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check reservoir cap).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual).
Engine Wear:
Can experience some oil consumption with higher mileage; timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failure on V6 engines are critical to monitor.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmissions can be sensitive to fluid condition and maintenance. Some reports of torque converter shudder.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear over time due to the vehicle's robust off-road usage.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older vehicles may develop issues with window motors, central locking actuators, and sensor failures.
Body Corrosion:
In rust-prone regions, frame and body rust can be a concern, particularly around wheel arches and the undercarriage.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi has a long history of producing robust and capable off-road vehicles, notably the Pajero (Montero) lineage, which the Pajero Sport is derived from.
Pajero Sport Lineage:
The Pajero Sport (known as Montero Sport in North America and some other markets) was introduced in 1996 as a more affordable, chassis-based alternative to the flagship Pajero, utilizing a ladder frame chassis and often sharing powertrains with the Mitsubishi Triton/ استارون pickup truck.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, but also assembled in various other Mitsubishi plants globally.
First Generation Production:
1996-2008 (with facelifts occurring within this period)
Off Road Capability:
While specific awards for this generation are scarce, the Pajero Sport lineage is widely recognized for its strong off-road performance, inheriting the reputation of its larger sibling, the Pajero.
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered reliable, especially with proper maintenance, though specific engine variants and common issues noted in maintenance sections should be addressed.
