Specs, fluids & service · 1999–2006
Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero (Third Generation) specs, fluids and service intervals
The numbers you need in the garage, on one page: spec sheet, capacities and service intervals, wheels and tires, and the parts to order. Sourced from owners, specialists and the factory; tags marked confirm in manual haven't been checked against a factory source yet.
Spec sheet
| CHASSIS | V60 (SWB: V63W, V65W, V68W) · V70 (LWB: V73W, V75W, V78W) |
|---|---|
| ON SALE | Japan September/October 1999 – October 2006 |
| US MODEL YEARS | 2001–2006 (Montero, LWB only) |
| AUSTRALIAN CODES | NM · NP |
| ASSEMBLY | Pajero Manufacturing Co., Sakahogi, Gifu · GAC Changfeng, China (2004–2011) |
| BODY | Monocoque with built-in frame |
| US ENGINES | 3.5 V6, 200 hp (2001–02) · 3.8 V6, 215 hp (2003–06) |
| DRIVE | Super Select 4WD II: 2H / 4H / 4HLc / 4LLc |
| SUSPENSION | Independent front and rear, coil springs |
| WHEELBASE | 100.2 in SWB / 109.45 in LWB |
| LENGTH (LWB) | 188.9 in (2001–02) · 190.2 in (2003–06) |
| WHEELS | 6 x 139.7 mm · 67.1 mm bore · M12 x 1.5 |
By year
| YEARS | PLATFORM | ENGINE | OUTPUT | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2006 (Japan) | V65W / V75W | 3.5 L 6G74 GDI V6 | 162 kW (220 PS) after the 2003 facelift | Direct injection, Japan only; export trucks kept multi-point injection. Replaced by the 3.8 in 2005. |
| 2000–2006 (US 2001–2002) | V65W / V75W | 3.5 L 6G74 SOHC V6 | 149 kW (203 PS); US 200 hp / 235 lb-ft | US Montero XLS and Limited with four- or five-speed automatic. |
| 1999–2006 (outside the US) | V60/V70 | 3.0 L 6G72 V6 | 130 kW (180 PS) after the 2003 facelift | Not sold in the US. |
| 2000–2002 (Australia NM) | V60/V70 | 2.8 L 4M40 turbo-diesel I4 | — | Carried over from the NL; manual only in Australia. Kept afterwards for developing markets. |
| 1999–2006 (Australia from 2002) | V68W / V78W | 3.2 L 4M41 DI-D I4 | 175 PS / 39 kgf·m (Japan); 120 kW (160 PS) export | Timing chain. Front-mounted intercooler from the facelift. Not sold new in the US. |
| 2003–2006 (US); 2005–2006 (Japan) | V60/V70 | 3.8 L 6G75 SOHC V6 | US 215 hp / 248 lb-ft (BaT); Japan 219 PS | Electronic throttle. Japan's Super Exceed from November 2005. |
Fluids, capacities & service intervals
Assume nothing has been done without receipts. On a US Montero the big jobs are the timing belt and water pump on the interference V6, a brake-fluid flush for the hydraulic brake booster, and Diaqueen SP-III in the automatic. Capacities below are AMSOIL's figures for a 2004 Montero 3.8; confirm them for 3.5 trucks and diesel imports.
| ITEM | SPEC / CAPACITY | INTERVAL | NOTES & PARTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | API SL · SAE 5W-20 preferred (5W-30 or 10W-30 also listed) · 5.2 US qt with filter (2004 3.8) | Change now, then per the owner's manual | AMSOIL lists a WIX 57092 filter for the 3.8.Engine parts (oil filters), 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Timing belt, tensioner & water pump | 6G74 and 6G75: belt · 4M41 diesel: chain | Owners quote the manual at 105,000 miles (2001–2006 Montero) | Owners call both US V6s interference engines. With no receipt, do it now, along with the O-ring on the pipe behind the water pump.Engine parts (timing belt kit), 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗Water pump, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Spark plugs | confirm in manual | Usually done with the timing belt | The BaT 20th Anniversary truck had plugs and a PCV valve done after its belt.Ignition parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Air & fuel filters | confirm in manual | Replace on a truck with no history | Fuel and air parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Coolant | 9.5 US qt (2004 3.8) | Flush now | An NP owner on ExplorOz had a radiator block and the engine overheat, which he blamed on coolant gelling.Cooling system parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Automatic transmission (5-speed) | Mitsubishi Diaqueen SP-III (owners) · 9.8 US qt total (AMSOIL) | Drain and refill now; repeat to refresh more fluid | Owners on Expedition Portal warn that other fluids cause slipping and torque-converter damage; they name Hyundai/Kia SP-III and Eneos SP as alternatives.Automatic transmission parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Transfer case (Super Select II) | GL-4 gear oil · 5.9 US pints · plugs 22–25 lb-ft | Change now | Use 4WD regularly so the actuators and switches keep working.Drivetrain parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Front differential | GL-5 80W-90 · 2.5 US pints | Change now | Check the front-diff actuator hoses while you're underneath.Drivetrain parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Rear differential | GL-5 80W-90 · 3.4 US pints | Change now | Limited-slip rears need LSD-rated oil.Drivetrain parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Brake fluid (HBB system) | DOT 3 | Flush now, then regularly | Owners link HBB pump failures to dirty fluid. Wipe up spills; Mitsubishi warns spilled fluid can enter the pump motor. Check the accumulator recall.Brake parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Power steering fluid | confirm in manual | Change now | Steering parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Oil & ATF cooler hoses | New copper washers at each fitting | Inspect now | A common leak point; check where the lines touch the frame.Automatic transmission parts, 2004 Montero 3.8 V6 · RockAuto ↗ |
| Rear suspension bushings & CV boots | Inspect for play and splits | Inspect now | The independent rear has more bushings and boots than a live axle.Whiteline rear lower control arm bushing, NM-NP · Hurreys Performance ↗ |
Capability
| Wheelbase | 2,545 mm (100.2 in) SWB · 2,780 mm (109.45 in) LWB |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,219 mm (166.1 in) SWB · 4,798 mm (188.9 in) LWB 2001–02 · 4,831 mm (190.2 in) LWB 2003–06 |
| Curb weight | 2,060 kg (4,542 lb) 5-door, per Wikipedia |
| Fuel tank | 90 L (23.8 US gal) NP owner on ExplorOz; YouCanic lists 23.8 gal |
| Fuel economy | ≈10–15 L/100 km (≈16–24 mpg US) CarsGuide's expected range; an NP 3.2 DI-D owner reports 10.5 town, 11 towing |
| Diesel torque | 373 N·m (275 lb-ft) at 2,000 rpm 3.2 DI-D, as quoted by an NP owner |
| ANCAP (2004 Exceed) | Frontal offset 9.88/16 No curtain airbags; 0 points in the optional pole test |
Wheels & tires
| Factory tire | 265/70R16 on 16-inch alloys (BaT's 2001 Limited) · 16x7 +46 mm factory wheel (2004 Montero, ThreePiece.us) · 17-inch alloys on BaT's 2006 Limited |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern | 6x139.7 (6x5.5") |
| Center bore | 67.1 mm |
| Lug thread | M12x1.5 |
| Biggest tire · Stock | 255/85R16 (≈33 in, narrow) or 265/75R16 |
| Biggest tire · 2 in | 255/85R16 or 265/75R16 |
| Biggest tire · 2 in + trimming | 34x10.50R17 |
Open the Pajero / Montero (Third Generation) in the tire fitment tool →
Common Pajero / Montero (Third Generation) repairs
- Timing belt, tensioner and water pump (6G74 3.5 / 6G75 3.8)DIFFICULTY 3 / 5
- Diagnose the hydraulic brake booster (HBB) and accumulatorDIFFICULTY 3 / 5
- Replace leaking oil and ATF cooler hosesDIFFICULTY 2 / 5
- Cure a flashing 4WD light (Super Select II)DIFFICULTY 2 / 5
- Chase the on/off-throttle driveline clunkDIFFICULTY 2 / 5
- Refresh tired rear springs, shocks and bushingsDIFFICULTY 3 / 5
- Replace the starter motorDIFFICULTY 2 / 5
Always confirm torque figures, fluids and capacities against the factory service manual for your VIN. See the disclaimer; some parts links are affiliate links.