How To Read Check Engine Light Without Scanner – 3.2 DiD
One of the common questions I hear again and again is “Does the Pajero Di-D support ODB2 codes?”
Well, unfortunately, the answer is no. But, there is still a way to read the failure codes without an expensive special scanner (no, the $20 ODB2 from eBay won’t do the work in that case).
First, You have to locate the diagnostic connector, you should find it next to the driver knee. There are 2 connectors there, the trapeze black one is the one you are looking for.
You can see it in the picture below:
Here is a scheme of the connector, as you might notice, it looks like a standard ODB2 connector, the only problem is that the Pajero/Shogun protocol is MUT II (2)
While the switch is on (engine is off), connect a “ground” (-) wire to terminal #1 of the connector and look at the dashboard lights.
The relevant lights would blink:
- Check Engine Light for the engine fault codes
- ABS light for the ABS errors
- Center diff lock for the transfer codes
- “N” gear light for the automatic transmission box fault codes
Now, I hope that you know MORSE code since it is similar 🙂
The codes will run over and over again, so do not worry if you do not read them on the first time you try.
Disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds or more will reset all of the codes!
How to read the codes?
The idea is similar to dash and dots codes, the lights will stay on for “long” flashes and “short” Â flashes.
Long flashes represent “tens” while short flashes represent “singles”
Sample:
if the Check Engine Light will flash like that: ___ ___ _ _ _ it means code 23 (see in the table below)
The codes tables:
Engine codes:
Pajero Engine fault code 51 refers to the EGR system.
Automatic Transmission codes:
Transfer case codes:
If you wish to buy a scanner after all, then, you may buy this one from eBay (support out site by using that link):
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About The Author
saar
My name is Saar. I own a Pajero NM after more than 10 years with a Jeep Cherokee. I would like to document every possible information regarding the Pajero here on our site. Please feel free to contact me to add your stuff here.
Hallo Saar
I have tried your procedure. However the engine light does not flash. Only die c/d light at 0.5s intervals indicating no problem. The engine light stays on. The light also does not want to reset after disconnecting the battery. Any suggestions?
Hi Johan,
Can you please specify some more details (year, model)?
Hi, saar.
You a good men and you have good website.
I’m from Czech Republic and my English is bad, so I use Google translator . I’m sorry for mistakes. I have a problem. According to your instructions , I could read the error engine code number 23 and I do not know what to do next. Auto smokes and is not up to speed , running as 3 cylinders . You advise ? I’ll tell you himself or servicing of Mitsubishi ?
Hello,
Thank you 🙂
I would go to a dealer that will check the idle switch, based on the results I would see what is next.
Thank you, to know what it is , so I write .
Sorry, yes. It is a 2007 Did Pajero latest shape. The basic model. I can send you ‘n video clip of the lights. Please send an email adress.
Kind regards
Johan
I have then tried to reset it to see if it will come on again, but is does not want to go off/reset even if I disconnect the battery for a few minutes.
Hi,
I’m not sure that method of Engine fault codes reading fits your model.
I’m afraid it works only with the previous model (NM-NP)
Your model is the 4th generation, you may need a Mitsubishi scanner to check the codes and reset them.
My email is: montero.guru [at] gmail [dot] com
Halll Saar
Is there not someone in your network that could give some advice on reading Gen4 codes without a scanner?
Kind regards
Johan
I’ll try…
BTW, have you tried reading it with a simple ODB2 scanner?
maybe they decided to work like the rest of the world 🙂
Hi. My engine light blinks ONE short, and 5 long. Not the long ones first. Does this still mean error code 51? As in EGR valve? (I have a slow start on my car.. Could this be the reason?). I also have 11 short blink on the differentiel lock light. Not one long and one short. This is error code 11 still?
Regards Bjorn
Hi,
Can you post a video of it?
Do the 11 short blinks in 0.5 seconds delays? if so, it means no codes.
The long blinks should always be before the short ones, so you may want to read the codes again (the codes are being displayed over and over again, so try to “catch” a the start of them and count from the start)
Thank you,
Saar
I dont get av option posting video her.. Butikkens noe, after left the battery out one night, both the engine light and the center diff light flashes continoulesly with approx half a second light..
Hi,
half second flashing meaning no codes in memory. When you disconnected the battery you erased the codes. That is a way of handling those code too sometimes 😉
If it won’t turn on again, then you are fine 🙂
You can upload a video to youtube and share the link here…
Hi Saar, My problem is with my Pajero GLS. The engine temperature gauge seems to have a mind of its own, sometimes reading half way, but sometimes going to Hot!!!. It seems to have nothing to do with the temperature of the engine. Any clues? Grateful ….
Hi Stephen,
It is a known issue with the Pajero.
Please verify that the problem is not a real overheating, and if it is not, then it is probably the gauge itself.
See here how to fix it: http://www.pajero.guru/how-to-fix-the-faulty-temp-gauge-on-a-pajeroshogunmontero-nm-2001-1003/
Saar
i needinformation on the shogan 2008 diamond 3.2 di d
please could you let me know wot site to look for
Hi,
What exactly would you like to know?
Saar
Hi, Saar my pajero is a 200 ,3.2DI, 5AT. it had lost 2 important functions:
1.the torque converter would not engage when gas peddle fully released, it just goes like neutral . disaster during downhill.(but i will bite in +/- mode.)
2. it lost the down shift function during downhill.
any suggests what went wrong?
Regards,
Jr.
Hi,
To be honest, I don’t have a clue.
Any fault codes?
Hi, I have a pajero 04, my engine light and traction control lightsx2 both come on while ‘manly’ in idle after a shirt drive, could this be an easy fix?
You should read the fault codes, then it would be easier to answer…
Hello Saar,
Is it safe to try this procedure on Pajero Sport 2.5 2003, 115hp – 4d56?
Thank you
As far as I know, yes.
salut j ai un pajero 3 did annee 2001 . subitement y a l arret de fonctionnement des circuit suivant ; phares , clignotants , lave glace ; et essuis glace on m a dit que c est l ecu avant mais je ne sais pas si vous pouvais m orienter comment determiner la panne merci beaucoup .
Hi I have a 2006 np Pajero 3.8 petrol, how can I get codes?
As far as I know, the petrol models use ODB2 protocol, Did you try simple odb2 code reader?
Hi.i have mitsubishi pajero 3.2 did 2000 model. i saw this code : 23 idle sw 1 pls helpme .. Email: [email protected].. Thanks for help
Hi.i have mitsubishi pajero 3.2 DID 2000 model. Engine code: 4m41.. But i have a problem. Ä° dont know this code: 23 idle sw 1 .. Please help me.
[email protected]
Hi,
It seems that you have a problem in the idle switch – according to the message it is built in the acceleration pedal, I would start checking there…
Hi saa
I was trying to clearly some noise from tyres while driving. I put the gear on N and turned off the engine. After turning the engine on again the check engine light was on .
Do you have any idea about this issue.
Thank you
Hi,
No. read the error codes and then try to reset them, see if they will come again….
Hello Pajero Guru,
I have a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2DiD GLX A/T.
The vehicle drives pretty much normally until the accelerator pedal is fully depressed to full throttle (in other words – the kickdown switch is activated)
The engine light then comes on – the engine loses power and would not rev more than 3000rpm – vehicle goes into limp mode.
Engine Fault Codes: 12 and 41
A/T Trans Fault Codes: 21 and 45
Any suggestions or have you experienced a problem like this before?
Your help is much appreciated!
Kind Regards,
Deon Sajiwan
Hi,
I never faced that with my Pajero.
I would start checking the TPS and speed sensors, I suspect the A/T codes are a side effect of the real issue.
Hei, I have same problem with my pajero but manual gearbox, codes 12 and 41, did u find out what was problem?
Thanks for answer
Michal
Hi saar,
I owned pajero V75 3.5 petrol, make 1999. Tried the method. ABS & N light blink normal. The CD light blink with 32 & 33 code.
But the Check Engine Light didn’t appear at all. What could be the problem?
Does it work when you turn the switch? is the bulb ok?
Yes it work when turn the switch. I need to find way to diagnose the engine coz the check engine light will turn ON while driving & RPM will drop to 2000. Engine then run in safe mode. Turn off the switch, wait for few seconds then restart the engine running well. After some time, the problem re-occur. Oredi tried to diagnose with 4 or 5 different scanners but no result.
I’m hoping to use your method in order to get some error code.
Hi, I have a 2001 3.2did manual, when I select 4h the front wheel lights flash for a bit then remain on until I get up to about 20mph when they go out and the orange central diff light flashes I get a fault code of 25 any ideas as to location of faulty sensor. Thanks
hi, i have a 2005 3.2did, i get error code 48 GE (actuator), where is this actuator situated?
Hi, Saar
Does the code reading system (incl. codes numbers) works also on Pajero Sport 2004 (85 kW), manual transmisson.
Hi,
I don’t know for sure. probably yes.
Hi, does this work with a 1998 MK Triton V6 Petrol? What would I use as a ground wire?
The Triton was running rough for a few days, loosing power and struggling to take off and then finally it died throwing a CEL and would not restart.
It seems to have spark (I hooked up an old lead and spark plug and tested each coil). And I can smell fuel in the engine bay when I try to start it, so I assume it’s getting fuel. I checked the timing belt and it’s still in one piece. Could this be a camshaft position sensor or crankshaft sensor?
Thanks
P.S I signed up to your site but never received a confirmation or password email.
Dear Saar,
First I’d like congratulate your website. It’s really very important for us. Well, I’ve a Pajero 2006 DID 3rd gen. and the panel show the ASTC light flashing and the ASTC-OFF light continuously iluminated. The professional scanner indicates problem in G and Yaw rate sensor, but when I try make your procedure the Engine light blinking in loop, without stop
Important: I don’t have the OBDII scan, only the car mechanic have it, but is expensive. (LOL)
Good day
Please tell me how to remove the transfer box actuator and to strip and service it as it does not select 4×4.
12v present at plug when engage 4wd.
Actuator moves when I apply 12v to unit.
Thank you
Hi, you have a very informative site here! Nice one!
I bought a cheapo OBD2 reader for my Shogun 2005 but it just gives a link error. The reader works fine on two other cars – Honda and Toyota. I don’t want to buy another reader in case it fails again. Can I use the manual method described above with this later year car.
Many thanks in advance,
Martin.
Hello,
As far as I know, yes, you can.
Hi. Just to confirm this method works on my 2.5 SWB 2003 Pajero. Thanks for all the help. Keep up the good work. JPB
We do not have that model here.
Dear, I have pajero 1998 V25 GDI. I performed some steering column work, after that i am receiving SRS airbag light on. I don’t have computer to reset please tell me how to reset the ecu. I have disconnected the battery for several hours but the srs light displays again.
Hello Saar
I have a 2001 Pajero, 3.2 DID short model, 220 000km.
The fuel consumption is no 15l/100km. It used to be 10l/100km. There is no black smoke or white smoke when it is running. Everything looks normal…only bad consumption. Didnt check the error codes yet. Any ideas? Thanks
Hello,
Did you change tires?
Different traffic conditions?
do you see black smoke while driving/accelerating? (I understand that when the engine is running there is no smoke, the question is what happens when it is under load).
Did you cancel the EGR?
Saar are you from Israel? i need some help with my 2004 model
hi mr. saar i bought pajero Exceed model 1999 3.2 DID DIESEL from japan sometimes i experience engine light indication in dash board when this indicates the running condition will become slow then a few minutes engine indicator dissappear again and normal running back again , because i have no manual for this car we cant find codes … can you give me some idea why this problem comes sometime i am from philippines thanks mr saar …
HI Saarf
I own Mitsubishi Pajero 2009 D Engine, the natural light is blinking and after it the check engine light, It happand only on 4×4 road (even with 2H drive) after a while on the road it went a way
Any ideas how what can be wrong ?
Udi
You should use a scanner to find the fault codes.
Any recommendation in Israel mechanics
Where are you exactly? Erez 4×4 from Holon is a good mechanic, I’m pretty sure there are more…
Hi Saar, I have a 2007 Pajero 3.2 DID running good but recently the (ASC) Active Stability Control function automatically activates and I must pull over stop the engine restart then continue sometimes I will repeat this before the end of my trip, please advise.
G’day guys, will this also work with the Pajero 3.8lt V6?
https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=20313