Mitsubishi Pajero Maintenance Schedule
The following maintenance intervals are based on the assumption of a vehicle which works under normal conditions, meaning, if you are a rally driver and do the Paris-Dakar every Monday, you may want to have an other maintenance plan…
One more thing we assume is that you are going to do most of the work yourself, that will reduce the maintenance cost and you will know your Pajero much better.
Weekly basis:
- Check engine oil level
- Check transmission oil level (see here how)
- Check clutch and brakes fluid level
- Check power steering fluid level
- Check tires visually for defects and check their pressures.
- Check engine coolant level
- Check the battery for corrosion
Once a year or 10,000 km:
- Change engine’s oil and filter (1)
- Replace air filter if used in dusty area
- Inspect coolant hoses
- Inspect brake hoses
- Inspect brakes – discs and pads, replace if necessary.
- Rotate tires
- Inspect ball joints and steering components for grease leaks
- Inspect drive shafts boot for tears and grease leaks
- Grease the propeller shafts joints.
- Adjust the valves (diesel engines only)
- Check the differential oil level
- Check the transfer oil level
- Check the engine driving belt – replace if needed (dry/cracked)
- Inspect fuel system
- 3.2 diesel engine – check the upper timing guide
Every 2 years or 25,000 km (which ever comes first):
- Change automatic transmission lubricate and filter (2)
- Change manual transmission lubricate. (3)
- Change transfer oil (4)
- Change differentials oil (5)
- Drain, wash and refill the cooling system (with new coolant)
- Inspect spark plug cables
- Replace air filter
Every 5 years or 100,000 km (which ever comes first):
- Replace timing belt (if any)
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace spark plugs cables
The above maintenance plan is for a normal/light use. If you drive a lot under severe conditions, you may want to reduce that intervals by half.
(1) Choosing the right engine oil viscosity depends on the weather in your area. For most areas, SAE 15W-40 will do the job (fits temp range from 0C to 50C), if you live in area where the temp is below 0, then you may consider SAE 10W-30, fits -20C to 40C or SAE SW-30 which works from -35 to 15C
Engine oil capacity:
V6 petrol engine: 4.9 liters.
2.8L diesel: 7.5 liters
3.2L diesel: NM/NP: 7.5L NS/NT: 9.8L
(2) Auto transmission fuild:
Capacity: NL: 8.5L, NM/NP 9.3L, NS: 9.7L, NT:10.9L
Type: NL: Dexron 2
NM, NP, NS, NT: Diamond ATF SP 3 or equivalent.
(3) Manual transmission fluid: 3.2liters of SAE 80/90W GL-5 gear lubricant
(4) Transfer case oil: 2.8 liters of 75W-85W GL-4 gear oil
(5) Differential lubricant:
- Standard: SAE 80/90W GL-5 gear oil
- Limited Slip: LS 90 (usually you will have a sticker on the diff if you have the LSD one)
Capacity:
- Front: 1.2 liters
- Rear: 1.6 liters
Something is not clear? do you have any other questions regarding your Pajero?
You can post here a comment or ask in our forums…
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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.
Great website mate, just found my way into it from Facebook. Looking at buying a Pajero (Australia) and it looks like some good information available here. Thanks.
Thank you,
My Pleasure.
Hi Saar
Am so glad i found your website. Well I Live in Namibia and drive a Mitsubishi Pajero io 1.8 4×4 automatic 1999” model. i bought the car in South Africa some 6 years ago but haven’t changed the transmission fluid since. the vehicle had a 120k when i got it and now does 173k. i am searching for specific information on how to change the oil but to no avail, please advice. Regards
Hello,
We do not have that model here…
Sorry.
Hi all just noteist that you don’t have the specks for a
4d56 Diesel motor is that a problem being to old for this site I was just wondering as I have just joined the site I don’t want to do the wrong thing.
Thanks Malcolm.
Hi Malcolm,
I wrote about the models I have (or my friends have), please feel free to add anything that you wish – you can do it using the forum or by sending me articles which will be published.
Thank you,
Saar
Thanks for your post . it helped me alot. But can you tell me what type of transmission fluid should I use in my 2.8l manual transmission pajero. I am a bit confused.
Hi,
I’m glad it helped you.
The transmission fluid type is SAE 80/90W GL-5 gear lubricant.
I purchased used 2.8l manual transmission pajero and was changing the oils as recommended by you. But the problem is when I drained the transmission fluid it was red colour and very thin. It seems to me that this oil is atf oil. So I am confused whether to use the same atf oil in manual transmission or should I use the 80w/90 as recommended by you.
Hi,
That sounds weird. maybe the previous owner filled it by mistake.
As far as I know, 80/90w is the way to go.
Thank you and enjoy your Pajero,
Saar
I have Pejero 2014 3.5 GLS with 48000 KM and I live in DUBAI. Shall I change and use the Differential lubricant:
Standard: SAE 80/90W GL-5 gear oil
Limited Slip: LS 90
Thanks ,FADI
If you haven’t changed the diff’ oil till now, you should do so.
I would change it once in 20000 km (depends on your driving conditions)
Hi Saar,
I’m very glad I saw your website. I recently saw a 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 (3doors diesel) selling for a very good price. It’s really cool and I really like it, plus it’s in my budget. But it has run for 500k plus km. this is the first time I’m getting a 4×4 and I’m not so sure if it’s wise to get a 4×4 which is over 15 years old. I have a fair bit of skills servicing car – the basic stuff but im worried about the continuous maintenance and getting the parts. Can you advise me?
Hi,
It is really hard to give a good advice without seeing the car.
500K km is a lot of km and you will have to do some maintenance work on it.
Try to find out what would be the price of the major components in your country (the engine, transmission, transfer) and by that, try to calculate the risk.
Look for overheating issues in the car history, check if the engine overheat under load (common issue with the 2.8 engine)
Bottom line, it is a simple old car and you would enjoy it is taken care properly.
Saar.
Hi Saar
I live in Mozambique and and have just replaced my tired 2.8 non turbo engine with 400k on the clock., With a 2.8 with turbo + intercooler with 200k on the clock. The transfer case on the car I’ve taken the engine out of, is joined to a 4 speed gearbox. I also wish to use this tranfer box to replace the one I have presently on my 5 speed gearbox. I have basically 3 questions.
1- will the 4 speed transfer box work with the 5 speed gearbox?
2. I can’t get GL5 75-85 oil but I can get plenty of GL5 80-90. Is it ok if I use it for both the transfer box and the gearbox?
3. I see the oil filter on the turbo engine is Z258 whereas the one on my previous engine is Z259. Can I use the Z259 on the turbo engine?
Thank you if you can make the time to answer these questions, I would highly appreciate it. Youcan email them directly to my gmail. [email protected]
Hi Grant,
We don’t have the 2.8 non turbo engine and a 4 speed gear box here so it is hard for me to answer.
1. I guess you have to check the input shaft and the output shaft and see if they fit the newer gear/driveshafts, if the y do, I believe you can swap them.
2. I wouldn’t use another oil, I know the 75-85 is harder to find and is much more expensive.
3. Have a look at the filters, are they the same size? if they do, I would use it, otherwise, I would stick with the 258
Good luck,
Saar
Hi,please help,as my engine temp gauge stopped working…could it be the sender unit on top of cyl head,single spade connection?
On a 2.8 pajero,1995 model.
Thanks
It might be the sender and it might be the gauge itself.
Check the output of the sender and see if it is in spec, then we’ll see what’s next
Hi, I just recently got a used 2nd Gen Pajero with a 4d56 engine? I’m new with diesel engines and I wonder the change oil and tune up schedule. With my corolla I changed and tune the engine every 5000km or 3 mos.
Hi,
Usually, I change oil and filter every 10K km/once a year, some people change every 7500km, I don’t see a reason to change earlier.
I seek advice for the follwing symptoms on the automatic transmission. Some times when cold the box will engage R then D and shortly there after disengage by itself. To remedy the problem I select N then rev the motor to 3000 rpm then select D and it works. When taking of on a steep incline the box wil disengage after about 4 meters. The same incline is no problem in reverse.
When was the last transmission oil change?
Dear Sir.
I have a 2012 Pajero dakar 4×4 in Indonesia.
Mitsibushi recommend engine oil change every 5000km this seems a bit much. What do you think?
Also what is the part number for the auto transmission filter?
Thanks
Hi,
I think 5000km is a little too much, but they may know things that I don’t…
I don’t have the transmission part number at the moment (I just looked for “Auto Transmission Filter kit mitsubishi pajero” on eBay). sorry
Hi saar.00968.99894123 my whatsap.hope hope to see u there bro.problm is I have almost bought used pajero2006.manual.its all the things fine but only 4*4wheel gear doesn’t give light when u use this.and I never used 4by4before.the seller says its working but people say if it doesn’t give light that’s mean not working.confused about this.please give me abvitsabviseBw to check this gear to find out if its working or no
Have you checked the 4×4 itself? maybe the lights doesn’t work (blown bulbs) but the solenoids and transfer work fine?
Hi. I am a owner of pajero 2014 DID 3.2 super exceed. 23000 km done. The engine oil recomended for this vehical is called DL 1. I can not find that type of oil in Sri lanka. Is there any substitutes? Thank u.
I think the best would be to contact your dealer about that, I’m not familiar with the oils and weather in your country. sorry.
Hello Saar
My name is Jeeten from Perth. I have 2000 pajero NM manual. I love this car. I want to do few jobs at home like change coolant, diff. Oil, transmission oil. Can you please tell us what products I should use and how to do it? Thank you. Jeeten.
Hi
What type of power steering fluid goe’s for the Pajero NM 2002, is it Dexeron 2 or 3?
Thanks
Hi Danny,
You can use 2 or 3, both are fine.
It is recommended NOT to mix 2 of them.
hi i have pajero 2014 / 3.8
on 20 000 km service the Mitsubishi agency told me it is better to change the front and rear brakes pads and i accept (even i think it can serve more )
after 3 days i heard a sound from the right back wheel when using brake on back drive (like parking the car) especially at mooring (first using)
that time i thought because the pads is new and it need time,but during next 3 weeks the sound became on each brake when parking the car (on back direction)
then i visit the agency ,after check they tell me there is lines on the rear disc (the front discs are OK) and they should do turner for both back discs ??? i ask about the reason ,they said maybe: dust with rain (i live in Qatar 365 dusting days 3 days raining !!! ) i refuse the turner then they just clean the disc ,the sound is disappear for 3 hours and then come back ,then after 2 days come on front and rear brakes ,so please do you think this is normal and i should do this turner or should ask the company to replace the discs as this consider manufacturing defect and my car under warranty (just 20 000) and all services are done earlier than programmed ,thank you
Hi Ammar,
That doesn’t sound right. New brakes shouldn’t be chiseled.
Did they use genuine Mitsubishi parts? usually, cheap replacements tent to make noises.
I guess I would ask for replacement.
Does a 2000 model 2.8 have a EGR
Should have…
Good day I have a 1999 gen 2 swb blister fender 3.5 gdi with a 5spd triptronic box would like to know the tipe of oil I need for the gearbox
Thanks hope to hear from you
Hi,
Dexron 2
hello friendo, i recently buy a pajero mini 1995 – 660 cc 4a30 small engine, and i want to change transmision fluid, could you tell me please which fluid can i use and how mane quantity, wait for your answer tnks
Hi,
I’m not familiar with that model.
Have a 2003 auto diesel auto with 140,000 on clock. This week temp gauge has started to move into red within 5-6 miles. What fluid should be in radiator? Just water
No, you should use a coolant which contains anti freeze.
Anyway, it should not go into the red area. You should check your engine/cooling system
What fluid should be in radiator of 2003,diesel auto
I use Perston. I guess any high quality fluid will do the job (not the ones which are only water with colors)
Pajeros are great machines. My first one ran 260,000 km in five years with no issues. Regular service at 10,000km using synthetic oil. I’m on the second one that’s so far done 170,000 km in 7 years and still driving like new
Hey! Just wanting your opinion on the 2008 Mitsi Pajero (4cylinder). It has done 198,000k’s and selling for $22000. I’m looking at buying one, mainly for camping and driving along the beach (australia). Do you think it’s a good buy and is it cheap to maintain?
Hi,
I’m not familiar with the maintenance costs in Australia (as well as the market prices for it) but I think it will fit the tasks you mentioned.
It is a very good SUV and I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Good all round 4×4! mine is an 07 ns exceed bought for $15k with 260k on clock. I use Nulon full syn 5w-30 (super cheap 10l) appx $100-110 and its dpf suitable and a very good oil. Just buy a crisp mod egr off module and make the necessary recall bookings as they have had a few but it’ll serve u well. Iv also got a 2in lift for about $1k and new Hankook Dyna Pro at tyres and it does really well!
I have a 1997 L400 Delica 2.8 TD and like to put a 2.4 petrol engine in can I use the same automatic gearbox any help be much appreciated thanks
Hi,
I do not know.
I have a 1996 Pajero 3.5 GLS. It is due for 230 000 km service. What is the recommended work to be done/checked. It has been serviced every 10 000 kms by Mitsubishi Cape Town but I now live in a small country village.
Hi,
230K is a regular service, next “big one” is at 250K. but you know your car and should know what should be replaced/broken and not included in the regular service.
Hi. I am living in Pakistan and using Pajero Intercooler 92, five door a replaced the engine with V6, what’s the recommended engine oil. Secondly the engine was heat up two times and replaced the gas kit etc. Now the engine is consuming the engine oil and a noise comes in tak tak when its on road. Please advice. Regards.
Aamir.
this is sameer from dubai, planning to buy 3.6 pajero full option, pls advise me hows this vehicle in terms of maintenance, shud i go for sunroof or without sunroof beter, my experience in gmc with sunroof was really bad, very noicy effect, pls suggest, also at wht km, tier change required
Hi,
I’m not familiar with the 3.6 engine (most of the cars here are 3.2 did/2.8).
The sunroof in a very nice option and it works great. no problems there…
Good luck
Hi,
I’m living in Mozambique. i got a Mitsubishi Pagero Mini, 4×4 and i would like to change the GearBox oil.
Which reference do you recomend me to use? 75W90 is it apropriete for this kind of car?
Hi,
I’m not familiar with that model (we don’t have it here… )
Sorry,
Saar
Hi sir …
I m from nepal …
I am using pajero v44 1991 model manual transaction gearbox and it is good in condition but due to heavy traffic in my country i want my pajero to make it automatic transaction gear box…is it possible
I never tried that, so I can’t answer for sure.
Hi saar
I have Mitsu pajero 2010 SUV
I have problem with transmission when I select D level in Gear I saw the N level signal open in D level at same time and the car not moved
Sir regards Pajero when in idle running
Engine sound is bit loud. When running is ok
No transmission loss pl advice
Model2006 m.t pajero
did you check the timing guide?
Does montero 2011 2.8 td have a diesel heater in it and do people use them in cold temp areas as much as they do in desert and tropical areas.?
Probably yes, but we don’t have that model around here so I can’t say for sure.
The tcase oil and lsd oil recommended can be used on gen2 v63000 auto 1995 model tcase and diffs?
Hello,
As per new regulation in UAE , all new cars should use 10000 Kms service oil, pajero I believe still uses old technology engines , would synthetic oil of 10000 Kms suit a 2016 pajero in Dubai’s hot climate ? Earlier 5000 Kms non synthetic oils were being used in pajero.
Hi first of all i would like to say thank you for this site, be blessed.
How good is a Mitsubishi Pajero 2800 A/T? I want to swap my 2:0 liter L200 gasoline 4g63 to a 4M40. What is your recommendation?
the 2.8 is a nice Pajero. You will enjoy it.
Hi saar
Wow you really a nice hearted person. I admire your commitment to helping others.
I wanted to ask i just bought 1994Pajero 2.8 on 110,000 swb and the temperature gauge is just over half it doesnt move from there is my engine overheating or is this normal?
Thank you 🙂
That sounds a little too high.
What type of transmission fluid should I use in my Mitsubishi Pajero Shogun dohc-24 V6 3500?
Hi. Me again. Concerning the transmission fluid. Im trying to find out for my Dad. It’s an automatic transmission with high and low range differential. Gas engine.
Hi,
Which year?
Hello Saar and thanks for your help. I have Mitsubishi Nativa 2008 with mileage 104000 km. Firstly i see when the car run it’s ok but if there is traffic there is Overheating. buy the way i check radiator water pump and fan all it’s ok and i have sometimes ABS signal in dashboard. second have problem with 4WD shifter is stucked in 2WD
Hi,
Regarding the overheating – my guess would be a clogged radiator. When was the last time you replaced/cleaned it?
The stucked shifter – what do you mean stucked? it doesn’t move or it doesn’t go into 4wd?
ABS – I would start with looking for a broken wire, it’s a wild guess 😉
thanks very much Saar. the shifter is does’nt move to 4wd
If the shifter is stuck, I would start looking for a mechanical issue with the shifter itself since it is not really connected to the transfer but moves an electric switch.
1996 Pajero 2800 cc, 5-door, manual 5-speed transmission, 95,000 km.
How does one drain oil from the oil cooler? Is it recommended to drain when doing regular oil change?
Hi Saar
I have Mitsubishi pajero 1991 , 2.5 lit eng diesel with automatic transmission , i lived in canada , which diff and transfer oil should i use and quantity as well thanks
I have a pajero V6
The dipstick shows full on 4 ltr engine oil. Am i still supposed to put in 4.9 ltr as given in specs above
Do not fill over the max of the dipstick.
Check again after a short drive (engine work) and add oil if needed.
Hi,
What is the engine life of of Pajero 3.0 . Im planning to buy a used pajero which is 9 years old and covered 165000 Kms. Will there b any major maintenance issues at this mileage and how many more KMs can i run it without any issues.
Appreciate your suggestions.
Hi,
It depends on the specific engine and how it had been treated during the past 165000…
I need to know how to replace the spark plugs on my Pajero 1994 Pajero 3500 V6 24 valve auto shogan. please assist.
Hi all, after much searching for an upgrade of my 4×4, we have decided on a Pajero. I am unsure if this the correct website to ask, but is anyone looking at selling one? Our wish list consists of nothing older than 2012, with under 50,000 klms and looking around $35k in NSW,tow bar and roof racks. Any ideas??
Cheers
Hi I would like to ask if the fully synthetic ATF is compatible with 03 pajero fieldmaster AT
Thanx
1989 2.5 turboo. detail need all fluids detail have to change …thanks
Hi,
I’m not familiar with that model. sorry.
I live in Thailand and I have a Pajero Sport 2.5 diesel, I change the brake pad but not with the original parts and now I have my security lights flashing when I close the car with the remote key ( It’s the 2014 model) just before the Exceed
Hi,
Sorry, but I don’t see the connection between the flashing lights and the pads.
Could you suggest the best engine oil as the engine is now 110000kms, I was thinking the Royal Purple 15w40
That sounds good.
Hi,
I am planning to buy pajero SFX 2.8 diesel in Bangalore India
It is having drive shaft problem. In 4 wheel Drive mode getting noise in the shaft.
So how much will cost for the replacement
Hi i just want to ask what type of atf oil should used in MITSUBISHI PAJERO 1991 MODEL. THANKS
I mean pajero 4D56
Hi,
I am planning to buy a used Pajero 2007 model . Please let me how much is the ownership and maintenance cost for the vehicle. I have a Hyundai accent currently andjust trying to understand how its to own this vehicle cost wise? location – Bangalore
I’m not familiar with the cost on your country, but a pretty safe thumb rule would be X2-X3 than your Hyundai.
Hi Saar
I wonder if you can give me some advise I have found a pajero 3.2l did 2000 model and the guy is selling it for someone else he say the the 4wd drive was disconnected to save fuel. What should I look at to see if it a simple thing so I can test the vehicle properly.
Hi,
That sounds very weird.
The Pajero 3.2 has the “Super Select” transfer (at least in the model we know here) so it can drive in 2×4 without disconnecting anything.
I wouldn’t buy it unless the seller installs the 4×4 again.
I have a 2003 pajero exceed 2800. The transmiasuon dipstick is not original and is too long. Can you tell ms the length that it should be so that I can adjust it to make sure the fluid level is okay? Thanks.
hello…i just want to ask if it is really normal to a 2016 mits pajero to have a little hard steering as the dealer here in qatar said?and i find an unusual noise when im running im not sure if it come from tires or propeller from 20km above speed its more noise when at lower speed …pls advise…thank you…
Sir,
My pajero v6,2013 model,3.2L I replaced automatic transmission oil bought i forgot to change filter , then i bought. is it compulsory to change filter also. Kindly advise.
Hello,
It is recommended to change them both.
Hi, I have a question for you. I own a 2007 3.2 DiD 5 door Pajero. I just changed the transfer case oil. The manual says the capacity is 2.6 litres. When I drained the oil about 2 litres came out and when I filled the new oil I was’t able to put more than 2.1-2.2 litres. Can it be that the automatic version has a smaller capacity? Thanks for you response.
Probably not, but sometimes there is a difference between the maximum capacity as described in the manual and the real life one as sometimes there are “leftovers” that won’t drain.
I suggest that you’ll check again the level after driving it (let it cool of course) and see if the level is correct.
Hi saar I have pajero 2.8 model 04 auto tranny.can I use sp3 atf fluid in my tranny.?ty for your advice.
hi!saar,i own pajero 4m40 model 2004 here in the phils.can i use mitsubishi sp3 atf fluids in my auto tranny?thanks for your advise.
Hi, can the egr valve be making my 2.8 l pajero overheating, there are signs on the valve after coolant fluid like it is geting out there.
Hi Saar,
Nice to see the Pajero forum and your extended cooperation. I have 1999 Pajero 3.2 Engine in Dubai. Done 120,000km. In recent last week three times it failed to excellerate while driving and making racing sound but not speeding up. Suddenly I tried to shift gear in N and then in D it moved then. Now it is going good and problem is not there. I am still afraid what had happened to gear shift before 3 days and if there is risk in long drive. Transmission oil is not been changed in last 60,000km when I bought it from others. Please advise . I had given to mechanic for change of transmission oil today. Will it solve the issue. Thanks…..firoz
I am looking at buying a 2004 Pajero 21st. anniversary model 3.2 ltr Turbo Dies with 250000 km. It has had all services done.When is the next major service due. the truck runs really great & looks good and well looked after, about 20,000 klm of above total was pulling a large caravan, whats your opinion with this amount of KLM.
I have a 1990 Pajero exceed petrol V6 automatic. The A/T light came on yesterday. Went away after being parked overnight. It came back on after 30 min of city driving. The jeep changed the the gears a little late initially but then was ok.