Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Tail lights

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero tail-lights: what they do and how to look after them

Tail-lights are absolutely fitted to the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero. Factory literature for the first‑gen Pajero (L040/L140 series) lists a rear combination lamp assembly that includes tail (rear position) lamps, stop lamps, indicators and reverse lamps. This is supported by Mitsubishi workshop manuals and parts catalogues for 1983–1991 models, along with Australian Design Rules ADR 13/00 (installation of lighting) and ADR 49/00 (front and rear position lamps), New Zealand’s Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004, and UNECE Regulation No. 7 for rear position lamps. All of these technical references require road vehicles like the 1986 Pajero to carry functioning red rear position (tail) lamps, so the part is relevant and required.

On a 1986 Pajero, the tail-lights live in the rear corner combination housings and switch on with the park/headlights. Their job is simple but vital: make the vehicle visible from behind at night and in poor weather, and clearly signal braking and turns via the shared assembly. Good tail-light performance means better safety on gravel backroads, wet highways and everywhere in between.

Servicing is straightforward. Owners can expect dual‑filament bulbs for stop/tail (commonly P21/5W BAY15d), single‑filament 21W bulbs for indicators and reverse, and wedge bulbs for the number plate—though variants exist across trims and markets, so a quick check against the owner’s manual or a trusted parts catalogue is wise.

• Inspect lenses for cracks, fading and water ingress, replace perished gaskets to keep moisture out.
• Clean contacts and earth points, a dodgy ground is a classic cause of dim or intermittent lamps.
• When changing bulbs, twist the holder anticlockwise, swap the lamp, and seat it firmly, avoid touching glass with bare fingers.
• Use quality, ADR/ECE‑compliant bulbs. If opting for LEDs, ensure they meet legal specs and maintain correct indicator flash rate (load resistors or an LED‑friendly flasher may be needed).
• Don’t overtighten housing screws, old plastics can crack. A light smear of dielectric grease on seals helps longevity.

After any work, test park lights, brakes, indicators, hazards and reverse lamps. If a circuit’s still playing up, check the relevant fuse and consult the Pajero’s wiring diagram in the workshop manual. Keeping these lights bright and reliable isn’t just tidy—it’s legal and keeps the classic Paj on the right side of a WOF or roadworthy.

Popular questions about 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero tail-lights

What bulb type fits the 1986 Pajero’s stop/tail lights?
Most first‑gen Pajeros use a dual‑filament P21/5W (BAY15d) for the combined stop/tail function, with 21W single‑filament bulbs for indicators and reverse. Given market differences, it pays to check the owner’s manual or cross‑reference the bulb base before purchase.

Why are the tail-lights dim or intermittent on an older Pajero?
Common culprits are corroded bulb contacts, a poor earth/ground, aged or waterlogged housings, or tired bulbs. Cleaning the sockets and earth points, renewing the gasket, and replacing bulbs typically restores full brightness.

Are LED tail-light upgrades legal on a 1986 Pajero in AU/NZ?
LEDs can be fine if they’re ADR/ECE‑compliant for colour and intensity, and don’t upset indicator flash rate. Some setups need load resistors or an LED‑compatible flasher. Always ensure the lamp colour (red tail, amber indicator) remains correct and compliant with local road rules and WOF/roadworthy requirements.