Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Crank angle sensor

Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero use a crank-angle sensor?

Short answer: a separate crank-angle sensor isn’t fitted or required on the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. On petrol models (such as the 2.6L 4G54), the engine’s timing signal comes from the electronic distributor’s internal pick-up (often called a signal generator, reluctor, or Hall pick-up), which the ignition module/ECU uses for spark timing. On the 2.5L diesel (4D56), fuelling and timing are handled mechanically by the rotary injection pump, so there’s no crank-angle sensor at all.

That conclusion lines up with period workshop literature: the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1983–1991) lists a distributor with a pick-up coil and igniter in the ignition section, but no standalone crankshaft position or crank-angle sensor. The Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero manual (covering 1983–1996) describes the same distributor-mounted signal generator arrangement for petrol engines. For diesels, the Mitsubishi 4D55/4D56 engine manuals show a mechanically timed VE-type rotary injection pump without an electronic crank sensor.

Why a crank-angle sensor isn’t used on this model comes down to the tech of the day. Late-’80s Pajero petrol engines relied on a distributor to both sense engine position and route spark to each cylinder, with vacuum and/or mechanical advance (and, on some EFI variants, simple ECU control) doing the rest. The diesel’s timing is set by the belt and pump camplate, so no electronic crank signal is needed. Dedicated crank sensors became common a few years later as fully electronic, distributorless ignition and more advanced engine management took over.

Chasing a “crank sensor” fault on a 1987 Pajero? On petrol variants, look to the distributor pick-up, ignition module, cap/rotor, earths and wiring. On diesels, verify pump timing, timing belt condition and tach signal wiring (many use the alternator “W” terminal for RPM).

• Typical petrol symptoms of a failing distributor pick-up or igniter: hard starting when hot, random cut-out, no-spark, erratic tacho.
• Basic checks: inspect cap and rotor, measure pick-up coil resistance per the manual, confirm clean air gap at the reluctor, and verify base timing with a timing light (vacuum advance disconnected on carb models).
• Note: later second-gen Pajeros moved toward separate crank/cam sensors, the 1987 first-gen does not.

Technical sources referenced:

• Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1983–1991), Engine Electrical—Ignition: Distributor (signal generator) and igniter, no crankshaft position sensor listed.
• Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1996: Ignition system uses a distributor-mounted pick-up coil, no separate crank-angle sensor on first-gen models.
• Mitsubishi 4D55/4D56 Engine Workshop Manual (mid-1980s): Mechanically timed VE-type rotary injection pump, no electronic crank-angle sensor.

FAQs

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 1987 Pajero?
There isn’t a separate one. On petrol models, the timing signal is generated inside the distributor by a pick-up coil/reluctor (or Hall unit). On diesel models, timing is mechanical via the injection pump, so there’s no crank-angle sensor to find.

Can a bad distributor pick-up act like a failed crank sensor?
Absolutely. If the pick-up or igniter goes intermittent, you’ll see no-spark, cut-outs, rough running or an erratic tacho—much like modern cars with a bad crank sensor. Testing the pick-up’s resistance and output with a multimeter and checking the air gap against the manual is the go.

What should be serviced for reliable ignition timing on a 1987 Pajero petrol?
Keep the cap, rotor and leads in good nick, verify the distributor pick-up and igniter, check vacuum/mechanical advance operation, and set base timing with a timing light to spec. Also make sure the timing belt is on schedule and the engine earths are clean and tight.