Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Throttle position sensors

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero throttle-position-sensor: is it actually there?

Short answer: for 1987 Australian and New Zealand–spec Pajeros, a throttle-position sensor (TPS) isn’t used. Factory service information for the first‑generation Pajero (1982–1991) shows the 2.6‑litre 4G54 petrol running a conventional Mikuni/Solex carburettor and the 2.5‑litre 4D56 diesel using a mechanically governed rotary pump—neither system relies on an engine control unit that would need a TPS. This is consistent with the fuel system chapters in Mitsubishi’s workshop manual for those engines and with AU/NZ workshop books (e.g., Gregory’s/Haynes) that detail carburetted petrol and mechanical‑diesel setups for 1987. Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue also lists a TPS against later ECI‑MULTI (EFI) variants—most notably the 6G72 V6 introduced from late 1988 in many markets—not against 1987 AU/NZ carb or diesel models.

So why no TPS on a 1987 Pajero? It comes down to the hardware. A TPS is an input for electronic fuel injection to track throttle angle, informing fuel and ignition strategies. The 1987 AU/NZ Pajero’s carburettor meters fuel mechanically via venturi signal and jets, with enrichment handled by an accelerator pump and various vacuum/thermal controls. The diesel meters fuel by pump cam and governor. With no ECU calling the shots, there’s nothing onboard that would read a TPS—hence it’s not fitted or relevant to routine servicing for these engines.

There are edge cases. Some markets saw EFI petrol Pajeros from the late 1980s, and those do run a TPS on the throttle body. If someone’s Pajero has been converted to EFI or swapped to a later EFI engine (e.g., 6G72 ECI‑MULTI), it will have a TPS and associated wiring. Easiest checks: look for an alloy intake plenum with injectors and a three‑wire sensor on the throttle shaft, note the engine code on the build plate (EFI 6G72 and certain MPI 4G54 variants use a TPS).

• 1987 AU/NZ petrol (4G54 carb): no TPS
• 1987 AU/NZ diesel (4D56 mechanical): no TPS
• Later EFI variants (e.g., 6G72 ECI‑MULTI, some MPI 4G54 in other markets): TPS fitted

FAQs

Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero have a throttle-position sensor?
Generally, no—AU/NZ 1987 models are carburetted petrol or mechanical‑diesel and don’t use a TPS. Only EFI‑equipped engines (mostly from late 1988 in many markets) have one. If the vehicle has an EFI plenum and injector rail, it likely has a TPS, a traditional carburettor means it doesn’t.

What should be checked if a 1987 Pajero hesitates off idle, since there’s no TPS?
On a carb 4G54, look at accelerator pump shot, vacuum leaks, blocked jets, choke operation, base timing, and any carb solenoids or dashpots. On the 4D56 diesel, check for air in fuel, tired injectors, pump timing, or a sticky boost compensator. Those faults mimic “TPS” symptoms on EFI cars.

Can a TPS be added to a 1987 Pajero?
Only as part of an EFI conversion or engine swap. That means fitting an EFI throttle body with a TPS, an ECU, loom, sensors, fuel delivery upgrades, and proper calibration. It’s a solid upgrade if done right, but plan for engineering/approval and ensure off‑road reliability is maintained.