Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Crank angle sensor

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero crank‑angle sensor — what’s fitted and what to service

For the 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero, whether a crank‑angle sensor (CAS) is used depends on the engine fitted. Technical literature covering first‑generation Pajero models (factory workshop manuals and AU/NZ repair manuals) shows that the 3.0L V6 (6G72) multi‑point injected petrol uses a distributor with an internal crank‑angle sensor that feeds timing and speed data to the ECU. By contrast, the 2.6L 4G54 carburetted petrol relies on a magnetic pick‑up in the distributor driving an ignition module (no standalone ECU CKP/CAS), and the 2.5L 4D56 diesel uses mechanically timed fuel injection without a crank‑angle sensor. These details are documented in Mitsubishi factory service manuals for the era (engine electrical and fuel sections), common AU/NZ service guides such as Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1991 and Haynes Montero/Pajero 1983–1995, and are consistent with Mitsubishi ASA parts listings showing the V6 distributor assembly with integral sensor.

Where the Pajero is fitted with the 3.0L V6, the crank‑angle sensor’s job is simple but vital: it tells the ECU exactly where the crank is and how fast it’s spinning so ignition timing and fuel injection happen bang on. On this model, the sensor sits inside the distributor, using an optical or magnetic pick‑up and a slotted disc to generate both a reference (TDC/home) and angle signal. When it goes off, the vehicle can become hard to start, stumble or stall when hot, drop the tacho suddenly, or throw an ECU fault. Left alone, intermittent no‑start and poor fuel economy aren’t far behind.

As part of sensible servicing on a V6‑equipped 1988 Pajero, it’s worth giving the CAS and its neighbourhood some attention:

• Inspect the distributor plug and wiring for brittle insulation, oil ingress, or green crust on terminals, clean and secure as needed.
• If the sensor is optical, pop the cap and check the slotted disc and window for dust or oil mist, clean gently with electronics‑safe spray.
• Check distributor shaft end‑play and side‑play, worn bushes can distort the signal and timing.
• Confirm base ignition timing after any distributor work, follow the factory procedure to place the ECU in base‑timing mode before setting.
• If the engine has random stall/no‑start, scope the CAS signal or follow the workshop manual’s resistance/voltage checks before assuming a fuel fault.

Replacement is straightforward DIY for a confident home spanner‑spinner: mark the distributor body and engine for alignment, disconnect the battery, remove cap and rotor, then the distributor. Swap the sensor or the complete distributor as required, reinstall to the marks, and re‑set base timing once warmed up. Given the age, many owners opt for a complete, quality remanufactured distributor rather than chasing intermittent sensor failures. On 2.6 carb and 2.5 diesel variants, a modern CAS isn’t part of the system, attention should instead be on the distributor pick‑up (petrol) or pump timing and glow circuit (diesel).

Popular questions

Does a 1988 Pajero have a crank‑angle sensor?

It depends on the engine. The 3.0L V6 (6G72) EFI uses a distributor‑mounted crank‑angle sensor that feeds the ECU. The 2.6L carburetted petrol and 2.5L diesel variants don’t run a separate CAS, they use a simple distributor pick‑up or mechanical pump timing instead.

Where is the crank‑angle sensor on a 1988 Pajero?

On V6 EFI models, it’s inside the distributor under the cap and rotor, integrated with a slotted signal disc and pick‑up. Carburetted petrol and diesel versions don’t have a standalone CAS, so there’s nothing to find on the timing cover or crank pulley.

What are the symptoms of a failing crank‑angle sensor on the V6?

Common signs include hard starting, random cut‑outs (often when hot), misfires, tachometer dropouts, and intermittent no‑start. The ECU may log an ignition reference code, and fuel economy can suffer as timing control goes haywire.