Parts for your 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero-Camshaft sensor

1995 Mitsubishi Pajero camshaft sensor – what’s fitted and what it does

Based on factory technical documentation and parts catalogues, whether a 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a camshaft sensor depends on the engine fitted. The petrol V6 models (6G72 3.0L and some 6G74 3.5L) use a camshaft position signal generated by an internal cam/crank angle sensor inside the distributor, Mitsubishi’s Factory Service Manual (1991–1999 Engine Electrical) labels this the G-signal for cylinder identification, which the ECU treats as a camshaft reference. The Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for the V20 series (1995) lists this sensor within the distributor assembly on petrol variants. By contrast, the 2.8L diesel (4M40) of that era does not use a separate camshaft position sensor, timing is mechanically controlled, with the ECU using pump and/or crank signals. This engine-specific split is also reflected in workshop references from Autodata and Haynes covering 1990s Pajero/Montero models.

For owners of 1995 Pajero petrol V6s, the camshaft sensor’s job is to tell the ECU which cylinder is on its compression stroke so ignition and fuel can be timed spot-on. On these models, the cam signal is produced by the distributor’s internal angle sensor, so the “cam sensor” is effectively part of the distributor. When it starts to go flaky, expect hard starting, random misfires, rough idle, or the engine cutting out once warm. The ECU may log a cam/crank correlation fault (often seen as a CMP-related code on later scan tools) and may fall back to batch firing, which hurts fuel economy and driveability.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic, but there are a few gotchas because it’s tied to the distributor:

• Before removal, scribe the distributor’s position relative to the housing so base timing is close on refit.
• Disconnect the battery, unplug the distributor harness, and check the loom for brittle insulation near the rear bank—heat there is a known culprit.
• Many Pajero distributors require replacing the whole unit rather than just the internal sensor. If swapping the distributor, fit a new O-ring and lightly oil it to avoid leaks.
• After installation, warm the engine and check base ignition timing with a timing light as per the FSM procedure (using the correct diagnostic timing mode). Adjust by rotating the distributor slightly.
• Clear any stored fault codes and road test. If symptoms persist, inspect earths and the crank angle portion of the signal as well.

There’s no periodic service item for the cam sensor itself, but keeping oil out of the distributor, ensuring good battery voltage, and protecting the connector from moisture will help it last the distance. For the 4M40 diesel crowd: you won’t find a separate cam sensor on that engine, so if you’re chasing timing faults, look to the crank signal, pump timing hardware, and harness integrity instead.

FAQs

Does a 1995 Pajero have a camshaft sensor?
Petrol V6 models do—its cam signal is generated by the distributor’s internal angle sensor, which the ECU uses as camshaft position. The 2.8L 4M40 diesel does not use a separate camshaft sensor.

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 1995 Pajero 3.0 V6?
It’s inside the distributor on the back of the engine bank. The sensor isn’t usually serviced separately, most repairs involve replacing or rebuilding the distributor assembly and then resetting base timing.

Will a dodgy cam sensor cause hard starting?
Yes. On the petrol V6, a failing cam signal can cause long cranks, misfires, stalling, and poor fuel economy. The ECU may revert to batch injection and set a cam/crank correlation fault until the issue is fixed.