Parts for your 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero-Throttle position sensors

1995 Mitsubishi Pajero throttle position sensor (TPS): what it does and how to look after it

Is a throttle position sensor relevant on a 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero? Yes. Technical references confirm the 1995 Pajero (second-gen V20) is fitted with a throttle/accelerator position sensor across both petrol and diesel variants. The Mitsubishi Factory Service Manual for NL/NK models details TPS testing and adjustment on the 6G72/6G74 petrol engines, while the 4M40 diesel documentation specifies an accelerator position sensor on the injection pump for engine management, EGR and auto-trans shift control. The Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue also lists TPS/APS part numbers for these engines, and workshop data sources such as Autodata and Haynes document TPS diagnostic procedures and voltage specs for this model range.

On a 1995 Pajero, the TPS tells the engine control unit exactly how far the driver’s opened the throttle. On petrol V6s it’s mounted on the throttle body, on the 4M40 diesel it’s an accelerator position sensor on the pump/throttle lever. The signal is used to fine-tune fueling and ignition timing, stabilise idle, manage EGR, and cue the auto transmission for shift timing and kickdown. When it’s healthy, throttle response is crisp and shifts feel right. When it’s crook, expect flat spots, hunting idle, lazy or harsh shifts, poor economy, and a check-engine light with a TPS fault code.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the TPS some attention:

• Visual checks: Inspect the connector for broken tabs, green corrosion, or oil ingress (common around diesels). Clean pins and reseat the plug.
• Baseline testing: With a multimeter on the signal wire, look for a steady closed-throttle voltage around the half-volt mark and a smooth sweep up past 4 V at wide open throttle. Exact specs vary by engine code—follow the factory figures.
• Adjustment: Many Pajero TPS units are slotted. Loosen the screws and rotate slightly to set the base voltage or feeler-gauge position per the workshop manual, then recheck sweep.
• Throttle body hygiene: On petrols, clean the throttle bore and plate, but don’t drown the TPS with solvent—it’s a sealed unit.
• Replacement: Disconnect the battery, unplug, mark the original position, remove the two screws, fit the new sensor, align the drive tang, adjust, clear codes, and road test. For 4M40 diesels, the sensor sits on the pump linkage—avoid disturbing pump calibration, if unsure, get a diesel specialist involved.
• Parts choice: Use quality OEM-equivalent sensors, pattern parts that don’t hold calibration can cause shift dramas on autos.

Look after the TPS and the Pajero rewards with cleaner take-off, smoother shifting, and less fuel burnt for the same drive.

FAQs

Where is the TPS on a 1995 Pajero?
On petrol V6 models it’s bolted to the side of the throttle body, opposite the throttle cable. On 4M40 diesels it’s fitted to the injection pump’s throttle/accelerator lever as an accelerator position sensor, feeding the ECU and auto trans controller.

What voltage should the TPS read?
Typically around 0.45–0.55 V at closed throttle and 4.0–4.8 V at wide open throttle, with a smooth rise in between. Values differ by engine and ECU, so always follow the Mitsubishi service manual specs for the exact engine code.

Can it be driven with a faulty TPS?
Usually yes, but it may go into a limp strategy, shift poorly, surge or stall, and waste fuel. Prolonged driving like that can be rough on the auto trans and catalytic converter. It’s best to test, adjust or replace the sensor promptly.