Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Cabin filter

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero cabin filter — is there one?

For the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation, V2# series), a cabin air (pollen) filter was not fitted from factory. This isn’t just folklore — it’s backed by the technical literature. The Mitsubishi Workshop Manual for 1991–1999 Pajero (Heating and Air Conditioning section) contains no service or replacement procedure for an interior microfilter. The Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue lists no “air conditioner filter” element for V2# models of this era, and the owner’s handbook for 1997 models doesn’t reference a cabin filter either. The HVAC blower housing on these vehicles doesn’t include a filter slot, instead, fresh air is drawn through a cowl intake with a coarse mesh screen to keep out leaves and larger debris.

Why wasn’t it used? In the mid–late 1990s, many 4x4s prioritised high airflow and simple, robust ventilation over fine-particle filtration. The Pajero’s design channels large volumes of outside air for demisting and cooling, and markets like Australia and New Zealand didn’t commonly mandate pollen filters at that time. Mitsubishi introduced proper cabin filtration on later generations when the HVAC boxes were redesigned to include a filter tray.

What should owners do instead? While there’s no filter to replace, a bit of simple maintenance keeps the Pajero breathing well and smelling fresh:

• Clear the cowl intake and mesh screen of leaves and dust, check the plenum drains aren’t blocked.
• Periodically remove the blower motor and vacuum out the fan wheel and housing.
• Treat the evaporator core with an A/C foaming cleaner to reduce musty odours.
• Use Recirculate on dusty tracks to minimise bulldust intake, then switch to Fresh to purge the cabin once off the dirt.
• Inspect door and cowl seals for leaks that can invite dust inside.

Can a filter be added? Aftermarket retrofit kits exist, but they typically require cutting a slot in the HVAC case behind the glovebox and installing a custom frame and element. It’s not an OEM solution, and it can slightly reduce airflow if a dense media is used. If going this route, use a quality filter, replace it frequently in dusty conditions, and be prepared for a bit of trimming and careful sealing work.

Technical references: Mitsubishi Pajero Workshop Manual 1991–1999 (Group: Heating & Air Conditioning), Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS Electronic Parts Catalogue for V2# chassis, 1997 Pajero Owner’s Handbook (no scheduled “air conditioner filter” item).

Where would a cabin filter be on a 1997 Pajero?

It isn’t fitted on the 1997 model. There’s no filter tray behind the glovebox and no service item listed. The only “screening” is a coarse mesh at the cowl intake to stop leaves and big debris. If a previous owner has retrofitted a kit, it’ll usually be accessed by dropping the glovebox and looking for an added slot in the HVAC case.

Can a cabin filter be retrofitted to a 1997 Pajero?

Yes, but it’s aftermarket only. Most kits involve cutting an opening in the blower box and installing a frame to hold a filter. It can help with dust and pollen, but expect some loss of airflow with fine media. Choose a reputable kit, seal the frame properly, and replace the element more often if you drive on corrugated or dusty roads.

How can dust and odours be reduced without a cabin filter?

Keep the cowl intake and plenum drains clean, vacuum the blower housing, and treat the evaporator with a foaming cleaner. On outback or farm tracks, run Recirculate to limit bulldust, then switch back to Fresh on sealed roads. Good door and cowl seals also make a big difference to cabin cleanliness.