Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Crank angle sensor

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero crank-angle-sensor: purpose, fitment and servicing

Technical references including the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (Engine Electrical groups), Mitsubishi ASA parts listings for engines 6G72/6G74 (petrol) and 4M40 (diesel), and Autodata service specifications confirm the 1997 Pajero does use a crank-angle/position sensor. On the petrol V6 models, the crank-angle signal is generated by a sensor integrated inside the distributor (often labelled a cam/crank angle sensor). On electronically controlled 4M40 turbo-diesel variants of this year, a separate crankshaft position/TDC sensor is fitted at the front timing case near the crank pulley. Either way, the engine management relies on a crank-angle input, so the part is relevant on this model year.

On a ’97 Pajero, the crank-angle sensor tells the ECU where the crankshaft is in its rotation and how fast it’s spinning. That timing info is used to trigger spark (petrol), schedule fuel, manage idle quality, detect misfires and keep the whole show running smoothly. When the signal goes missing or flaky, you’ll often see hard starting, random stalling, rough running, or a no-start. The check engine lamp may log codes such as P0335 (crank) or P0340 (cam/distributor) depending on engine and market.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, it’s a “inspect and replace if faulty” item. A good habit is to check it whenever doing a timing belt on petrol V6s (every 100,000 km) or front-end service on diesels. Under the bonnet, look for damaged wiring, oil inside the distributor (petrol), corrosion at the connector and metal fuzz on a magnetic sensor face (diesel). Clean gently and reseat the connector before condemning the part.

If replacement is needed, use a quality OEM-equivalent sensor. For petrol models, the sensor sits under the distributor cap/rotor, mark distributor position before removal so base timing lands back on spec. For diesel 4M40 with the front-mounted sensor, disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining fasteners and keep the sensor face and trigger ring clean when refitting. Follow workshop-manual torque values and any specified air-gap. After replacement, clear fault codes, perform an idle relearn if needed, and on distributor-equipped engines verify base ignition timing with a timing light as per the manual.

Driving with a failing sensor can be risky in Aussie and Kiwi traffic, intermittent faults can cause sudden cut-outs. If it’s playing up, sort it early rather than waiting for a tow.

• Common symptoms: long crank/no start, random stall, tach needle dropouts, stored P0335/P0340
• Service tips: inspect wiring at the crank pulley area, keep connectors clean, verify timing after distributor work

FAQ

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 1997 Pajero?
On petrol V6s, it’s inside the distributor under the rotor and cover, often labelled as a cam/crank angle sensor. On 4M40 electronic-diesel versions, it’s mounted at the front timing case by the crank pulley. Some purely mechanical-pump diesels from earlier years may differ, but 1997 EDC diesels typically have the external crank sensor.

Can you drive with a faulty crank-angle sensor?
You might, but it’s not wise. Intermittent faults can cause cutting out, poor running and hard starts. A complete failure usually means a no-start. Best bet is to diagnose, repair the wiring or replace the sensor before it strands you.

Do you need to reset or relearn anything after replacement?
The ECU generally adapts on its own. Clear any stored codes and let it idle until warm. If the distributor was moved on a petrol V6, set base ignition timing to spec using a timing light and the correct workshop procedure.