Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Cabin filter

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero cabin filter — what’s actually fitted

For the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (Gen 2/V20 series), a cabin or pollen filter wasn’t fitted from factory. Technical references back this up: the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue for the V2# series shows no listing for a cabin air filter or filter door in the Heater & Air Conditioner group, and the Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual HVAC section for these years depicts an air inlet, blower and evaporator case with no provision for a filter element. Independent workshop guides for 1991–1999 Pajero/Montero models also describe HVAC service without any mention of a cabin filter. So, for a 1998 Pajero, a cabin-filter replacement isn’t part of normal servicing because there isn’t one installed.

Why wasn’t it used? The HVAC box on Gen 2 Pajeros simply didn’t have a filter slot. Air comes in through the cowl intake under the windscreen where a coarse mesh keeps out leaves and bigger debris. At the time, many 4x4s prioritised airflow volume and simplicity over fine dust and pollen filtration, particularly in markets where off-road durability and easy service were key. Less restriction also means the blower motor works a bit easier and the evaporator can get maximum flow.

What should be done instead? Even without a cabin filter, fresh-air quality and HVAC performance can be kept tidy with a few simple maintenance steps during regular servicing.

• Clear the cowl intake: Remove leaves and muck under the wiper grille so water drains freely and debris doesn’t get pulled into the fan.
• Check evaporator drain: Make sure the A/C drain tube isn’t clogged to avoid damp smells and moisture buildup.
• Clean the blower and evaporator: Every couple of years, a careful clean of the blower fan and an evaporator foam clean can cut odours and improve airflow.
• Replace the cabin recirc/fresh-air foam seals if perished to keep dust paths under control.

What about retrofits? Some owners choose aftermarket retrofit kits that add a slot and a filter element to the Gen 2 HVAC case. This usually involves trimming a knockout section on the blower housing and fitting a cover. It’s a neat upgrade for those driving in pollen-heavy or dusty areas, but it’s a modification, not a factory feature. If going this route, it’s worth having a specialist do the cut and fit, and then adopting a 12-month/15,000 km filter change routine (more often for heavy outback use).

For most 1998 Pajeros running as Mitsubishi intended, keeping the cowl clean, the evaporator fresh, and the drains clear will deliver the best cabin air and A/C performance the original system was designed to provide.

Popular questions about the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero cabin filter

Does a 1998 Pajero have a cabin filter from factory?
No. Factory documentation and parts catalogues for the Gen 2/V20 series don’t show a cabin or pollen filter. The HVAC case lacks a filter slot, so there’s nothing to replace during routine servicing.

Can a cabin filter be retrofitted to a 1998 Pajero?
Yes, there are aftermarket kits that add a filter door and element by cutting a section of the blower housing. It’s a practical upgrade if dust or hayfever is a hassle, but it’s a modification and should be done carefully to maintain sealing and avoid rattles.

How can cabin air quality be improved without a filter?
Keep the cowl intake clear, ensure the A/C drain is flowing, and periodically clean the blower and evaporator with appropriate HVAC foam cleaners. Replacing tired foam seals in the airbox and switching to recirc on dusty tracks also helps reduce odours and fine dust.