Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Ignition coils

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero ignition coils — what’s fitted and why it matters

Based on Mitsubishi’s factory Workshop Manual (1997–1999, Engine Electrical/Group 16), the Haynes Pajero/Montero manual covering the 6G7-series petrol V6s, and the Mitsubishi 4M40 diesel Engine Manual, ignition coils are fitted to 1998 Pajero petrol models (3.0L 6G72 and 3.5L 6G74). These typically run an external ignition coil working with a distributor. By contrast, the 2.8L 4M40 turbo-diesel has no ignition coils at all, as it’s a compression-ignition engine that relies on glow plugs for cold starts rather than spark ignition.

For owners of a 1998 Pajero petrol, the ignition coil is the unsung hero that steps up battery voltage to the thousands of volts needed to spark across the plug gap. No strong spark, no clean burn — and that’s when you’ll cop rough running, hard starts, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light. On this generation Pajero, the coil sends its high voltage through the distributor to each cylinder in turn, so both the coil’s health and the condition of the cap, rotor, leads and plugs matter.

There’s no hard-and-fast replacement interval for the coil itself. As part of routine servicing of your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero ignition coils, it’s smart to inspect the coil body for cracks, oil seepage and heat stress every 20,000–30,000 km, and test primary/secondary resistance against the spec in the workshop manual. Any sign of arcing, melted resin, or a hairline crack is grounds for replacement. If you’re chasing a misfire, pair a coil check with fresh plugs (gapped correctly), a distributor cap/rotor inspection, and a look over the lead set.

When replacing, choose a quality OE-equivalent coil and avoid mixing old, high-resistance leads with a brand-new coil — that combo can overwork the new unit. Mount the coil securely on its bracket, keep connectors clean and tight, and don’t ignore heat shields where fitted. Under-bonnet heat is the coil’s enemy, so tidy routing and intact ducting help longevity.

• Common symptoms of a tired coil: intermittent misfire under load, long crank when hot, backfiring, fuel use creeping up, and fault codes for random/multiple misfire.
• Handy tip: a light water mist over the coil and leads at idle can expose arcing at night — if it stumbles or you see a light show, you’ve found a culprit.

If yours is the 2.8 turbo-diesel, forget ignition coils altogether — that engine uses glow plugs and high compression to light the fire, so there’s no spark system involved.

Popular questions

Does a 1998 Pajero diesel have ignition coils?
No. The 2.8L 4M40 turbo-diesel is a compression-ignition design and uses glow plugs for cold starts. Ignition coils are only relevant to the petrol V6 models (6G72/6G74).

How often should the ignition coil be replaced on a 1998 Pajero petrol?
There isn’t a set kilometre interval. Inspect and electrically test during major services, especially past 150,000 km. Replace if resistance is out of spec, the housing is cracked, or you’re chasing misfires that test back to the coil.

Can a failing coil damage other components?
Yes. A weak or intermittent coil can cause misfires that dump unburnt fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. It can also stress the distributor cap/rotor and plug leads. Fix misfires promptly to avoid knock-on costs.