Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Starter motor

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero starter motor: purpose, care, and replacement

Technical sources confirm the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with an electric starter motor on all common engines of the era. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (Engine Electrical – Starting System), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and Bosch/Denso/ME aftermarket catalogues list starter assemblies for 1998 models across the 3.0/3.5L petrol (6G72/6G74) and 2.8L turbo‑diesel (4M40) engines, with typical Mitsubishi Electric units (M000T/M1T series) and OEM part references such as MD350605.

On a 1998 Pajero, the starter motor is the hard‑working electric unit that spins the crankshaft fast enough for the engine to catch. When the key is turned (or the start request is made), the solenoid shoves the pinion gear into the flywheel ring gear, then the motor cranks the engine. The petrol V6s are straightforward, the 2.8 turbo‑diesel demands a higher‑torque starter and a stout battery because of higher compression. Either way, a clean power and earth path is the difference between a confident crank and a lazy whirr.

While not a scheduled replacement item, the starter benefits from a few simple checks at each service. Keep the battery healthy and correctly rated (diesels like high CCA), clean the battery posts, and make sure the heavy‑gauge cable to the starter and the engine earth strap are tight and corrosion‑free. Listen to crank speed—if it’s slowing across weeks, test the battery and charging system before blaming the starter. Check for oil leaks that can soak the starter and for missing heat shields on V6 models, heat‑soak can make a tired starter play up when hot.

Replacing the starter is a tidy DIY job for someone comfortable under the Pajero. Disconnect the negative battery lead, safely raise and support the vehicle, and remove any bash plate. Unplug the solenoid connector, undo the main battery cable, then remove the mounting bolts while supporting the unit. Installation is the reverse: seat the starter squarely, tighten fasteners to the manufacturer’s spec, and refit cables clean and snug. Before refitting, many auto sparkies bench‑test the replacement. Choose an OE‑quality or properly remanufactured unit—diesels in particular need the correct high‑torque spec. After installation, verify fast crank speed, confirm no grinding noises, and recheck cable torque after a short shakedown.

• Common symptoms: single click with no crank, slow cranking, intermittent no‑start, grinding on engagement, or visible arcing/smell from the unit.
• Handy checks: try a known‑good battery, clean terminals, confirm the starter relay and inhibitor (neutral/park) switch are behaving, and inspect the engine earth.

FAQs

What are the signs a 1998 Pajero starter motor is failing?
Tell‑tales include a single click with no crank, slow cranking even with a good battery, intermittent no‑start that improves after a cool‑down, or grinding as the pinion engages. If lights stay bright while cranking is weak, the starter or its cables are prime suspects.

Can the Pajero’s starter be rebuilt, or should it be replaced?
Many units can be rebuilt with new brushes, bushings and solenoid contacts. A quality rebuild by an auto electrician is often excellent value. If the armature, field coils, or housing are worn, a full replacement with an OE‑spec or premium reman unit is the better bet.

Where is the starter motor located on a 1998 Pajero?
It’s bolted to the bellhousing where it can engage the flywheel/flexplate. Access is typically from underneath, removing the bash plate helps. On diesel models, expect a slightly larger, heavier unit and tighter working space.