Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero-Camshaft sensor
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2000 Mitsubishi Pajero Camshaft Sensor — What It Does and How to Service It
Yes, the 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a camshaft position sensor. This is confirmed by the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero NM–NP (2000–2006) Workshop Manual (Group 13A: Engine Management), which details the Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) inputs used for fuel and ignition control. The Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue also lists a CMP sensor for both the 6G74 3.5L petrol V6 and the 4M41 3.2L Di-D diesel. Independent data services such as Autodata and Bosch ESI[tronic] show the CMP in their component location and wiring diagrams for these engines.
On a 2000 Pajero, the camshaft sensor tells the ECU exactly where the cam(s) are in their rotation. That lets the ECU fire injectors in sequence, time the spark properly on the 3.5 V6 petrol, and manage fuelling and diagnostics on the 3.2 Di-D diesel. If the sensor drops out, the vehicle can crank for ages, stumble, go into limp mode, misfire, or throw a Check Engine light with fault codes like P0340/P0341.
It’s not a routine service item, but it pays to give it some attention while other work is happening. On the 6G74 (timing belt), have a look at the CMP wiring and connector during timing belt services, on the 4M41 (timing chain), check the loom routing and connector during regular servicing. Heat, oil seepage and brittle wiring are the common culprits, not the sensor electronics themselves. If the connector pins are green or crusty, clean them and apply a dab of dielectric grease. If the O-ring weeps, replace it to keep oil out of the plug area.
Replacement is straightforward for a handy DIYer:
- Disconnect the battery and remove the engine cover under the bonnet.
- Locate the sensor on the cylinder head near the timing cover/cam sprocket area (exact spot varies by engine).
- Unclip the connector, remove the retaining bolt(s), and withdraw the sensor.
- Lightly oil the new O-ring, fit the new sensor, route the loom correctly, and tighten the bolt(s) to the workshop manual spec.
- Clear fault codes and confirm a clean signal via scan tool live data.
Cleaning the sensor tip generally won’t fix a failing Hall-effect CMP, if it’s intermittently dropping signal or dead, replacement with a quality OEM-equivalent unit is the go. Always verify cam and crank signals together—poor running can also point to a tired crank sensor or timing issues. Keep the loom clipped away from hot exhaust sections, and the Pajero’s cam signal will usually be drama-free for hundreds of thousands of kilometres.
Popular questions about 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero camshaft sensors
Where is the camshaft sensor located on a 2000 Pajero?
It’s mounted on the cylinder head near the camshaft sprocket/timing cover area. The exact position and bank vary by engine (3.5 V6 petrol vs 3.2 Di-D). A quick look in the workshop manual’s component location diagram will pinpoint it under the bonnet.
Can a faulty camshaft sensor cause a no-start?
Yes. The ECU may lose cylinder identification and either crank for a long time before starting, run roughly, or not start at all. A scan tool showing P0340/P0341 and no cam signal in live data is a strong indicator.
Should the camshaft sensor be cleaned or just replaced?
The sensor is a sealed electronic device, cleaning the tip rarely restores a bad unit. It’s worth cleaning and securing the connector and checking the loom. If the signal is erratic or missing, replacement is the proper repair.
