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Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero-Temperature sensors
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2000 Mitsubishi Pajero temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them
Temperature sensors are absolutely used on the 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero. Factory technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006), Mitsubishi ASA parts listings, and DENSO common-rail documentation for the 4M41 diesel all show multiple temperature sensors fitted: engine coolant temperature (ECT), intake air temperature (IAT), automatic transmission fluid temperature (auto models), and HVAC ambient/evaporator temperature sensors. Many diesel variants also monitor fuel temperature.
On this Pajero, temperature sensors feed the engine and transmission control units with accurate heat data so they can sort cold starts, fuel and ignition timing, mixture trims, radiator fan control, shift strategy, and air‑con performance. If any of these readings go off, the vehicle can run rich, shift poorly, overheat, or freeze up the evaporator — not ideal on a long Kiwi or Aussie roadie.
- ECT: Governs warm‑up enrichment, fan operation, and the dash gauge.
- IAT (often part of the MAF on petrol, separate on some diesels): Adjusts fuelling for air density.
- ATF temp (auto): Protects the transmission and alters shift timing under load or heat.
- HVAC ambient/evaporator: Delivers stable cabin temps and prevents evaporator icing.
- Fuel temp (4M41 DI‑D): Fine‑tunes injection on hot fuel.
These sensors aren’t a routine “replace at X km” item, but they do age. Telltales include hard cold starts, high fuel use, surging idle, radiator fans running constantly, lazy gear changes (auto), weak A/C, or a MIL with codes like P0115–P0119.
- Diagnosis: Scan live data cold and hot, compare ECT to ambient on a cold start. Wiggle‑test connectors and check grounds.
- ECT replacement: Work on a cool engine, relieve pressure, drain a little coolant, unplug the connector, swap the sensor and seal/washer, then refill and bleed. Tighten to the workshop‑manual spec and clear codes.
- IAT/MAF care: Clean with proper MAF cleaner only — never touch the element with tools. Replace if readings are implausible.
- ATF temp sensor: Usually inside the transmission, replacement is a pan‑off job best left to a transmission specialist. Use the correct ATF and service intervals.
- Coolant: Use the correct spec coolant and refresh on schedule, poor coolant kills sensors and housings.
- Parts: Stick with quality OEM‑equivalent sensors, cheapies can read “off” and create new dramas.
Done right, temperature sensors keep a 2000 Pajero starting cleanly, shifting smartly, and towing without breaking a sweat.
Popular questions
Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2000 Pajero?
On the 3.5L 6G74 petrol it’s typically near the thermostat housing on the intake manifold side. On the 3.2L 4M41 diesel it’s mounted near the top radiator hose/thermostat area on the cylinder head. Look for a small two‑pin connector on a brass‑coloured sensor body.
Can a bad temperature sensor cause high fuel use or rough running?
Yes. An ECT that’s stuck “cold” keeps enrichment on, burning more petrol or diesel. If it reads “hot” when the engine’s cold, starts can be cranky and timing/fan control go skew‑whiff. IAT faults also skew mixtures, especially on hot days or at altitude.
Does the 2000 Pajero have more than one temperature sensor?
It does. At minimum there’s ECT and IAT, autos add an ATF temperature sensor, and HVAC uses ambient and evaporator sensors. Many 4M41 diesels also read fuel temperature. Different trims may vary, but multiple temp sensors are normal.
