Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Camshaft sensor

2002 Mitsubishi Pajero camshaft sensor: fitted, what it does, and how to look after it

Technical references confirm the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP series, V60/V70) is fitted with a camshaft position sensor. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual for the NM/NP series details a CMP (camshaft position) sensor on the 6G74 V6 petrol and a cam-driven cylinder identification/TDC sensor on the 4M41 3.2 Di‑D diesel. Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue for this model range also lists a camshaft position sensor across these engines. So yes, the camshaft sensor is relevant to the 2002 Pajero.

The camshaft sensor on a 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero does the quiet, clever work that keeps the engine running sweet. By tracking the cam’s position, it lets the ECU know exactly which cylinder is on the firing stroke. That timing data is used for sequential fuel injection on both petrol and diesel variants, and for ignition control on the V6. Without a good cam signal, the ECU often drops back to a crank-only “limp” strategy, which can mean hard starting, rough running, extra fuel use, or a stall at the worst moment. It’s a small sensor with a big job.

Typical tell-tales that the sensor or its wiring is unhappy include:

• Hard starting, especially when hot or after a quick stop.
• Random misfire or hesitation under load.
• Rough idle or poor fuel economy.
• CEL on with codes like P0340/P0341 (CMP circuit/performance).
• Limp mode on diesel with noticeable loss of grunt.

Replacement is straightforward under the bonnet for most home mechanics. The sensor sits on the cylinder head, reading a trigger on the cam – easy to spot by following the loom near the rocker cover. Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the small retaining bolt, and lift the sensor out. Fit the new unit with a fresh O‑ring, seat it square, and snug the bolt (don’t over-tighten). Before buttoning up, inspect the harness: brittle insulation, oil wicking into the plug, or green corrosion on pins are common culprits. Clear fault codes and take a decent test drive (a few kilometres with hot and cold cycles) to confirm the fix.

There’s no scheduled service interval for the cam sensor itself, but it pays to check the plug and loom each service, especially after off-road work or if there’s been an oil leak near the rocker cover. Quality matters here – a genuine or top-tier aftermarket sensor tends to give more stable signals and longer life. If you’re already in there for a timing belt on the V6, it’s a good time to inspect and clean the area so grime doesn’t foul the connector later on.

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2002 Pajero?

It’s mounted on the cylinder head, reading the cam gear/trigger. On the V6 petrol it’s near the front of the head, on the 3.2 Di‑D it’s likewise on the head, accessed from the top side. Look for a small, two- or three-pin sensor with a single retaining bolt and an O‑ring seal.

Which fault codes point to a camshaft sensor issue?

P0340 and P0341 are the usual suspects for the Pajero. You may also see crank/cam correlation codes when the timing belt has slipped a tooth on the V6, so rule out mechanical timing before blaming the sensor alone.

Is it safe to keep driving with a dodgy camshaft sensor?

Often the engine will run but may start poorly, surge, or drop into limp mode. That’s not ideal for safety or the wallet. Best to diagnose promptly to avoid being stranded and to stop raw fuel from washing bores during repeated hard starts.