Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Crank angle sensor

2002 Mitsubishi Pajero crank angle sensor: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a crank angle sensor (also called a crankshaft position sensor, or CKP). This is confirmed in the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006, Engine Electrical section), which details the CKP for both the 6G74 3.5L V6 petrol and the 4M41 3.2L Di‑D diesel. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for NM/NP series and Autodata service information likewise list a CKP for these engines. On the V6 it reads the flywheel at the bellhousing, on the 4M41 it’s mounted at the front timing case reading a trigger on the crank.

The crank angle sensor is the ECU’s timekeeper. It tells the engine computer exactly where the crank is and how fast it’s spinning so it can fire the coils and inject fuel at the right moment. If the signal goes missing or messy, the Pajero can be hard to start, run rough, drop into limp mode, or stall. No crank signal usually means no start.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but it’s smart to give it some love during major services, especially if the vehicle sees corrugations, beach work, or water crossings.

• Check the wiring loom and connector for heat damage, oil contamination, green corrosion, or chafing near the sensor and along the back of the engine (V6) or front timing cover (diesel).
• If it’s removed, keep the tip clean, don’t magnetise it, and refit with the mounting face spotless. Most Pajero CKPs are fixed-gap, avoid shims and do not force it against the reluctor.
• Use OEM-quality sensors, cheap copies can give weak or noisy signals. Torque the retaining bolt to the workshop manual spec and ensure the connector clicks home.
• After replacement, clear fault codes and confirm a clean engine speed signal and stable idle with a scan tool. If starting is cranky, perform an idle learn as per the manual.

Common warning signs it’s time to test or replace the sensor include:

• Intermittent no-start when hot, then starts fine once cooled.
• Sudden cut-out while cruising, with a P0335/P0336 code stored.
• Misfire or surging that won’t follow a coil or plug change.

On the 6G74 V6, expect to find the CKP near the bellhousing, usually reached from underneath. On the 4M41 diesel, access is from the front of the engine near the crank pulley/timing case. If you’re touring remote or towing, keeping a known-good spare sensor and a 10 mm spanner in the kit isn’t a bad shout.

Technical references: Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006), Engine Electrical (CKP description and diagnostics), Mitsubishi ASA EPC (NM/NP CKP listings for 6G74 and 4M41), Autodata service info for Pajero/Montero 2000s models (engine management signals and sensor locations).

Does a 2002 Pajero have a crank angle sensor, and where is it?

It does. On the 3.5L V6 petrol (6G74) it’s mounted at the transmission bellhousing reading the flywheel. On the 3.2L Di‑D diesel (4M41) it sits at the front timing case reading the crank trigger. Access is typically from underneath for the V6 and from the front for the diesel.

What are the symptoms of a failing crank angle sensor on this model?

Hot no-starts, random stalling, rough running, and a dead tacho during cranking are tell-tales. The ECU often logs P0335/P0336. Because these symptoms overlap with coil, cam sensor, or fuel issues, confirm with scan data or an oscilloscope before replacing.

Is it safe to keep driving with a dodgy CKP on a Pajero?

Not really. A CKP that’s dropping out can stall the engine without warning. If you must move it, keep to short trips and be prepared for a no-start once heat soak sets in. Plan a proper diagnosis and replace the sensor sooner rather than later.