Mitsubishi Pajero 2002 FAQs

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mitsubishi Pajero 2002 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Mitsubishi Pajero 2002: Why didn't the dealer suggest repair for high oil use while under warranty?

  It is using too much oil as you suggest, but you don’t say how much it was using back when you first noticed it, or if you brought it to the attention of the dealer. A dealer is unlikely to know when an engine is using oil unless the owner tells him or her. It’s too late now to do anything about it, the issue should have been addressed when the vehicle was under warranty, and the initiative has to come from the owner.

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• Mitsubishi Pajero 2002: Engine losing compression

  NORMALLY the engine would last much longer than 107,000km and it's unlikely that yours needs replacement, though it might need reconditioning for some reason. We asked Mitsubishi for their input on your case and they told us the problem is likely to have been caused by sludge build-up in the engine as a result of it either not being serviced, or being poorly serviced. Because it hasn't been serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer they can't check its service history.

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• Engine revving highly when towing a caravan

  Even when it’s completely empty, your caravan is still likely to weigh a couple of tonnes (give or take). At which point, you’re using a fair chunk of the Pajero’s towing capacity of 2500kg. What’s happening is that the transmission of the car is choosing to shift down a gear or two to bring the engine up to a speed where it’s making enough power and torque to haul the rig along at the speed you’ve chosen to travel at. Maximum torque in the Pajero’s 3.5-litre V6 occurs at 3500rpm, so that’s what the transmission will aim for when you need maximum thrust.

  The process also takes some of the load off the transmission, helping it live longer and avoid damage and overheating. There’s a general rule that says you shouldn’t really tow anything remotely heavy with the transmission in overdrive. Experienced towers physically lock the gearbox out of overdrive, and this, essentially, is what the car is doing for you by shifting down gears when a hill or headwind increases the load on the driveline.

  The petrol V6 in the Pajero was never a fuel sipper, and I’m not surprised you’re seeing higher fuel consumption in this scenario. This is also the reason many people who regularly tow choose a turbo-diesel to do so.

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