1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO service

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 MAINTENANCE
Mitsubishi Maintenance Information
Montero Sport
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: For scheduled maintenance intervals and the related fluid
capacities, fluid specifications and labor times for major
service intervals, see SCHEDULED SERVICES article below:
* SCHEDULED SERVICES
Warranty information and specifications for fluid
capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size,
and battery type are covered in this article.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
VIN LOCATION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the
left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN
chart explains the code characters.
VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer
to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label.
See VIN example below.








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(VIN) J A 4 F J 4 3 E 1 H J 0 0 0 0 0 1 


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 










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1 - Manufacturing Country
J
* Japan
2 - Manufacturer
A * Mitsubishi Motor Corp.
3 - Vehicle Type
4 * Multi-Purpose Vehicle
4 - GVW & Brake Type
M * 5001-6000 Lbs., Hydraulic Brakes
5 - Vehicle Line
R * Montero
6 - Vehicle Series
4 * High
5 * Premium
7 - Body Type
1 * 5-Door Wagon

8 - Engine Type
M * 3.5L V6
9 - VIN Check Digit
* 1 Through 9 Or X
10 - Vehicle Model Year
V * 1997
W * 1998
11 - Assembly Plant
J * Nagoya, Japan
12-17 - Serial Number
* Sequential Production Number
MAINTENANCE SERVICE INFORMATION
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle
operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary
operating conditions.
Normal Service
* Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
* No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)
NOTE: Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced
is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions:
* Driving In Dusty Conditions
* Towing A Trailer, Police, Taxi, Or Commercial Type Operation
* Extensive Idling, Driving In Stop And Go Traffic
* Short-Trip Operation At Freezing Temperatures
(Engine Not Thoroughly Warmed Up)
* Driving In Sandy Areas
* Driving In Salty Areas
* More Than 50% Operation In Heavy City Traffic Or At Sustained
High Speeds During Hot Weather Above 90
\bF (32\bC)
* Driving On Off-Road
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
Replace the camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles. It is
recommended that the timing belt be inspected every 30,000 miles after
replacement.
CAUTION: Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result
in serious engine damage.
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be
checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some
manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified
mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive
belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components
on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve
contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty

schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or
replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in
this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any
of the following conditions exist:
* Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
* Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
* Oil Contamination
* Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
* Incorrect Tension Adjustment
SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Fig. 1: Service Point Locations
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.
INFORMATION LABEL LOCATIONS

Tighten wheel lug nuts to 72-87 ft. lbs. (100-120 N.m).
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with
computers may lose memory data. When battery power is
restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles.
These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL
INFORMATION Section.
Battery is maintenance-free and does not normally require
additional water. However, under severe conditions it is advisable to
check battery fluid periodically. Use only distilled water to fill
battery cell should it become necessary to add water. Charge condition
can be checked by a visual test indicator on top of battery.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
NOTE: See the AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Section.
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect
removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),
can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or
change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could
cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when
cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the
air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.
WARNING: Service on or around Air Bag System Components or Wiring must
be preformed only by an authorized Suzuki dealer. Please
observe all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
WARNING: Technical service work must be started at least 90 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position and
the cable is disconnected from the battery.
WARNING: Never attempt to disassemble or repair the passenger air
bag (inflator) module. If any abnormality is found, be sure
to replace it with new one as an assembly.
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See
appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the
ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air
bag system, steering column or passenger side dash
component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON
position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of
accidental air bag inflation
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
WARNING: Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors,
exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove
R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets

SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge
occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
WARNING: R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT
be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some
mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at
elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may
cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE
article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
AIR CLEANER FILTER
WARNING: Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you
or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the
air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. Do not drive
with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the
air cleaner off.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that
can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference
could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability,
such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS
observe the following cautions:
* DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first
referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article
in the BRAKES Section.
* DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the
original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable.
Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some
manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and
type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate
wheel speed readings.
* Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake
fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SERVICE
WARNING: Make certain that no fluid is spilled when the transaxle
fluid is inspected, or when fluid is added soon after
driving (since the engine is hot). If the fluid spills onto
the exhaust manifold, there is danger of fire.
BATTERY SERVICE
WARNING: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with
computers may lose memory data. When battery power is
restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles.
These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER
RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
WARNING: Batteries produce flammable hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or and explosion may occur.
Never smoke when working in the vicinity of the battery.
WARNING: When checking or servicing the battery, disconnect the
negative cable. Be careful not to cause a short circuit by

allowing metal objects to contact the battery posts and the
vehicle at the same time.
CAUTION: Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running;
doing so could damage the car's electrical components.
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off
all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be
sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use
of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous
electrical system overload.
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning
that brake pads need replacement.
BRAKE FLUID
WARNING: DO NOT use reclaimed fluid or fluid that has been stored
in old or open containers. It is essential that foreign
particles and other liquids are kept out of the brake fluid
reservoir.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction
could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to
converter and vehicle.
ENGINE COOLANT SERVICE
WARNING: To avoid the danger of being scalded never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot Serious
burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator.
CAUTION: When adding or replacing engine coolant, use a high quality
ethylene glycol antifreeze diluted with 50% distilled water.
When putting the cap on the reserve tank, line up the arrow
on the cap and the arrow on the tank, or coolant can leak out
ENGINE DRIVE BELT SERVICE
WARNING: Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
ENGINE OIL
WARNING: The engine oil may be high enough to burn your fingers
when the drain plug is loosened. Wait until the drain plug
is cool enough to touch with you bare hands.
WARNING: Continuous contact with used engine oil has been found to
cause skin cancer in laboratory animals. Brief contact with
used engine oil may irritate skin. To minimize your exposure
to used oil, wear a long sleeve shirt and moisture-proof
gloves when changing oil. If oil contacts your skin, wash

thoroughly with soap and water.
CAUTION: Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
WARNING: Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel
system component (fuel injection models).
HALOGEN BULBS
Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if
overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye
protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen
bulbs.
RADIATOR CAP
CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the
radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could
start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF
position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling
system is hot.
RADIATOR FAN
WARNING: Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a
thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even
after engine is turned off.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
CAUTION: Due to the different warranties offered in various regions
and the variety of after-market extended warranties
available, please refer to the warranty package that came
with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FUSE PANEL LOCATION
The electrical system is protected against shorts by fuses
that are designed to fail, to prevent damage to the wire harness. The
fuse block is located under the instrument panel on the driver's side.
If a fuse is blown, locate the cause before replacing the fuse. Spare
fuses are contained in the fuse block.
FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION
Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

DISTRIBUTOR
NOTE: Eclipse, Mirage 1.8L, Montero, Montero Sport 3.0L and 3000GT
DOHC use Distributorless Ignition System (DIS). All other
models use distributor type ignition systems with
non-serviceable distributors on which only the rotor and
distributor cap can be changed.
FUEL SYSTEM
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: Always relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel
injection-related component. DO NOT allow fuel to contact
engine or electrical components.
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
Relieving Fuel Pressure
1) On Diamante, disconnect fuel pump harness connector at
fuel tank from underneath vehicle. On Montero and Montero Sport,
remove cargo compartment carpet, remove access plate and disconnect
fuel pump harness connector. On all other models, remove rear seat
cushion and remove access plate (if required) to disconnect fuel pump
harness connector.
2) On all models, start engine. Let engine run until it
stops. Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable. Connect
fuel pump harness connector. Reinstall rear seat (if necessary.)
FUEL PUMP
Removal & Installation (Diamante, Eclipse, Galant & Montero)
1) Fuel pump assembly is located inside fuel tank. Release
fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE . Remove access panel
under seat, in trunk or in rear cargo area. Disconnect electrical
connectors and fuel hoses at fuel tank.
2) Remove fuel filler hose from fuel tank. Remove fuel pump
assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Removal & Installation (Mirage, Montero Sport & 3000GT)
1) Fuel pump assembly is located inside fuel tank. Release
fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE . Raise vehicle on
hoist. Drain fuel into suitable container. Disconnect electrical
connectors and breather/fuel hoses at fuel tank.
2) Remove fuel filler hose from fuel tank. Support fuel tank
with transmission jack. Remove nuts securing fuel tank. Remove fuel
tank from vehicle. Remove fuel pump assembly. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten nuts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
FUEL RAILS & INJECTORS
WARNING: Use a rag to cover fuel hose connection before disconnecting
high pressure fuel hose at fuel rail. Some residual fuel
pressure may still be in system.
CAUTION: DO NOT drop injectors while removing or installing fuel rail.
Removal (Diamante, Montero Sport 2.4L & 3000GT)