tow MITSUBISHI MONTERO 1998 Owner's Guide

For testing procedures, see DTCs P1103 and P1104 in G - TESTS W/CODES
article.
COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS
CONTROL UNIT
NOTE: For Powertrain Control Module (PCM) location, see
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) LOCATION table. To identify
PCM power and ground terminals, see appropriate pin voltage
chart in J - PIN VOLTAGE CHARTS article. To identify PCM
power and ground circuits, see appropriate wiring diagram in
L - WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
Ground Circuits
1) Turn ignition off. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity
between chassis ground and PCM ground terminal(s). See Figs. 1-5.
Ohmmeter should indicate zero ohms. If reading is not as specified,
check and repair open circuit between PCM connector and chassis
ground. If reading is as specified, go to next step.
2) Connect voltmeter negative lead to chassis ground. Connect
positive lead to PCM ground terminal(s). With engine running,
voltmeter should indicate less than one volt. If reading is more than
one volt, check for open, corrosion or loose connection in ground
circuit.
Power Circuits
Turn ignition on. Check for battery voltage on both PCM power
terminals. See Figs. 1-5. If battery voltage is not present, check
operation of MFI relay. See RELAYS under MOTORS, RELAYS & SOLENOIDS.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) LOCATION TABLE









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Application Location
Eclipse 2.0L Non-Turbo .................. In Front Of Left
Front Strut Tower
Mirage & Montero Sport .............. Behind Right Side Of
Instrument Panel (Glove Box)
Montero ........................... Right Front Kick Panel
All Other Models ................... Behind Center Console









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Fig. 1: Identifying PCM Terminals (Diamante)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Fig. 2: Identifying PCM Terminals (Eclipse 2.0L Non-Turbo)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service
operation. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Do not
apply electrical power to any component on steering column
without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may
deploy.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Removal & Installation (Eclipse, Galant & Mirage)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove cluster cover.
Remove cluster mounting screws. Remove cluster by turning upper part
toward front. Disconnect all necessary electrical connectors. Remove
instrument cluster. To install, reverse removal procedure. See Fig. 39
, 40 or 42.
Fig. 39: Identifying Instrument Cluster Components (Eclipse)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

J - PIN VOLTAGE CHARTS
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1998 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Mitsubishi - Pin Voltage Charts
Diamante, Eclipse, Galant, Mirage, Montero, Montero Sport,
3000GT
INTRODUCTION
NOTE: Unless stated otherwise in testing procedures, perform all
voltage tests using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a
minimum 10-megohm input impedance. Voltage readings may vary
slightly due to battery condition or charging rate.
Pin voltage charts are supplied to reduce diagnostic time.
Checking pin voltages at the PCM connector determines whether it is
receiving and transmitting proper voltage signals. Diagnostic charts
may also help determine if PCM harness is shorted or open.
TEST PROCEDURE
CAUTION: Shorting positive DVOM lead between connector terminal and
ground could damage vehicle wiring, sensor and PCM.
1) If necessary, remove Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to
access harness connector. For PCM location, see PCM LOCATION table.
Leave PCM connectors connected.
2) Using DVOM, backprobe terminals. Connect positive DVOM
lead to appropriate PCM terminal. Connect negative DVOM lead to PCM
ground terminal. For PCM terminal identification, see appropriate
chart. See Figs. 1-24.
3) All measurements are applicable to vehicle at normal
operating temperature at sea level. Unless otherwise noted, engine is
idling when specification requires engine running. Ensure transmission
shift selector is in Neutral or Park (as applicable). If DVOM displays\
measurement that is not within specification, see G - TESTS W/CODES
article.
PCM LOCATION TABLE









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Application Location
Eclipse 2.0L Non-Turbo ............ In Front of Left Front
Strut Tower
Mirage & Montero Sport .............. Behind Right Side Of
Instrument Panel (Glove Box)
Montero ........................... Right Front Kick Panel
All Others ......................... Behind Center Console









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Fig. 1: Identifying PCM Terminals (Diamante)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

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

SCHEDULED SERVICES
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 MAINTENANCE
Mitsubishi Maintenance & Service Intervals
Mitsubishi: Montero
* READ THIS FIRST *
Before preforming maintenance on vehicle, ensure that all
cautions and warnings have been observed to prevent vehicle damage or
personal injury. See CAUTIONS & WARNINGS in MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
article in this section.
Introduction
The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance
services in this article are based on "normal" vehicle usage. They DO
NOT take into account the following "severe" conditions:
* Driving In Dusty Conditions
* Trailer Towing, Police, Taxi, 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
F (32C)
* Driving On Off-Road
If any of these severe conditions exist, the "normal" service
schedule frequency for some service items is inadequate and must be
supplemented. See the following section for specific details,
SEVERE SERVICE CONDITIONS/ACTIONS .
SEVERE SERVICE CONDITIONS/ACTIONS
The following table identifies eight "severe" conditions that
cause faster-than-normal wear. Each condition lists affected service
item(s) and their revised (more frequent) service interval.
If any severe condition(s) is applicable, its revised service\
interval(s) supersede those found in the "normal" schedules. Depending\
on the specific mileage/time, the revised interval(s) may overlap a
normal schedule (in which case they can be done together). If not, it
must be performed outside of the normal schedule.
SEVERE SERVICE CONDITIONS/ACTIONS TABLE

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Condition  Action  Item  Perform Every (1) 
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Driving In Dusty  Replace  Engine Oil  3,000 Mile (4800 KM) 

Conditions    Or 3 Months 

\b
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 Replace  Oil Filter  6,000 Mile (9600 KM) 

   Or 6 Months 

\b
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 Replace  Air Cleaner  15,000 Mile (24,000 KM) 

  Filter  

\b
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 Inspect  Disk Brake  6,000 Mile (9,600 KM) 

  Pads  Or 6 Months 

\b\
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Trailer Towing Or  Replace  Engine Oil  3,000 Mile (4800 KM) 

Police, Taxi Or    Or 3 Months 

Commercial Type \b
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Operation  Replace  Oil Filter  6,000 Mile (9600 KM) 

   Or 6 Months 

\b
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 Replace  Spark Plugs  15,000 Mile (24,000 KM) 

\b
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 Replace  Manual  30,000 Mile (48,000 KM) 

 Transmission  

  Oil  

\b
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 Replace Transfer Oil  30,000 Mile (48,000 KM) 
\b
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Extensive Idling  Replace  Engine Oil  3,000 Mile (4800 KM) 

Driving in Stop &    Or 3 Months 

Stop & Go Traffic    

\b
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 Replace  Oil Filter  6,000 Mile (9600 KM) 

   Or 6 Months 
\b
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Short-trip  Replace  Engine Oil  3,000 Mile (4800 KM) 

Operation at    Or 3 Months 

Freezing \b
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Temperatures  Replace  Oil Filter  6,000 Mile (9600 KM) 

(Engine not    Or 6 Months 

thoroughly warmed)\b
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 Replace  Spark Plugs  15,000 Mile (24,000 KM) 
\b
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Driving In  Replace  Air Cleaner  15,000 Mile (24,000 KM) 

Sandy Areas   Filter  
\b
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Driving In  Inspect  Disc Brake  6,000 Mile (9,600 KM) 

Salty Areas   Pads  Or 6 Months 
\b
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More than 50 %  Replace  Engine Oil  3,000 Mile (4800 KM) 

Operation in Heavy   Or 3 Months 

City Traffic Or \b
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At Sustained High  Replace  Oil Filter  6,000 Mile (9600 KM) 

Speeds During Hot    Or 6 Months 

Weather Above \b
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90 F (32 C)  Replace  Manual  30,000 Mile (48,000 KM) 

 Transmission  

  Oil  

\b
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 Replace Transfer Oil  30,000 Mile (48,000 KM) 
\b
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Driving On  Replace  Manual  30,000 Mile (48,000 KM) 

Off-Road  Transmission  

  Oil  

\b
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 Replace Transfer Oil  30,000 Mile (48,000 KM) 
\b
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(
1) - Perform these services at the mileage or number of months 

(since the last time), WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. 
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7,500 MILE (12,000 KM) NORMAL SERVICE
7,500 MILE (12,000 KM) NORMAL SERVICE

1) Disconnect pressure hose from power steering pump. Attach
Pressure Gauge (MB990662-01) and Adapters (MB990993-01 and MB990994-
01). See Fig. 2. Tighten fittings to 22-29 ft. lbs. (30-39 N.m).
2) Bleed system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under
LUBRICATION . Turn wheel several times to bleed air from gauge. Start
engine and let idle. Place thermometer in reservoir. Check fluid
level. Add fluid as necessary.
3) When fluid temperature reaches 122-140
F (50-60C),
disconnect connector from P/S pressure switch. Connect ohmmeter across
switch terminals. Slowly close shut-off valve. Check pressure when
ohmmeter indicates switch has closed (continuity). Pressure should be
218-290 (15-20 N.m). Slowly open shut-off valve. Check pressure when
ohmmeter indicates switch has opened (no continuity). Pressure should
be 102-174 (7-12 N.m). Reinstall pressure hose. Do not twist hose or
let hose interfere with adjacent parts. Replace P/S pressure switch if
pressure is not within specification. Bleed system.
CAUTION: DO NOT keep shutoff valve closed more than 3 seconds at a
time. DO NOT keep steering wheel turned to full lock
position for more than 10 seconds at a time.
STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
Stationary Test
1) Position vehicle on level surface. Place steering wheel in
straight-ahead position. Start engine and let idle. Using a spring
scale, measure steering wheel turning force clockwise and
counterclockwise.
2) On Montero, turning force should be 8.2 lbs. (3.7 kg) or
less. On Montero Sport, turning force should be 8.8 lbs. (3.9 kg) or
less. If turning force exceeds specification, check for loose or
damaged belt, insufficient fluid, air in power steering fluid, and
collapsed or twisted hoses. Repair or replace as necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
IDLER ARM
Removal
Loosen relay rod-to-idler arm lock nut. Using Steering
Linkage Puller (MB991113 or MB990635), separate idler arm from relay
rod and remove relay rod-to-idler arm lock nut. Remove idler arm bolts
and nuts. Remove idler arm. On Montero, loosen, but DO NOT remove
idler arm-to-bracket nut. Press arm from bracket and remove nut and
arm.
Inspection
Check idler arm bushings for damage or wear. Check idler arm
ball stud for looseness.
Installation
1) Apply multipurpose grease to inside surface of bushing and
idler arm support shaft. Insert bushing in idler arm. Insert idler arm
support in idler arm.
2) Install washer (knurled side toward bushing) and NEW lock\
nut. Tighten lock nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Place idler arm assembly in vise. Using a spring gauge, measure
turning resistance.
3) On all models, turning resistance should be 3-18 INCH lbs.
(.3-2.0 N.m). On Montero, if turning resistance is not within
specification, loosen or tighten lock nut to obtain proper resistance.
4) Install idler arm bolts and nuts. Install relay rod-to-

TIE ROD ENDS (INNER AND OUTER)
TRACK BARS
TRAILING ARMS
WHEEL BEARINGS, RACES AND SEALS
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheels and Tires
TIRES
VALVE STEMS
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
WHEELS (RIMS)
MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
OVERVIEW
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach
effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc.
(AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from
retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities, vehicle
manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship
between the consumer and the auto repair industry. We produce
materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to
take greater responsibility for their vehicles-through proper,
manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating
service and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt
1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and 2) the Motorist
Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service
providers have agreed to subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the
promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers that
they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the
vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results communicated to the\
customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did
not have such standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully
promulgated industry inspection communication standards in 1994-95 for
the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension,
Engine Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, and Electrical Systems.
Further, revisions to all of these inspection communication standards
are continually re-published. In addition to these, standards for
Drive Train and Transmissions have recently been promulgated.
Participating shops utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication
Standards as part of the inspection process and for communicating
their findings to their customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
NOTE: See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in
WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
WHEEL BEARING
Preload
1) Using Socket (MB990954) and torque wrench, tighten axle
lock nut to 119 ft. lbs. (162 N.m) on Montero, 94-145 ft. lbs. (127-
196 N.m) on Montero Sport. Loosen nut to 0 ft. lbs. (0 N.m). Retighte\
n
nut to 18 ft. lbs. (25 N.m).
2) Loosen nut 30-40 degrees on Montero, 30 degrees on Montero
Sport. Install lock washer. If lock washer hole is not aligned with
lock nut hole, lock nut may be rotated up to 20 degrees to obtain
alignment. After setting preload, check hub turning resistance and
axial play (4WD only).
Hub Turning Resistance & Axial Play (4WD Only)
1) Using dial indicator, check front hub axial play. Axial
play should be 0.002" (0.05 mm) or less. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench
or spring scale attached to wheel stud, measure hub turning
resistance. Turning resistance should be 1.1-4.0 lbs. (5-18 N) on
Montero or 0.9-4.3 lbs. (4-19 N) on Montero Sport if measured using
spring scale, or 2.6-11.3 INCH lbs. (0.3-1.3 N.m) on both models if
measured using torque wrench.
2) Adjust wheel bearing so turning resistance and axial play
are within specification. If turning resistance and axial play cannot
be adjusted to specification, check wheel bearing condition and
installation.
Drive Axle End Play (4WD Only)
Install drive axle shim and snap ring. Push drive shaft in
toward knuckle. Measure clearance between drive flange and shim with a
feeler gauge. If clearance is not 0.016-0.028" (0.4-0.7 mm) replace
shim to bring clearance into specification.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Lower Ball Joint
Place ball joint in soft-jawed vise. Install dial indicator
with stem resting on end of ball joint stud. Measure ball joint stud
end play. Replace ball joint if end play exceeds 0.012" (0.3 mm). For
ball joint replacement, see LOWER BALL JOINT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Upper Ball Joint
1) Disconnect ball joint from steering knuckle. Place nut on
ball joint stud. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure starting torque
required to rotate ball joint stud.
2) Starting torque should be 7-30 INCH lbs. (0.8-3.5 N.m).
Replace ball joint if starting torque is not within specification. For
ball joint replacement, see UPPER BALL JOINT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY

seal and spacer from steering knuckle.
Inspection
Inspect steering knuckle for cracks. Inspect spindle for wear
and heat damage.
Installation
1) If needle bearing needs replacement, drive bearing from
steering knuckle. Use Bearing Driver (MB990956-01) and Handle
(MB9909938-01) to install NEW needle bearing until it is even with
steering knuckle end face.
NOTE: DO NOT reuse steering knuckle needle bearing if it is
removed.
2) Lubricate bearing roller surface and spacer-to-steering
knuckle contact areas. Install spacer with chamfered side toward
inside of vehicle. Using Seal Installer (MB990985-01) and handle,
install seal in steering knuckle until seal is even with steering
knuckle end face. Apply grease to seal lip area and inside of seal. To
complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
LOWER BALL JOINT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove skid plate (if
equipped). Remove wheel assembly. Mark torsion bar adjusting nut for
reassembly reference. Release torsion bar tension.
2) Loosen, but DO NOT remove, lower ball joint stud nut.
Using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991406), separate ball joint from
steering knuckle. Remove ball joint stud nut. Remove ball joint-to-
lower control arm bolts. Remove ball joint.
Installation
Lubricate ball joint. To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
front skid plate and undercover (if equipped). Remove bump stop and
bump stop bracket. Remove heat shield (if equipped). Remove torsion
bar. See TORSION BAR . Loosen, but DO NOT remove, lower ball joint-to-
steering knuckle nut. Using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991406),
separate lower ball joint from steering knuckle. Support with cord
tied to nearby part.
2) Remove stabilizer bar bolt from control arm. Remove shock
absorber mounting bolts. Remove ball joint stud nut from steering
knuckle. Remove control arm shaft. See Fig. 1. Remove torque arm.
Remove bump stopper and lower control arm. Remove lower ball joint
from lower control arm.
Inspection
1) Inspect control arm for cracks and deformation. Check ball
joints. See BALL JOINT CHECKING under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION.
2) Inspect ball joint dust covers for damage. Replace damaged
dust covers. Inspect control arm bushing and frame bracket bushing for
damage. Replace bushings if necessary.
NOTE: Differential carrier may require detachment in order to