Mitsubishi Pajero Problems

Backfiring is usually caused by a problem with the ignition system, and usually fixed by replacing the spark plug leads. It happens when the LPG/air mix in the intake manifold is ignited by a random spark, and it often results in the air intake and filter being blown away. It is unusual to damage the catalytic converter and have the computer meltdown, and damage to the auto trans is unheard of. Check the ignition system and certainly replace the spark plug leads, and have the auto checked by a specialist.

You've done the right thing to date in terms of servicing and it appears to have rewarded you with a trouble free run, so there's every reason to believe it will continue to do so. They do tend to burn oil as the kays climb, but that's usually because of an issue with the valve stem seals and is not regarded as a serious problem even though you might use two to three litres between services. They can also develop oil leaks because the seals harden over time and eventually need replacing. The cost for that is usually around $500 or so. Apart from the oil burning and leaks the Pajero is a solid performer, without major problems with transmissions, diffs, suspension etc.

The diesel engine has a chain, so there's no requirement to replace it as there is with a belt.

If you removed the tensioner pulley when you replaced the belt I would guess you didn’t set it up correctly when you reinstalled it and the belt was loose as a result, and has jumped a tooth when you revved it. Check the belt again and make sure the tensioner is installed correctly and the belt is tensioned. While I think that could be the explanation it is also possible that the wire to the crank angle sensor has broken.

They are prone to using oil because of worn valve stem seals, so I would have a mechanic check that.

What you’ve been told, that it’s a sticking lifter, is the most likely explanation and it’s generally not a serious issue. Change the oil and filter and that should cure it, but it could be that one or more lifters are faulty and in need of replacement.

I too have read the claims made by makers of these chips as well, but I don’t have the evidence that confirms the benefits, so I would leave well enough alone. By your admission the Pajero is doing the job, so I wouldn’t change it.

Revisit the issue with your dealer. Mitsubishi’s current schedule under its capped price servicing deal is for the car to be serviced at intervals of 12 months or 15,000 km.

They’re generally a solid transmission and don’t give too much trouble. As for your car it is still relatively young and really should have 100,000 km or more in it without any major troubles, so it’s well worth considering keeping it, particularly if it has been trouble free apart from the transmission glitch. Buying a new Pajero is by far the most expensive option, and I would only suggest you do that if you have lost confidence in your current car. Before buying new I would certainly suggest you look at the used option, as a one to two-year-old car is almost as good as new and you would save a lot of money on the purchase, and of course the person who bought it new would have copped the massive initial depreciation.

It’s either getting too much fuel or not enough during the cold phase. If it’s getting too much fuel it’s likely to be due to worn fuel injectors that are leaking down while the car sits overnight and essentially flooding the engine. Although you say you have replaced the injectors, you don’t say you used new parts, so I would still look there. It could be though that the temperature sensor that tells the computer that it needs to boost the fuel for a cold start is faulty and the message is not getting through.