2003 Montero Non-build thread

[sixstringsteve]

New issue today: fuel gauge is good sometimes, off other times (a lot like the temp gauge). I'll have to do a little research on this as well.

 

[jhill15]

Sounds like your fuel sending unit. Its located under the right side of your back seats. To access it you have to take the passenger side back seat out and cut a u into the carpet to get to the panel its next to the fuel pump access panel under the carpet...or you could drop the gas tank. Theres a write up on another forum I think its mitsubishiforum. The guy pulled the sending unit out and checked the resistance of the wire that goes to the float and found it to be bad so he soldered a new wire and cleaned all the build up off with wd40 through it back in and no further problems.

I need to do this as well. I never know how much gas I actually have and it seems to be a common problem in a mitsu's


Although im wondering if it could just be your instrument cluster because of the temp gauge problem now the fuel gauge maybe they are related

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks jhill. I was thinking sending unit too, only it's not bouncing around while I drive. I'll have to throw a volt meter up there and check it out. I'd rather not drop the tank if I don't have to.

 

[montypower]

thanks for the summary montypower. Fortunately I don't have the rear heater.

Your post was not quite what I was hoping to hear, but it seems very realistic and I appreciate it. I had read so many threads praising the Montero over a land cruiser that I set up what appear to be unrealistic expectations. Maybe I'll have more realistic expectations now. Personally, I'd rather pay more money for a vehicle that's more reliable. Hopefully this rig proves to be reliable and cheap on the pocketbook, otherwise it'll be gone soon in favor for a 100 series or v8 4runner.

You think a 4.7L will be cheaper to maintain?? Think again. I owned a 07 4runner 4.7L. At 60k miles it had both exhaust manifolds cracked (nearly $2k repair). This is extremely common, every 4.7L will need them on or before 100k. There are headers available for the Tundra 4.7L but nothing will fit the 4runner (smaller engine bay); I'm not sure about the 100 series. The 100 series had transmission issues depending on the year. They have timing belts and are just as expensive or more than the Montero. Gas mileage? 100 series... You'll be lucky to get anywhere close to the Montero. Most modified rigs are in the 12-15mpg range. Stock you can get 19-20mpg on the road.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I had a 100 series and I got 16-17mpg mixed. I'm not planning on modifying my rig much, so I'd see much better than 12-15 mpg. I'll be getting a 4.8L 4runner soon.

 

[montypower]

Thanks jhill. I was thinking sending unit too, only it's not bouncing around while I drive. I'll have to throw a volt meter up there and check it out. I'd rather not drop the tank if I don't have to.

You don't have to drop the tank. There is an access panel under the rear seat.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got 20 mpg on my last tank, that's good news.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Sold and replaced with a 2005 v8 4runner.

 

[jhill15]

NICE!!! Man that was fast! what sub model did you get? Rear diff lock? What kind of plans you do have for her?

 

[sixstringsteve]

i got a 2005 limited. No diff lock, but it has ATRAC, which will be plenty for me. Plans are to keep it close to stock. Possibly an OME lift and a front bumper and a sleeping/storage platform. That's about it.

 

[jhill15]

Sweet! Cant wait to see some pics!