Gen 1 Montero, what to do?

[shoppingshzhang]

Recently I got a 91 Montero RS with about 180,000 miles after searching for a while.
Overall seems to be in pretty good shape. However, neither the owner nor I know anything about the car's history.
I want to keep it stock. Where should I begin? What are the common issues?

Thanks

 

[grandpa]

Welcome to the site. Start with the recommended maintenance in the owners manual. The engine timing belt may be the most critical part to replace. There is a lot of information here.

 

[shoppingshzhang]

Thanks. The 3.0 16 valve is non interference tight? I do plan to do a tune up and change the belts.

 

[Pdivizzle0112]

Thanks. The 3.0 16 valve is non interference tight? I do plan to do a tune up and change the belts.

correct, the 3.0 is non-interference. first thing i did on my 95 SR was a complete t belt kit with all belts using only oem components, spark plugs, wires, and coils(no coils on your 3.0) crank pulley bolt and washer, and lower intake manifold (not an issue on the 3.0) i also flushed all the trans fluid and replaced with oem mitsubishi SP-3 oil, serviced the engine oil and diffs. Only thing i have to do now is replaced the brake fluid. Good luck!

 

[shoppingshzhang]

Thanks guys. I also noticed the turn signals are not flashing when I put left or right even though they flash when I turn hazards on. Brake lights are not lighting up when I put my foot on the brake and the 4x4 light doesn't turn on when I switch the transfer case. Could it be just bulbs/fuses or something else?

 

[Atrais]

Turn signal switch on the stalk.
Brake pedal sensor on the brake pedal (If it's not just the bulbs).
4x4 light is probably just a bulb.

 

[shoppingshzhang]

Thanks. Should I replace the whole switch including the headlight controls? The high low beam switch is working.

Turn signal switch on the stalk.
Brake pedal sensor on the brake pedal (If it's not just the bulbs).
4x4 light is probably just a bulb.

 

[rxinhed]

Your lighting issue is still more likely the hazard switch. Check the rear lower control arm bushings and the steering idler arm, too.

 

[shoppingshzhang]

Your lighting issue is still more likely the hazard switch. Check the rear lower control arm bushings and the steering idler arm, too.

The hazard switch on the dash?

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Yep, what rxinhed said. The hazard switch controls all of that. You can easily disassemble the switch to clean the contacts.

 

[shoppingshzhang]

The hazard switch is the button right? Thanks

 

[paj54]

Just thought I would let you know in case you didn't already that the brit and aussie pajero forums are a wealth of information on all things Mitsu. They have been indespensible for sorting out issues with my gen 2 swb.

http://www.pocuk.com/forums/
http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/