🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Montero Year: 1996 Codes Model Code: V20/V40 Series (Specific to trim/engine may vary, e.g., V43W, V44W, V45W, V46W, V47W) Chassis Code: K90 Series (Common for this generation, though early models might retain V series nomenclature) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size SUV / Off-Road Vehicle Philosophy: Rugged, capable off-road vehicle with comfortable on-road manners, often positioned as a more affordable alternative to competitors. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Isuzu Trooper. Key Features Off Road Capability: Body-on-frame construction, available Super Select 4WD system, good ground clearance, robust suspension. Engine Options: V6 engine offering a balance of power and refinement for its class. Interior Versatility: Spacious cabin, optional third-row seating, flexible cargo arrangements. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Market Variants Covered: All 1996 Mitsubishi Montero trims and engine options available in the North American market. Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Engine Performance Diagnostics. Transmission Drivetrain: Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials (Front, Rear, Center), Driveshaft Service, Wheel Hubs, CV Joints. Suspension Steering: Front Suspension (Independent Torsion Bar), Rear Suspension (Multi-link Coil Spring), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox, Steering Column, Tie Rods, Ball Joints. Brakes: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake System, Brake Hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Operation and Diagnostics, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining/Replacement, Brake Line Service. Electrical: Battery, Charging System (Alternator, Regulator), Starting System (Starter Motor), Ignition Switch, Lighting System (Headlights, Taillights, Interior Lights), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams (Comprehensive), Power Windows, Power Locks, Mirrors, Wipers, Horn, Audio System Wiring. Body Chassis: Body Panel Removal/Installation, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Seats, Seat Belts, Glass Replacement, Body Repair Techniques, Frame Alignment. HVAC: Air Conditioning System (Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Refrigerant), Heating System, Blower Motor, Controls, Recirculation System, Defrost System. Diagnostic Troubleshooting: General Troubleshooting Procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for Engine and ABS, Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagram Interpretation. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil Change Intervals, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Power Steering Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Change, Differential Fluid Change, Transfer Case Fluid Change, Tune-up Procedures, Belt Inspection and Replacement. Repair Rebuild: Engine Overhaul Procedures (Minor and Major), Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston and Connecting Rod Service, Crankshaft Service, Valve Train Service, Transmission Rebuild (Manual and Automatic), Transfer Case Rebuild, Differential Overhaul, Brake System Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement. Special Tools: Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval. Printability: Printable pages for convenient workshop use. Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 6G72 (Commonly used V6) Engine Type: SOHC V6, 24-valve Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2972 cc) Bore X Stroke: 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.9:1 (Typical) Performance Horsepower: 143 hp @ 5000 rpm (SAE Net, typical) Torque: 173 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SAE Net, typical) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Recommended Octane: 87 Octane (or higher) Engine Management ECU: Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed, specific model may vary. Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts) Lubrication System Oil Capacity W Filter: 4.7 Liters (5.0 Quarts) Recommended Oil Viscosity: 10W-30 (API SG or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Model: V4A51) Drivetrain Drive System: Part-time 4WD standard, with optional 'Super Select 4WD' system (allowing full-time 4WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, and 2WD) Transmission Fluid Manual Fluid Type: API GL-3 or GL-4 (Manual Transmission) Transmission Fluid Automatic Fluid Type: Diamond SP-II or SP-III (Automatic Transmission) Transfer Case Fluid Fluid Type: API GL-3 or GL-4 (Transfer Case) Rear Differential Fluid Fluid Type: API GL-5 (Rear Differential) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2725 mm (107.3 inches) Length: 4510 mm (177.6 inches) Width: 1755 mm (69.1 inches) Height: 1810 mm (71.3 inches) (Approximate, may vary with roof rack) Ground Clearance: Approximately 205 mm (8.1 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1850-1950 kg (4079-4300 lbs) depending on configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 2500 kg (5511 lbs) Towing Capacity: Up to 3000 kg (6614 lbs) (When properly equipped with trailer brake controller) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 6 x 139.7 mm (6 x 5.5 inches)...
Air Conditioning System (Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Refrigerant), Heating System, Blower Motor, Controls, Recirculation System, Defrost System.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
General Troubleshooting Procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for Engine and ABS, Component Testing Procedures, Wiring Diagram Interpretation.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil Change Intervals, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Power Steering Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Change, Differential Fluid Change, Transfer Case Fluid Change, Tune-up Procedures, Belt Inspection and Replacement.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul Procedures (Minor and Major), Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston and Connecting Rod Service, Crankshaft Service, Valve Train Service, Transmission Rebuild (Manual and Automatic), Transfer Case Rebuild, Differential Overhaul, Brake System Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable pages for convenient workshop use.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
6G72 (Commonly used V6)
Engine Type:
SOHC V6, 24-valve
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.9:1 (Typical)
Performance
Horsepower:
143 hp @ 5000 rpm (SAE Net, typical)
Torque:
173 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SAE Net, typical)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (or higher)
Engine Management
ECU:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed, specific model may vary.
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.7 Liters (5.0 Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 (API SG or higher)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Model: V4A51)
Drivetrain
Drive System:
Part-time 4WD standard, with optional 'Super Select 4WD' system (allowing full-time 4WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, and 2WD)
Transmission Fluid Manual
Fluid Type:
API GL-3 or GL-4 (Manual Transmission)
Transmission Fluid Automatic
Fluid Type:
Diamond SP-II or SP-III (Automatic Transmission)
Transfer Case Fluid
Fluid Type:
API GL-3 or GL-4 (Transfer Case)
Rear Differential Fluid
Fluid Type:
API GL-5 (Rear Differential)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2725 mm (107.3 inches)
Length:
4510 mm (177.6 inches)
Width:
1755 mm (69.1 inches)
Height:
1810 mm (71.3 inches) (Approximate, may vary with roof rack)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 205 mm (8.1 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1850-1950 kg (4079-4300 lbs) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2500 kg (5511 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3000 kg (6614 lbs) (When properly equipped with trailer brake controller)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
6 x 139.7 mm (6 x 5.5 inches)
Center Bore:
106.1 mm
Recommended Tire Size:
265/70R15 or 30x9.5R15 (Common stock sizes)
Interior
Passenger Capacity:
5-7 (Depending on 2-row or optional 3-row seating)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Varies, but significant for its class, enabling camping and gear transport.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not directly rated by NHTSA in a comparable manner to modern standards; typically considered robust for its era.
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select models/trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag often optional or unavailable on base models.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for front occupants, 2-point or 3-point for rear occupants depending on seating position and row.
Rollover Protection:
Body-on-frame construction contributes to structural integrity; high center of gravity necessitates cautious driving.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Display:
Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. No central digital display.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced braking control.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
No factory integration for mobile phones. Aftermarket solutions typically required.
Convenience Features
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were available on higher trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or 3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Platinum tipped recommended).
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 45,000 miles or 3 years (under normal driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial. 60,000 miles or 4 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30
Brake Fluid Type Spec:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type Spec:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Known Issues
Timing Belt Failure:
Due to the interference engine design, a broken timing belt will cause valve-to-piston contact, leading to severe internal engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is critical.
Radiator And Cooling System:
Overheating can be an issue due to aging radiators, hoses, and thermostat failures. Regular inspection and maintenance are vital.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Can develop leaks over time, requiring transmission removal for repair.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on suspension bushings can lead to clunking noises, poor handling, and premature tire wear.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
On some V6 engines, exhaust manifold cracks can occur, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Transfer Case Actuator:
The electronic actuator for the Super Select 4WD system can be a point of failure, preventing proper engagement of 4WD modes. The manual details troubleshooting for this.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Focus:
Mitsubishi has a long history of building rugged, reliable vehicles, with a strong foundation in off-road capability and motorsport.
Model Evolution
Generation 1 Start:
1982 (JDM) / 1987 (US)
Generation 2 Introduction:
1990
Generation 2 Facelift:
1997
1996 Positioning:
This year falls within the second generation (1990-1996/97), representing the later years before a significant redesign, often featuring updated styling and features over earlier models.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Main production facility)
Production Years For Gen2:
1990-1996
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Awards:
The Montero (and its Pajero predecessor) has a strong reputation and history in off-road events and generally praised for its capability in its class.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this era of Mitsubishi can vary, with some components (like the timing belt) requiring meticulous maintenance. Consult specific model year reports for detailed data.