🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: Montero Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: V73W, V75W, V77W, V78W 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size SUV, body-on-frame Target Audience: Off-road enthusiasts, families requiring utility and ruggedness Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Key Features Platform: Third-generation Montero (NM/NP platform) Off Road Capability: Available Super Select II 4WD system with locking center differential, low-range gearing 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Countries: Global (Primarily North America, Europe, Asia) Trim Levels: All trim levels (e.g., XLS, Limited, ES, LS) Page Count Estimated Pages: 2000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Drivetrain: Transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front, rear, center), axles Suspension: Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings Steering: Power steering system, steering column, steering gear Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, interior/exterior electronics, body control module (BCM), multiplex communication system HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (manual and automatic climate control) Body: Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, connector pinouts Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair Special Tools: Identification and usage of special tools required for specific procedures Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Searchable PDF Printability: Printable pages for workshop use Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution images and diagrams Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: 6G72 Engine Type 1: 3.5L SOHC V6 MIVEC Displacement 1: 3497 cc Horsepower 1: 200 hp @ 5000 rpm (V6 MIVEC) Torque 1: 235 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (V6 MIVEC) Bore X Stroke 1: 91.1 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio 1: 9.0:1 Fuel Induction 1: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Secondary Engine Engine Code 2: 6G75 Engine Type 2: 3.8L SOHC V6 MIVEC (some markets/later models) Displacement 2: 3828 cc Horsepower 2: 215-220 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (V6 MIVEC) Torque 2: 255-260 lb-ft @ 3750-4000 rpm (V6 MIVEC) Performance Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel System Fuel Pump Type: Electric, in-tank Fuel Pressure: Approximately 45-58 psi (310-400 kPa) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Automatic (W5A580) Optional Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual (N7M-something, less common) Features 4Wd System: Available Super Select II 4WD system Transfer Case: 2-speed transfer case with lockable center differential Fluid Type Automatic Transmission Fluid: MITSU-SPEC ATF-SP-III (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON) Fluid Capacity Automatic Transmission Capacity: Approx. 9.6 US quarts (9.1 liters) for complete refill 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 186.6 inches (4740 mm) Width: 73.8 inches (1875 mm) Height: 72.0 inches (1829 mm) (with roof rails) Wheelbase: 109.7 inches (2785 mm) Ground Clearance: 8.4 inches (213 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg) depending on configuration Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 6,000 - 6,200 lbs (2722 - 2812 kg) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approx. 45.7 cu ft (1294 liters) Cargo Volume Max: Approx. 87.5 cu ft (2478 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4 Stars (Driver and Passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 4 Stars (Front and Rear Passenger) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCL) Passive Features Airbags: Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with subwoofer Navigation: Available factory navigation system (early generation) Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Connectivity Phone Integration: Limited to aftermarket Bluetooth kits for most 2003 models 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal conditions) - Consult manual for exact recommendation Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium plugs Timing Belt Replacement: Refer to specific engine variant and mileage, often around 75,000-105,000 miles (120,000-170,000 km) for 6G72/6G75 engines (check manual for exact interval as it's a belt-driven OHC engine) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SL or SM, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3...
Transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front, rear, center), axles
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, interior/exterior electronics, body control module (BCM), multiplex communication system
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (manual and automatic climate control)
Approx. 9.6 US quarts (9.1 liters) for complete refill
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
186.6 inches (4740 mm)
Width:
73.8 inches (1875 mm)
Height:
72.0 inches (1829 mm) (with roof rails)
Wheelbase:
109.7 inches (2785 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches (213 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
6,000 - 6,200 lbs (2722 - 2812 kg)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 45.7 cu ft (1294 liters)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 87.5 cu ft (2478 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars (Front and Rear Passenger)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCL)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with subwoofer
Navigation:
Available factory navigation system (early generation)
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Limited to aftermarket Bluetooth kits for most 2003 models
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal conditions) - Consult manual for exact recommendation
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Refer to specific engine variant and mileage, often around 75,000-105,000 miles (120,000-170,000 km) for 6G72/6G75 engines (check manual for exact interval as it's a belt-driven OHC engine)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SL or SM, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Sunroof drain tube blockages leading to water ingress, front axle CV joint wear (especially with off-road use), ABS sensor issues, occasional transmission solenoid issues
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Summary:
Mitsubishi has a long history in producing robust and capable SUVs, with the Pajero/Montero line being a flagship model known for its off-road prowess and durability since its introduction in 1982.
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The 2003 model year represents the third generation (NM/NP) of the Montero, launched for the 2000 model year, featuring a unibody construction (monocoque chassis) for improved on-road comfort and safety compared to previous body-on-frame designs.
Production
Production Location:
Gifu Prefecture, Japan (Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Accolades:
The Montero line is renowned for its consistent performance in demanding off-road competitions and expeditions worldwide, reinforcing its rugged reputation.