Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi. I have a 2005 3.2 DiD Pajero. It always started within a second of turning over. Suddenly it takes 10or 15 turns to start and it sounds like the starter motor is really struggling. Once it starts there is no problem with power or idling so I’m thinking that fuel system is OK. Checked the battery and it looks fine. From 12.6 v it drops while cranking to 9.5 and comes back up to 13 v very quick after starting. It recently had it’s 180 000 kms service at Mitspo so I’m sure all the filters etc are good. There is also no difference hot or cold so I’m thinking that the glow plug is not the issue.
Is there a compression release valve on the 3.2 that could be sticking? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I had the same problem, it sounds like the battery isn't supplying enough juice, turns out nothing wrong with the battery, my starter motor packed up. Hope that not the case for you, cost about R12k from the agents. Good luck!

maybe you can save the starter if you can manage some tools

See my starter service thread here

https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sh ... p?t=114007

before


after

Having the same issue. Had my starter motor redone, issue came back again. They tested the starter, battery, etc all fine. They suspect the glow plugs but none in the country so will wait till my next service.
Workaround : turn the ignition and wait for glow plug light to go off. Switch off the ignition and switch on again waiting for the glow plug light to go off. Engine starts almost instantly

Hi. Thanx for the replies. I think I'll start with the starter.

I had the same issue a while back - it was the starter motor. My local auto electrician refurbed the starter (new brushes etc) for about R1500 I think.