Immediately following the end of the 2nd World War, the organization returned to production automobiles. Fuso bus production started again, while a little three-wheeled cargo automobile known as the Mizushima and a scooter called the gold Pigeon were furthermore created. However, the zaibatsu (Japan's family-controlled professional conglomerates) are purchased become dismantled by the Allied abilities in 1950, and Mitsubishi significant sectors ended up being divided into three regional businesses, each with an involvement in automobile developing: western Japan Heavy-Industries, Central Japan Heavy-Industries, and East Japan Heavy-Industries.
East Japan Heavy-Industries began importing the Henry J, an inexpensive US sedan built by Kaiser engines, in knockdown system (CKD) type in 1951, and proceeded to create all of them to Japan for the remainder regarding the vehicles's three-year manufacturing run. Similar season, Central Japan Heavy-Industries concluded an equivalent agreement with Willys (today possessed by Kaiser) for CKD-assembled Jeep CJ-3Bs. This price shown more durable, with accredited Mitsubishi Jeeps in production until 1998, thirty years after Willys by themselves have replaced the model.
By the start of the sixties Japan's economy is gearing up; wages are increasing and the notion of family motoring had been removing. Central Japan Heavy-Industries, now-known as Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries, had currently re-established an automotive department with its head office in 1953. Today it had been prepared to present the Mitsubishi 500, a mass-market sedan, to meet up with the brand new need from people. It implemented this in 1962 aided by the Minica kei automobile and the Colt 1000, initial of the Colt line of family members cars, in 1963. In 1964, Mitsubishi introduced their largest traveler sedan, the Mitsubishi Debonair as an extravagance car mostly for the Japanese markets, and is used by senior Mitsubishi executives as a company car.
West Japan Heavy-Industries (now rebranded Mitsubishi Shipbuilding & manufacturing) and East Japan Heavy-Industries (now Mitsubishi Nihon Heavy-Industries) have additionally extended their automotive departments into the 1950s, as well as the three had been re-integrated as Mitsubishi significant companies in 1964. Within 36 months their production ended up being over 75,000 motors yearly. Following successful introduction of very first Galant in 1969 and close development featuring its commercial automobile unit, it was determined that the organization should develop just one process to pay attention to the automotive industry. Mitsubishi engines organization (MMC) was created on April 22, 1970 as a wholly owned subsidiary of MHI in management of Tomio Kubo, a successful engineer from aircraft division.
The logo design of three red diamonds, shared with over forty others inside the keiretsu, predates Mitsubishi engines itself by nearly a hundred years. It was opted for by Iwasaki Yatar, the founder of Mitsubishi, because was suggestive associated with emblem of the Tosa Clan which first employed your, and because their own household crest had been three rhombuses piled atop one another. Title Mitsubishi () consists of two areas: "mitsu" indicating "three" and "hishi" (which becomes "bishi" under rendaku) meaning "water caltrop" (also called "water chestnut"), thus "rhombus", which will be reflected into the organization's logo..
In October 2005, Mitsubishi engines Australia launched the Mitsubishi 380 towards the Australian markets because the replacement their long-running Mitsubishi Magna, and also the only vehicle being built at its Australian installation plant at Clovelly Park. Despite an investment of A0 million establishing the vehicle, preliminary selling projections proved upbeat; after best 6 months Mitsubishi scaled back once again manufacturing from 90/day, and decreased the employed few days from five days to four. It remained a continuous concern when you look at the Australian auto industry on whether this would be enough to restore the plant to profits and make certain their long-term success.
The fall in local deals could not be mitigated by exports outside the Australian and brand new Zealand marketplace. On 5 February 2008, Mitsubishi Motors Australia established it would be shutting down its Adelaide system plant by the end of March. Between 700 and 1,000 direct work would-be destroyed and up to 2,000 employment are lost in companies support Mitsubishi's regional manufacturing functions.
Following the acquisition by parent team Chrysler of a 15 per cent fascination with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1971, Chrysler Australian Continent began design Mitsubishi-designed Chrysler-branded motors, specifically the Chrysler Valiant Galant (later on Chrysler Galant), on the basis of the 1972--1977 Mitsubishi Galant plus the Chrysler Sigma, a variation of the 1977--1985 Mitsubishi Galant. In 1979, Mitsubishi engines organization and Mitsubishi business each obtained a one 6th equity in Chrysler Australia. The collective price purchased the two-sixths equity is A million. On 30 April 1980, the 2 Japanese businesses thought 98.9 per cent control by paying an additional million to acquire Chrysler's staying 65 per cent share. The rest of the 1.1 percentage was held by 690 neighborhood investors. The company title is altered to Mitsubishi Motors Australian Continent restricted on 1 October 1980. Creation of the most popular Sigma number of automobiles proceeded under the Mitsubishi name until 1987 having its eventual replacement, the Magna, having been introduced in 1985. Colt manufacturing, which have commenced in 1982, ended in 1990, without any locally manufactured replacement.
The Magna, like their forebear the Sigma, had been in line with the Japanese Galant. Input from MMAL led to a larger automobile than the Japanese donor design to accommodate the Australian marketplace and also to take on the popular Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. A station wagon variation is included with the design lineup in 1987. The Magna gotten a number of model refreshes during the 1990s including an extra variant known as Verada. However, because of the very early 2000s, it absolutely was clear your Magna / Verada range, today with its third iteration had elderly significantly. A facelift to the Magna / Verada line in 2003 neglected to carry deals. After lobbying from Mitusubishi Motors Australian Continent Limited (MMAL) approval for building of a car is provided by Mitsubishi engines company. Investment ended up being offered to re-engineer the Tonsley playground plant because of the outcome that a brand new automobile, the Mitsubishi 380, ended up being brought to industry in late 2005.
In 2003 MMAL gained approval from MMC to generate Mitsubishi study and Development Australia (MRDAus) with a budget of million. MRDAus would be to function as fourth worldwide Mitsubishi study and developing center. MMAL's proving floor at Tailem fold was to become enhanced such as the improvement of a top speeds oval and various various other proving floor business together with evaluating and Proving group's laboratories at MMAL headquarters in Tonsley Park has also been to be enhanced. MRDAus ended up being initially tasked with doing Mitsubishi 380 Testing and Proving ahead of the start of volume production. MRDAus furthermore negotiated substantial work share for evaluating and proving associated with the PS41L, the codename for a stretched 380 for people marketplace. Unfortuitously using economic woes dealing with MMC globally additionally the cancelling for the PS41L system MRDAus is struggling to reach their full potential. In late 2004 after broadening to 90 personnel the MRDAus expansion ended up being halted before the 380 ended up being also launched. A security fence around all of the broadened Tailem flex website was almost completed as well as the earthworks for high speed egg-shaped have started when jobs was halted in 2004.
Mitsubishi engines company's monetary and legal issues weighed difficult on MMAL, with public perception associated with viability associated with organization reaching an all-time low in 2004. Business analysis conducted in mid-2004 revealed that roughly four out of each and every five thought that Mitsubishi would stop production in Australia.
The detachment of DaimlerChrysler from the involvement with Mitsubishi Motors company in 2004, together with the revitalisation program that called for the closing of this Lonsdale motor plant, did not assist the people's perception of MMAL as a viable providers.
MMAL ended 2004 with a stockpile of around 4,000 unsold Magnas and Veradas. To restore customer esteem inside brand name and to clear the design backlog, a series of television adverts began airing in December 2004. Centred on Mitsubishi Australia's then Chief executive officer, Tom Phillips, the adverts promoted the introduction of an industry-first five-year/130,000 kilometre guarantee. Mitsubishi reworked a slogan from previous Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca, concluding their particular commercials aided by the tagline, "If you can pick a better-built, better-backed automobile anywhere, after that buy they". The campaign successfully boosted purchases and allowed the backlog to-be cleared.
The Mitsubishi 380, the successor car toward Magna, increased hopes money for hard times of MMAL when launched. Hopes stemmed through the business success that Magna skilled when it was launched together with fact that the Australian automobile markets was growing during the time. However, the 380 offered defectively from the introduction and did not satisfy expected sales objectives. This resulted in a decrease in daily production volume from 180 to 50 cars a day, along side additional reductions when you look at the workforce.
The "make or break" Mitsubishi 380 began manufacturing in 2005, enduring significantly less than 3 years in the marketplace.
Business of other Mitsubishi engines business cars started initially to show enhancement in Asian and European areas as latest motors were introduced during 2006. These cars were furthermore launched in to the Australian market, boosting MMAL's Australian selling into the segments that these vehicles occupied, though this did nothing to assist their particular business of in your area manufactured items.
Cessation of neighborhood manufacturing and business restructure
On 5 February 2008, it absolutely was announced that MMAL would stop creation of the 380 at Tonsley Park plant, effective at the end of March 2008. The two-page report circulated established they would pursue a "full import strategy" when it comes to Australian marketplace considering unviable 380 deals. The past Mitsubishi 380 sedan remaining the production line on 27 March 2008. Coinciding because of the last vehicles to go out of the line ended up being the redundancy of about 500 workers, with another 430 staying for the next 12 months. Those continuing to be decommissioned the plant and produced a stockpile of free areas destined to last 10 years.
By belated 2009, MMAL had eliminated the final piece of manufacturing equipment from the Tonsley Park system plant. Ownership for the plant is handed over to your authorities of Southern Australian Continent on 16 December 2009.
The disused Mitsubishi plant in Adelaide
On top of that, MMAL started a restructure of this continuing to be divisions of team. This restructure concluded in mid-2009 and spotted workforce data paid down to around 300 through redundancy and outsourcing.
Most of the continuing to be team are participating with business and advertising tasks, though MMAL keeps some power to do any design adjustment that may be needed to fit Mitsubishi engines Corporation's global products into the Australian market.
In 1996 the 3.0 V6 engine had been modified, staying SOHC but switching to 24v. On top of that the ignition system had been enhanced from old supplier system to solid-state coil packages. Power to 177 bhp (132 kW). The 2.4 motor ended up being launched as a smaller sized power-plant readily available only on SWB system with revised lesser indoor and exterior.
The Pajero development is introduced in October 1997, which was created in response to latest entry requirements for the Paris -- Dakar Rally's T3 lessons. The Pajero development arrived traditional with a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve time and Electronic carry controls (MIVEC). A new, twin plenum adjustable intake assisted boost energy and a new independent rear suspension made the ride even smoother.
In 1998, automobiles destined for General Export as well as the GCC (Gulf collaboration Council nations) got a renovation. Wider fenders, newer headlights, grille, bumper, fog lighting and sidesteps had been all an element of the redesign. The broad fenders in many cases are known as "blister flare fenders". Driver and front-passenger SRS airbags were made traditional on brands built with the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, whilst nevertheless continuing to be optional on GLS models aided by the 3.0-liter SOHC V6. 1080 of these units had been furthermore assembled in Iran by Bahman Khodro team before becoming flourished manufacturing. An upgraded inside timber trim was offered on 3.0-liter GLS and 3.5-liter systems. A leather-wrapped or fabric and wood trim controls has also been provided, alongside an upgraded suspension system and steering program. The 3.0-liter 12-valve SOHC motor is now available with a 24-valve configuration. Versions without large fenders stayed as base models (GLX), offered with a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC motor, creating 147 hp (110 kW). The 3.0-liter 12-valve engine ended up being optional on these GLX versions, and remained the base motor regarding GLS.
The second generation ended up being launched on 22 January 1991 and made until 1999. It retained the 2 human body designs, but design is rounder and much more city-friendly as compared to earlier bulky design. The 3.0 L V6 gas motor was retained, now available with a 24-valve mind, with the capacity of 136 kW (177 hp/185 PS), although the 2.5 turbodiesel's energy was slightly risen to 73 kW (98 hp/99 PS). In 1993, the Pajero is a little restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5 L V6 with 153 kW (215 hp/208 PS) and a 2.8 L SOHC turbodiesel ranked at 92 kW (123 hp/125 PS). These models launched Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel-drive program (known as Active-Trac in the United States), with a digital transfer move that may separate power between both axles without the need to end the car. They worked at increases to 100 km/h (62 mph).
The first generation Pajero was also sold due to the fact Hyundai Galloper in Korea, European countries and GCC nations, whilst the 2nd generation was at manufacturing elsewhere.
This model Pajero stayed in manufacturing in Asia till 2012 because the Pajero SFX; the most recent generation comes as Montero. In Philippines it really is marketed because the Pajero "area Master" 4x2 with all the 2.8L TD engine, alongside the fourth generation Pajero. The 4X4 variation was removed from production in 1999. Additionally, it is produced in Colombia from Complete Knock Down areas (CKD) till 2012, with a 2.4l 16 valve SOHC (130 PS) or 3.0l 12 valve V6 (148 PS), both machines are available as a three-door difficult top, the five-door wagon just with the 3.0-liter V6.
In Venezuela, the 2nd generation ended up being made of 1992 to 1995 beneath the title of Mitsubishi Montero, it had been for sale in long and short wheel base. From 1996 to 2009 its name is changed to Mitsubishi Montero Dakar, it absolutely was best available in short wheel base with 6G72 system and manual five-speed transmission.
Goal: remove and replace (or repair/flush) the heater core on a Mitsubishi 4M41-equipped vehicle. This is written for a beginner mechanic but assumes you can use common tools and follow safety rules. No unnecessary chatter — just the facts, the why, the how, and what can go wrong.
Summary of function and theory
- What the heater core is: a small radiator inside the HVAC (heater) box under the dash. Engine coolant flows through it; the HVAC blower pushes air across it and into the cabin to heat the interior.
- Analogy: the heater core is a baby radiator: coolant→hot metal fins→air blown across them = warm air in the cabin. If the baby radiator leaks or is blocked, you lose cabin heat or get coolant inside the car.
- Why the repair is needed: common failure modes are leaks (coolant on floor/matting, sweet smell, fogging inside), internal blockage/scale (poor or no heat), or corrosion that causes contamination of the cooling system. A leaking core allows coolant to enter the HVAC box and carpets and cause electrical/odour problems.
- How the system ties into the cooling system: engine coolant is circulated by the water pump. With thermostat cycle it flows through the heater hoses to the heater core. Heater control valve or blend doors regulate whether hot coolant/air is used. Airflow across the core provides cabin heat. If air is trapped, heat transfer drops.
Major components (every relevant one)
- Heater core: small tube-and-fin heat exchanger inside HVAC case. Inlet and outlet tubes/pipes protrude through firewall.
- Heater hoses: two hoses from engine bay to heater core inlet/outlet. Typically rubber, clamped to pipes.
- Fire-wall pipes/union: metal tubes through the firewall; sometimes have quick-connects or O-rings.
- Heater control valve (if equipped): inline valve in heater hose to shut off coolant flow for A/C or to regulate heat. Could be vacuum, cable, or electric-operated.
- HVAC housing/case: plastic box under dash containing heater core, evaporator, air doors, and blower motor.
- Blend doors/actuators: plastic doors inside box that direct air through heater core or bypass. Electric motors or cables move them.
- Blower motor and resistor/module: moves air; if blower not running you get no warm air even if core is fine.
- Thermostat/water pump: engine components that control coolant temperature and flow; thermostat stuck can mimic heater problems.
- Coolant reservoir and radiator: where coolant level/pressure is maintained.
- Clamps, O-rings, seals: prevent leaks where hoses meet pipes and where core connects inside box.
- Cabin carpet and insulation: often gets wet if core leaks; will need drying/cleaning/replacement.
Tools and supplies
- Basic hand tools: ratchet, extensions, sockets (8–14 mm typical), screwdrivers (Phillips & flat), Torx bits if used, pliers.
- Hose pliers or spring-clip pliers for spring clamps; screwdriver or nut driver for worm clamps.
- Trim removal tools (plastic) to avoid breaking dash clips.
- Drain pan and funnel. Shop towels/absorbent pads.
- New heater core (OEM recommended) and new O-rings/clamps as needed.
- Coolant (correct type for your vehicle), distilled water for flushing if required.
- Vacuum pump or coolant bleeding tool (helpful).
- Replacement cabin filter if applicable.
- Safety gear: gloves, eye protection, respirator if cleaning mold, and safe disposal container for old coolant.
Safety and cautions
- Work only on a cool engine. Hot coolant is dangerous.
- Disconnect battery when working under dash near airbags or electronics.
- Coolant is toxic — avoid spills, keep pets/children away, and dispose of waste correctly.
- Mark and photograph everything before disassembly — dash trim clips are fragile and connectors can be hard to relocate.
- Expect dashboard and consoles to require partial removal. This can be time-consuming and delicate.
Typical time and difficulty
- Difficulty: moderate-to-difficult. Replacing heater core usually requires partial dash removal on a 4M41 vehicle; plan several hours (4–10) depending on experience.
- If only flushing or replacing hoses/valve (no dash removal), time is less.
Step-by-step procedure (general, follow OEM manual for exact steps and torque)
1) Preparation
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Allow engine to cool fully.
- Remove any panels, center console pieces, or trim necessary to access the lower dash and glove box. Keep small fasteners organized and label them or take photos.
- Put drain pan under radiator petcock and under firewall area.
2) Drain coolant
- Open radiator cap only after engine cool. Open radiator drain petcock or remove lower radiator hose to drain enough coolant so coolant level is below heater hose connection points at the firewall. Catch coolant safely.
- Don’t fully drain if you want to reuse coolant — but contaminated coolant should be replaced.
3) Access and disconnect in engine bay
- Locate heater hoses running to firewall. Identify inlet and outlet, and any heater control valve. Label hoses A and B.
- Loosen clamps and disconnect hoses from firewall tubes. Some cars have quick-connects — depress tabs and pull. Expect some coolant spill.
- If there is a heater control valve, disconnect linkages, vacuum lines, or electrical plug and remove or move out of the way.
4) Remove dash/HVAC access panels (interior)
- Remove glove box and lower dash panels to expose HVAC housing. On many Mitsubishi models you will need to remove the instrument lower cover, glove box, center console trim, and possibly the radio cluster to access fasteners.
- Remove screws/bolts that secure HVAC housing to firewall. Keep track of where each fastener belongs.
- Disconnect any electrical connectors to blower, actuators, sensors. Note actuator positions before removing (so you can re-zero).
5) Free HVAC housing and remove heater core
- The heater core is inside the HVAC box. Once the box is accessible, open the box (carefully) by removing the clips/screws that hold the halves together.
- Inside you will see the heater core held by clips or brackets. Take photos for orientation.
- Remove the heater core mounting screws/clips and slide the core out of the HVAC case. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain into the box — place towels and a pan below.
- Inspect foam seals and replace as needed. Old foam seals are often brittle and leak air.
6) Inspect and clean
- Check the heater core inlet/outlet pipes on the firewall for corrosion, broken tabs or O-ring grooves. Replace O-rings or union seals.
- Inspect hoses for cracking or soft spots. Replace if necessary.
- Inspect the HVAC case for coolant damage, corrosion, or mold. Clean and dry thoroughly. Replace damp insulation.
7) Install new heater core
- Transfer any mounting brackets or seals from old core to new if required by design.
- Position new heater core into HVAC box oriented exactly as the old one was. Secure with screws/clips.
- Replace all seals, foam strips, and gaskets. New O-rings on firewall pipes are recommended — lubricate O-rings lightly with coolant or appropriate grease.
- Reassemble HVAC housing halves, ensuring blend doors can move freely and actuators reconnect properly.
8) Reinstall HVAC/housing and reconnect
- Reinstall HVAC housing in reverse removal order. Torque screws to manufacturer spec (consult service manual).
- Reconnect electrical connectors, actuators, blower, and everything removed. Reinstall dash panels and glove box.
9) Reconnect heater hoses in engine bay
- Reconnect the heater hoses to the firewall tubes, using new clamps if necessary. Ensure hoses route without kinks and are not rubbing on hot surfaces.
- Reattach heater control valve and linkages/vacuum lines/electrical connectors.
10) Refill coolant and bleed air
- Refill cooling system with proper coolant mix. If you drained completely, use fresh coolant; if topping up, ensure quality.
- Bleeding: air trapped in the heater core will prevent heat. Common bleed methods:
- With radiator cap off and engine running, set heater to max hot and blower on low so coolant circulates; watch for air bubbles at the radiator fill neck and top up until bubbles stop.
- Some vehicles have bleed screws at top of engine or heater hose; open those while filling.
- Use a vacuum fill tool or coolant bleeder bottle if available to minimize air.
- Keep an eye on temperature gauge; ensure thermostat opens and system does not overheat.
11) Test for leaks and function
- With engine at operating temp and heater set to max, verify warm air output at vents.
- Check under dash and in engine bay for any coolant leaks at hoses, firewall unions, or HVAC seams.
- Check heater core area for wet carpet, smell of coolant, and fogging in cabin. Recheck coolant level after a short test drive and top up as necessary.
What can go wrong (and how to spot or avoid it)
- Air trapped in system -> no cabin heat even though core and hoses are good. Symptom: hoses warm inconsistently; heater gives cold air. Fix: proper bleeding; run heater on max hot while bleeding.
- Leaky inlet/outlet unions or O-rings -> slowly leaking coolant into HVAC or engine bay. Symptom: damp carpet, sweet smell, coolant puddles. Fix: replace O-rings and ensure proper seating; use correct type/size O-rings.
- Damaged HVAC case or corroded core -> cannot seal, causes airflow loss and leaks. Fix: repair or replace HVAC case components, or use sealant only if appropriate.
- Broken plastic clips/dash fasteners -> rattles or loose trim. Prevent by using trim tools and keeping spare clips.
- Blower or blend door failure mistaken for heater core issue -> no heat but core OK. Symptom: blower doesn't blow or only cold air because blend door stuck. Check blower operation and feel heater hoses for temperature. If hoses are hot but air is cold, suspect blend door/actuator.
- Heater control valve stuck closed -> no flow to core. Symptom: one hose cool or both cool; valve not opening. Fix: replace valve or bypass for test (only temporarily).
- Cross-contamination and fouled coolant -> sludge/clogs. If heater core clogged due to rust or deposits, a simple flush may not work; replacement needed. Prevent by using correct coolant and changing at intervals.
- Electrical issues when removing dash -> cutting airbag connectors or breaking actuator wires; always disconnect battery and follow SRS precautions.
Helpful checks and diagnostics before replacing
- Feel hoses at engine warm: both should be hot (or one slightly cooler) when engine warmed and heater on. If both cool, coolant not reaching core or thermostat/water pump issue. If one hot one cold, core may be clogged or valve closed/stuck.
- Carpet inspection: look under glove box and passenger footwell for dampness.
- Smell/steam: smell of coolant or visible fogging indicates leak.
- Pressure test cooling system: can find small leaks if suspected but not visible.
Tips and best practices
- Take many photos as you disassemble; they are invaluable on reassembly.
- Replace rubber hoses, O-rings, and foam seals while you have box open.
- Use OEM replacement heater core if possible. Cheaper cores may leak or not fit.
- Keep small parts organized and mark panels and fasteners.
- If vehicle has heavy corrosion or sludge, consider full cooling system flush and thermostat inspection/replacement.
- Dispose of old coolant responsibly; it’s toxic.
Final checklist before driving
- All connectors and fasteners reinstalled.
- Hoses clamped and secure.
- Cooling system refilled and bled of air.
- No leaks evident at idle and at operating temp.
- Heater gives steady hot air at max setting.
- Interior dry and clean of spilled coolant.
That is the complete, practical procedure and background. Follow your factory service manual for vehicle-specific fastener locations, panel removal order, and torque specs.
rteeqp73