2001 XLS work in progress
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Post by kushmcdieselson on Jul 25, 2015 22:18:43 GMT -5
Hi All, new member here, been lurking for the past few months, finally got some things added onto my 2001 XLS so I decided to register and share my pic. Gotta get a few more pics up but this is the only one I snapped after a few hours of installing. Had a tree fall this past winter that broke the factory roof rack on the passenger side and dented the roof, so I banged the dent out the best I could, sprayed the roof in Rhino Liner, replaced the racks with Thule 60" top tracks, rapid podium feet, 43" black Aeroblade bars and the new Canyon roof basket. Have an Aries grill guard installed on the front with a pair of Rigid Industries SR-Q2 hyperspot lights and a Rigid 10" SR light bar hanging from the top bar with clamp mounts. Stripped the plastic off the factory running boards and threw a Go Rhino hitch step on the rear. On the to do list: finish installing a pair of Rigid D2 diffused flush mount led's in the rear bumper, replace the broken taillight and find some black taillight guards, and spray the sides/steps/bumpers in Rhino Liner to match the roof. Originally I just wanted to get rid of the champagne two tone, but am going to go up to the door handles and on the lift gate after seeing pictures of it done on another Montero Sport forum, and am considering just spraying the whole truck. Maybe throw in a cb radio, backup camera system and tint the rear windows a little darker. The last thing on the list will be a wheel upgrade. Never even been offroad in this rig, as it is the 2wd version and was just gifted to me earlier this year, so I suppose you guys would call this a "mall crawler" at this point lol. Eventually I would like to look at making some upgrades to make it a more capable offroad vehicle, nothing serious, since no matter what it will still be 2wd, but I'd like to know I won't get stuck at the first sign of mud haha. As far as engine work, it was fairly well maintained by the previous owner, and I just replaced the valve cover gaskets and did a tune up a few months ago, and will slowly replace whatever else comes up.  Finally had some time to do some work, here are some pictures. Here is a close up shot of the Rhino liner on the roof:  You can also see the cheapo magnetic base antenna for the CB radio that I installed, just temporary, eventually I will get a hood channel mounted Firestik. I removed the bottom trim and unscrewed the small storage compartment, mounted the bracket with some 3m tape to minimize the amount of screws being shot into my trim panels:  Here is where I mounted the switches for my front lights. I chose those little panel pieces because If I need to remove the lights later it would be much easier and cheaper to replace those than other pieces of the dash and trim.  Here is a better shot of the front end with the grill guard and the lights, may eventually relocate the 10" sr to that lower grill section with some security bolts, I am a little paranoid about my lights being stolen, so I will have to upgrade the bolts to the spot lights as well. Also a picture of the lights at night:     Finished installing the lights in the rear bumper as well:  Finally had time to spray the bumpers/rockers:     |
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Post by dirk on Jul 26, 2015 23:58:17 GMT -5
XLS came in a 2wd version?
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Post by kushmcdieselson on Jul 28, 2015 8:04:33 GMT -5
I suppose so. The rear reflector says XLS on the right corner. I did find it strange that the title states LS/XLS so maybe it was a special order that started as a 2wd LS and had certain features added (except 4wd obviously lol) and the dealership threw an XLS reflector on to jack up the final selling price. I was never sure about the trim model differences between the different Sports, but I know this one is most certainly not 4wd as it is missing the 4wd shifter next to the standard gear shifter.
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jul 28, 2015 14:03:54 GMT -5
I suppose so. The rear reflector says XLS on the right corner. I did find it strange that the title states LS/XLS so maybe it was a special order that started as a 2wd LS and had certain features added (except 4wd obviously lol) and the dealership threw an XLS reflector on to jack up the final selling price. I was never sure about the trim model differences between the different Sports, but I know this one is most certainly not 4wd as it is missing the 4wd shifter next to the standard gear shifter. That's interesting. The XLS didn't come in 2WD in '97-'99, but maybe in the '00-'05. The Limited came in 2WD in '00-'05 so I wouldn't be surprised. The XLS was the tricked out LS - the X in XLS.  The XLS WAS the top of the line until '99. In '99 they released the Limited 4WD 2WD/4WD with the 3.5L which became the top of the line model for '99-'05. Both the XLS and Limited were ONLY available in a A/T in '97-'99. In '00-'05 the 5-speed M/T was dropped. This is the order for options ... 1) Factory built - so it came that way from the factory (either in JP or the US) 2) Installed at the receiving port (west coast, LA - don't know if there were other ports) 3) Dealer install Options could be the result of any or all of the above. The only way I know to differentiate between 1,2 and 3 is the original build sheet which is still available from Mitsu for '99-'05. Very informative and nice to have if you sell. As I understand it, the build sheet always shows 1. It is theoretically supposed to show 2, also, but I believe I have one instance where that is not true. The keyless/alarm in my '97 big Sport was apparently installed in LA (port install), but doesn't showed on the build sheet. In addition, my '99 Limited shows keyless/alarm on the build sheet but doesn't list that in the Mitsu database under the VIN.: According to the tech and parts, this was almost certainly a port install on my '99 and I'm 99.9% sure my '97 was a port install, too. My '97, however, DID show keyless/alarm in the Mitsu database, so .... God only knows with 3. Almost every option was available as a 'dealer option'. The only things that I know WERE NEVER a dealer installed option were the heated mirrors, moon roof, and transmission (A/T, M/T). I believe the dash pod on the '97-'99 was also a factory install only, but I've heard rumors that this may not be true, so .... Stereo head, Infinity head and amp, CD changer (single, multiple CD), speaker systems, leather, locking differential, limited slip differential, heated seats, leather, roof rack, hitch, fog lights, rear tire carrier, keyless entry, keyless entry/alarm, alarm, rear DR side AM/FM antenna - all of this could have been installed at the dealership. These are the things the old senior techs from the day have told me they personally and the other techs have installed over the years at dealerships. There's effectively no difference between a LS, XLS and Limited in the basic construction and wiring. Sports were designed to be modular. Build one platform, add/subtract gee-gaws to end up with the finished product. For instance, all '97-'99 Sports have all the cutouts in the internal 'bumper' (under the fascia) for the rear tire carrier. The wiring for the fog lights is present even on Sports that never came with fog lights. The CD changer wiring is run under the flooring for the changer that would have been positioned in the rear side cargo compartment. Basically, the way it works for the majority of things is if it was an option on the model its either entirely or partially pre-wired from the factory to just plug in components. That doesn't mean that options couldn't have been installed across model boundaries. Note: The '99 Limited 3.5L 4WD is an exception in some cases. The '99 Limited is not really a '97-'99 model - its a '00-'02 with '97-'99 LS/XLS styling. And, there are two '99 Limited 'models'. The early production and the late production versions. The '97-'99 ES, LS and XLS use a ECM (Engine Control Module). The '99 Limited uses a PCM (Powertrain Control Module). It uses the second generation 4-speed A/T. The FED exhaust changed from one CAT and dual O2 sensors in the early production models like the ES, LS and XLS to dual CATs in the downpipes and quad O2 sensors in the very late production models. The keyless, keyless/alarm system is the '00-'05 system with the security module. (<-see Notes below) Early PCMs are not programmable, late PCMs are. Climate control is the '00-'02 system; required to integrate with the PCM. Other things are the standard '97-'99 options. <edit> Ok. So, I may have been incorrect. After some research, maybe both the '97-'99 XLS and '99 Limited came in a 2WD version. I've also never seen or heard of a '90s LS 2WD but I found some references. I'm relying on the 'internet' for this information, so .... I was always under the impression that at least for '97-'99, the only 2WD was the ES. Gonna have to do some more digging. -- Ok. Yes, there was a '90s LS 2WD, so I expect that there was also an XLS as well as a Limited '90s 2WD. Hmmmm. Learn something new every day. -- The '99 Limited was only available with the 3.5L. -- '99 Limited - The keyless, keyless/alarm system is the '00-'05 system with the security module.: Only partially correct. The factory installed keyless/alarm is the '00-'05 setup. The port and dealer installed keyless/alarm is the old style like the '97-'99 2.4/3.0L. There is no security module and the keys are not keyed to the vehicle. The factory install uses the square head (chiped) key while the port and dealership installed option used the triangular (unchiped) key. And, you really do learn something new every day. I just spent 30 minutes going through this with the tech and parts. Sigh. Port/Dealer install PN#: A993NC1X03 <edit> Edward |
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Post by kushmcdieselson on Jul 28, 2015 18:31:10 GMT -5
I know just from the past few months lurking here that you (Edward) would be able to chime in and drop the knowledge bomb on us lol. I've noticed things that you mentioned, like the fact my XLS is wired for fog lights even when it's never had them installed.
So how interchangeable are the parts from the 97-99 and the 00-05's? I'm guessing they're not unless it's the 97-99's that are actually 00-02's? Does this mean regardless of what trim model I have, I can add any features from any 00-05 that mine may be lacking and it will essentially be plug and play?
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Post by dclambertt on Jul 29, 2015 11:24:40 GMT -5
Kush, have you ever run a VIN check to see what that comes up with?
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jul 29, 2015 14:23:38 GMT -5
Kush, have you ever run a VIN check to see what that comes up with? That would be a really good idea. I'd be very interesting to see what comes up. Edward |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jul 29, 2015 15:24:17 GMT -5
I know just from the past few months lurking here that you (Edward) would be able to chime in and drop the knowledge bomb on us lol. I've noticed things that you mentioned, like the fact my XLS is wired for fog lights even when it's never had them installed.  Opportunity to bury every one in trivia! That's what partially prompted me to start figuring this stuff out years ago. My '97 never had fog lights and it took quite a while to figure out why there were all these empty plugs apparently for stuff never installed. Makes sense from Mitsu's perspective, but it seemed pretty strange at the time. The sucky part is it makes troubleshooting wiring a lot harder because there's unused wiring installed that goes nowhere and does nothing. Gen 1 - '97-'99 Gen 2 - '00-'05 Most options will not be interchangeable between these two generations because Gen 2 was an update to the Gen 1. Stuff changed like wiring and connectors, computer integrations and so forth. The updates were the same 'option' package essentially with new, updated equipment. Like the Infinity stereo system. Both generations had it and its still 8 speakers with the amp, but the equipment is different (newer). The 2.4L ES and the 3.0L LS and XLS from '97-'99 are essentially identical - they're Gen 1 Sports. The 3.5L Limited in '99 could best be considered a Gen 1.5. Or more accurately, the early ones a Gen 1.25 and the later ones a Gen 1.75. It shares body, interior and drive train with the LS and XLS, but has a different computer module (PCM), integrated TCM (transmission control module), different A/T, and different climate control. There are a good bit of 'under the covers' things, too. The '00-'05s are all the same between models with minor exceptions (just like Gen 1s) - these are Gen 2 Sports. There isn't anything like the weirdness between the Gen 1 2.4/3.0L and the 3.5L. The only major difference I've found is the A/T in the '03 Limited 3.5L AWD - this was the Montero 5-speed A/T and the first year for the Sport and ONLY in that particular model. Otherwise, Gen 2s are almost indistinguishable from each other. Maybe yes, and maybe no. The mechanical parts? Almost certainly yes. The electrical parts? Don't know. Some Sports were completely wired, some partially so and some not at all. Until you dig into your vehicle, there's no way to tell. This is directly quoted from the senior techs that used to do the dealer installs on Mitsus. Its not a 'Sport thing'. This was common for all Mitsubishis. For instance, my '97 had all the wiring for the rear CD changer, but didn't have the rear antenna wiring. All the fog light wiring but not the heated seat wiring which usually came with leather. If you happen to get your stuff from a pull-a-part salvage yard, though, and can get all the associated pieces, everything WILL go in your Sport. Edward |
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Post by kushmcdieselson on Jul 29, 2015 22:13:26 GMT -5
Maybe yes, and maybe no. The mechanical parts? Almost certainly yes. The electrical parts? Don't know. Some Sports were completely wired, some partially so and some not at all. Until you dig into your vehicle, there's no way to tell. This is directly quoted from the senior techs that used to do the dealer installs on Mitsus. Its not a 'Sport thing'. This was common for all Mitsubishis. If you happen to get your stuff from a pull-a-part salvage yard, though, and can get all the associated pieces, everything WILL go in your Sport. Edward That's awesome as far as mechanical, because I've got quite a few trim pieces, a tail lamp, and a few other things I'd like to just grab extra of next time I find a Sport at a pull and pick. I guess as far as anything electrical, I'll game plan on snatching any of the associated wiring harnesses associated with whatever it is I'm pulling just in case. Although, I'm not sure what other electrical features I should be on the lookout to upgrade for, because as far as I can tell the only thing I'm missing that I really might care about is 4wd(not just electrical and something which I can't do anything about), fog lights(which would mostly just be for looks since I've installed Rigid LEDs, and I may just go with billet grill covers for all my front grills anyways) and the sunroof(which I don't think I'd trust getting from a pick and pull, or really deal with installing and hoping for no leaks) I also need to track down a pair of black tail light guards, but haven't had much luck. When you guys say run the VIN, do you mean like call up the closets Mitsu Dealer and have them run it? |
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Post by dclambertt on Jul 30, 2015 11:37:19 GMT -5
When you guys say run the VIN, do you mean like call up the closets Mitsu Dealer and have them run it? You can buy CarFax, InstaVIN etc. records for any vehicle and they should show how the original car was equipped, along with any registration or salvage information that has been reported. |
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Post by kushmcdieselson on Jul 30, 2015 14:58:14 GMT -5
You can buy CarFax, InstaVIN etc. records for any vehicle and they should show how the original car was equipped, along with any registration or salvage information that has been reported. Derp didn't even think about just car faxing it lol. Also, I vote that all that information Edward is collecting be put in its own sticky thread. |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jul 30, 2015 18:47:07 GMT -5
Yep, that works too. Otherwise, I just go to the dealership and give them the VIN.
There are a few threads over the years that should be stickied. Some information was contributed so long ago that its almost impossible to even find.
Edward
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Post by MonteroSportHonduras on Sept 3, 2015 11:04:55 GMT -5
Looks nice!
funny how some people want to get rid of the 2 tone and i added it to mine since it was all black
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Post by colted on Sept 3, 2015 14:49:06 GMT -5
XLS came in a 2wd version? yup, mine is! |
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Post by kushmcdieselson on Sept 5, 2015 11:14:30 GMT -5
Updated pictures in the OP. Still have to Rhino line the steps/bumpers/rockers, and finish wiring up my auxiliary fuse panel and rewire the lights and CB radio more permanently.
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Opportunity to bury every one in trivia! 
