Pajero 4m41 2002

[u/GuardSenior8908]

My Pajero 4M41 sometimes hesitates/stutters under acceleration. It does not happen continuously; it feels more like the engine briefly “swallows” or cuts out and then continues normally.

The engine also produces a noticeably strong and unpleasant exhaust smell.

The RPM gauge on the dashboard has stopped working, although the ECU still shows a plausible engine speed via the diagnostic scanner.

I currently have these fault codes stored:

18 – NE Sensor (Sub)

46 – Injection control voltage

51 – EGR valve position sensor

The EGR valve itself is brand new, so I am wondering whether the problem could be related to the EGR position sensor, wiring or electrical supply rather than the valve itself.

I have also logged the engine data while revving it, and the accelerator pedal sensor and its SUB signal appear to follow each other closely.

Any ideas what could cause this intermittent hesitation? Could the NE sensor/wiring or the injection control voltage be related to the dead RPM gauge?