Mitsubishi Pajero Gearbox & Transmission Problems

From memory, the centre orange light on this vehicle indicates whether the locking centre differential is engaged or not. When the light is on, the diff in engaged. When it’s flashing, it’s in the process of engaging electronically. For this process to occur, the main transmission needs to be in neutral, so trying to get the vehicle to move and change gears while the diff is somewhere between engaged or disengaged, might be the problem.

I’ve also heard of problems with the sensor that detects whether the centre diff is engaged or not on this make and model. Sometimes the sensor can die, other times it’s just a wire that has fallen off, but it could mean that the vehicle is confused about what to do and the transmission is stranded in neutral as result.

Try rolling the car forward a few metres (if possible and safe) to see if that small amount of movement allows the diff to engage and normal operation to be restored.

The Mitsubishi Pajero is actually regarded as a very reliable vehicle, so your experience is not typical. There are several potential causes for this, but the thing I’d check first would be the air filter. Is it possible this was overlooked during the recent service? A blocked or dirty air filter will certainly make an engine blow smoke and operate poorly.

I’m assuming your vehicle is a diesel, so it would be worth checking the suction-control valve on the back of the fuel pump, too. Also, a stuck injector that is pouring fuel into the engine can also potentially create these symptoms. I’ve also heard of the Pajero diesel suffering from a build-up of black gunk inside the intake system that can also cause symptoms like the ones you’ve described.

It’s likely to be a problem with the actuation system for the front diff, such as the solenoids, vacuum line, actuator, or the sensor in the diff.

Take it to a Mitsubishi dealer, or a reputable automatic transmission specialist to have it checked. It could be the computer controlling the auto, but you need a specialist to check it for you.

It's impossible to say that it will occur at increasing frequency, but the vehicle is now getting towards the end of its useful life when things are more likely to fail. I would consult a mechanic experienced in four-wheel drives and have them diagnose the problem for you.

I would strongly argue the case that the failure is a safety related issue and shouldn't affect the warranty. Besides the company has already admitted to you that there is a problem, which it seems to me leaves them with nowhere to go.

Clutches are a regular complaint item at Carsguide, but determining what is acceptable life for a clutch is difficult because it depends so much on use and that varies from owner to owner. I would regard 39,000 km as unacceptable in normal use, but to argue your case would be a long and frustrating thing to do and I would fit a heavy-duty aftermarket clutch, which should give you better service.

They’re generally a solid transmission and don’t give too much trouble. As for your car it is still relatively young and really should have 100,000 km or more in it without any major troubles, so it’s well worth considering keeping it, particularly if it has been trouble free apart from the transmission glitch. Buying a new Pajero is by far the most expensive option, and I would only suggest you do that if you have lost confidence in your current car. Before buying new I would certainly suggest you look at the used option, as a one to two-year-old car is almost as good as new and you would save a lot of money on the purchase, and of course the person who bought it new would have copped the massive initial depreciation.

I would have the auto transmission serviced and checked, that’s where your problem is likely to be.