Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Dear Forum,

After driving 1200kms from Joburg to Capetown, I realized my Pajero 2001 3.5GLS started to experience the following issues:

1. Engine management in console lights up
2. Engine started to die when I switch gears (esp switching down or neutral)
3. It became more worse and worse as we drove on
4. Now, even engine dies even after starting it on neutral mode after a minute or so

I brought the car to a shop in Diepriver Thursday and they could not find any mechanical faults; they tried to get in the engine computer but couldn't. At the end of the service, they replaced a 20A fuse (#3 - multi injection which blew up) and cleared the computer memory.

The car started to run smoothly for another 90kms and then we got the same problems again. Since Saturday, we are stuck here in Paarl while a mechanic (endorsed by AMP) is currently looking at it. Since it is a long holiday weekend, he can only take another look at the computer tomorrow (with Mitsubishi here) to find out the real problem. However, he did check the vehicle for problems with water in the gasoline tank, fuel pump, fuel injection, or air sucking in the engine, spark plugs, etc. but found it negative. (No signs of mechanical problems)

Any ideas as to what the problem could be? I thought it might be the ECU but the mechanic says if it was the ECU, the car would not have started. But what about if the ECU is faulty itself?

We need to travel and be back to Joburg by Thursday nite... and so any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much!

Don
0825507434

Don,
I have not had that type of problem with my 3.5 but maybe a few pointers.
Check out the spark plug controll unit which is situated on top of engine which gives power to spark plugs . I think it is called a power unit.

Probable other cause just a big maybe is your alarm or anti hi jack system
Check for shaved wires especially from power unit or an earth fault somewhere.
I would assume if you have fuel pressure, injectors spray will be ok
I am not much aware of why the ngine will die when switching gears but check if there is no cables shaving on your propshaft or even close to exhaust which could have been burned .
Did they check if your gearbox has enough oil or if oil is still in good condition. The oil colour should be nice pinkish color.
That is what I can think off for now maybe some other guru here can help .