[Ruan]

Hi guys

I test drove a 2008 3.2 GLX auto.. great ride.. 158 000km on the clock..
everything worked smooth, shifting .. etc..

So engaging 4x4.. lights just kept om flashing.. noted to dealer that committed to doing all repairs.

So... All the relays was replaced on the gearbox.. then he noted there was some shaft that was rusted that was replaced..
but the last issue that was picked up was some plastic gear that engaged something inside the transfer case that he is still waiting for that cost R18000... could not get much detail on the parts or causes.. so this is the reason for this post.

What is all this that need to be replaced, and why?

Thanks
Ruan

[Lock]

That is a very strange sounding "repair" Rusted shaft? Does that mean that the gearbox was flooded at some stage? And a R 18 000 plastic thingy? !!!!

[Ruan]

Yes.. some very strange repairs and the salesman can not give me a clear answer on what is being done.. but as long as everything works when I take delivery... he does complain amount the R18 000 he had to pay for the part though...

will see if I can get to speak to the technical guys at that time of delivery..

[Ruan]

thinking about it...
when I checked the vehicle out I could not find any signs of 4x4 use on the tires nor anywhere on the chassis.. or suspension/wishbones.. not even a scratch under the tow-bar..

Somewhere I heard that when the 4x4 does not get used at all, the oil in the transfer case does not lubricate the drive chains etc in the transfer case..
Any truth to this? would explain the damage through.

[Roelf_le_Roux]

Nothing should get damaged in the transfer case by not using it. The actual switching mechanisms can however become sticky from sitting idle and refuse to move and thus fail to actuate the 4x4.

The system has a mechanism that uses vacuum (from a vacuum pump) to activate solenoids that does the actual job. Then there are a set of sensors to confirm that your wish was carried out. A failure in any of those elements will result in the flashing dash lights.

I'm totally unconvinced that most dealers can diagnose the issue correctly. A friend had all those switches and solenoids and sensors replaced by a dealer to eventually figure out that the little electric motor for the vacuum pump was not working.

[Ruan]

Thanks, gives some reassurance..
But he did mention something about a electric motor and a gear on it..
Maybe that is what he was referring to.

Will this cost R18000 to replace? sounds a bit much.

My '98 3.5 was manual and never gave any issues.. so this will be my first auto..

[Roelf_le_Roux]

Auto is the way to go.
A 3.2 DiD auto is a great car to own, just make sure you don't get a lemon.

[peterpot]

Generally the DId's auto boxes are good. It appears there are three different autos in the Gen3, Ge4-1 and Gen4-2 models but they all appear very good auto boxes. If i recall the box you have in the Gen4-1 (2008) is a Jatco. Jatco supply auto gearboxes for a number of different vehicle manufacturers.

I have never heard of this "gear" giving trouble. The only common issue is the switches on the gearbox as mentioned by Roelf. The rusting parts in the transfer box scenario does not make sense.

[Ruan]

so the dealer claimed the gearbox is fixed.. R19 000 spent on spares.. (claimed)
Very excited I took delivery of my Pajero this morning...
Drove 50m.. changed in 4H.. lights flashed.. then the transfer case orange light started flashing.. and after a 300km trip, with many stops today, still flashing..

Can anyone suggest where I can take her for a checkup.. obviously can not trust this to the dealer.


Something else;
at the first test drive, it sounded like the exhaust was leaking.. the dealer had the complete exhaust checked and all was good, (could be a dealer problem), but..
the sound is still there... and not pleasant.. I have driven a number of models with various mileage on, and not even the older gen3 models sounded like this.
any suggestions ans where can I take her for a checkup?

[Ruan]

forgot something else;

the gear shift between 1 and second gear is not smooth.. actually a bit of a hard push..
even when using manual shift it is quite hard..
please tell me there is nothing much wrong.. and she will live a long and happy life..