[Geoff Miles]

Geoff, I also have a 3door pajero and had same problems as yours. Had been with my car on water once only... about 1 1/2 years ago. Now, 14 sep 2009, transmission failure and dealer refuses to give me warranty accusing me of abuse. What was the outcome of you case? Can you give me some advice? Have a meeting with Mitsubishi rep, next Monday, 20th Sep.
Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks

Solanno Dias

Hi.
I will not name the dealer for obvious reasons, but suffice to say that they are the only one situated in Pretoria. I eventually won the battle, although it took a month to do so.
It all boils down to having had the vehicle serviced by the dealer in accordance withn the requirements in the book of life. I had done so, and faught my cause threateninmg to have an article in the S A 4 x 4 magazine titled "The worst 4 x 4 by far" and I honestly think that they were just so scared that I actually knew what I was talking about. Your vehicle should still be under the motor plan - so the checking of the oils etc is the responsibility of the dealer and he should have picked up the problem of the contaminated oils at the last services.
The manufacturers specifications state that the safe deep water wading depth of the Pajero is only 700 mm, so never admit that the vehicle went deeper. The problem arises when a vehicle goes through cold water and the extent and duration of the submersion is sufficient for the transmission to cool sufficiently internally to cause the transmission breather to suck water into the transmission. This can also happen to both the front and rear diffs as well. Personally, I believe that this is a design flaw on the vehicle and I suggest that all Pajero owners who want to take their vehicles through water, have the breathers extended to the level of the top of the bonnet and even then have a U bend put in place to stop any water from going round the bends and into the transmission ond / or differentials.
In your case, I suggest that you also question the dealer as to why you were not informed of the contamination in the oil when they first attended to the problem, question why you have not had the oils shown to you, ask why they did or did not drain the oil and keep it the moment that the transmission failure came to light - that is the most basic of procedures that they should have followed when the vehicle was reported faulty.
I also believe (although I have no proof) that the dealer easily secuured authority from MBSA to complete the repairs and possibly looked at their profitability and thought they may be able to get away with a stunt - get MBSA to pay the warranty claim, and at the same time screw the client for the repair costs - thereby getting double profits. I have no proof of this, but just suspect that this may have been their agenda. They could have just been working on the principle that most people will give in and roll over in a fight - and that is exactly what you must not do. If you stick to the truth, tell them that you know of another similar failure that was carried earlier this year under warranty, and make sure that they realise that you will tell everybody that you know about what a rubbish dealer they are and what a rubbish product the Pajero is - then just maybe they will see the light and decide to cover the costs. The last thing they need is for the likes of Land Rover and TOYOTA to find out about a failure like this, because it could effectively kill a brand like Pajero.
Lastly, if you are being told the story of the abuse by the service liaison officer or a technician, hurdle him and go to the service manager. If you get no joy from him, then go to the Dealer Principle. Throw all the toys necessary, make all the threats to go to the press etc etc - then they should accommodate you. If they don't, then contact Mercedes Benz directly and place on official complaint. Last chance will be actually going to the press and telling the story. Nobody can'do anything to you becfause you are telling the truth.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
If you want to call me you can on 082 570 0078.
Geoff Miles

[solanno]

Geoff, I am in Australia. Sorry about not have mentioned this... and yours was the most similar case I had found on the net.
I going to have a meeting with a Mitsubishi person today to discuss about the matter.

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences and posting these valuables tips.

I let you know what was the result of the discussion latter.

Regards,

Solanno

[johnarnold]

Hi,

Geoff
Where does one get the breathers extended etc? Surely the dealers should advise you about the problem before hand. If the wading depth is 70cm then the diff would be immersed any way.

[tonton]

...Where does one get the breathers extended etc? Surely the dealers should advise you about the problem before hand. If the wading depth is 70cm then the diff would be immersed any way.

Look here: http://www.4x4wire.com/mitsubishi/tech/ ... breathers/

It is relatively easy, and any 4X4 service supplier should be able to do it for you.

Anton

[tonton]

In spite of the possibility of extending your diff breathers, I would have the oils (diffs, gearbox, transfer case) replaced if I encountered a water crossing. It is cheap insurance!

Anton

[solanno]

Hi all, as Geoff did, after too much fight I have my transmission replaced under warranty.
What save me was the fact that I took the car for Service after I had the car under water. The records shows that the transmission oils was replaced at that stage.

Geoff thanks for your advise!
And all, have your car checked by an authorized dealer after any adventures under water. This could save you money and headaches!

Regards,

Solanno

[Spider007]

Hi ,

I had the same issue on mine.
I was not so fortunate and had to replace the gearbox/transfer case at own cost.


Also be aware of the following vulnerabilities before your next trip out of service centre range:
The 4x4 transfer case has the same problem when faced with water.
The rear diff is also vulnerable to water penetration and this is a known defect on the Pajero and Colts.
Had the same problem on the diff of the Colt after the trip.
Water = Limited Slip diff failure/wear and replacement
The control units(SRS,4x4 etc) are all situated around the gearbox and are not as waterproof as you might think.
These parts are not kept by Pajero South Africa and take 4-6 weeks to arrive from Japan.
So if you`re stuck in Inhambane and need to get back to Cape Town , get ready for a long trip.

Before you go up in Africa , take your pajero to a 4x4 expert and make sure they prep the vehicle properly.
Make sure your doors seal properly as the seals usually go after a year or two and should be watertight.
Make sure the 4WD is engaged BEFORE you hit an obstacle and check that it works.
If you do get stuck in water and the centre diff does not engage , switch it off immediately and wait for a tow.
DO NOT SPIN your Front/REAR WHEELS , you WILL lose your diff(LSD) in the process.

I love my Pajero but DO NOT TAKE it anywhere near water.