Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

A year or so ago I have bought a 1999 Pajero 3.5 Automatic. My initial requirement was just for a vehicle with which I could tow/launch my boat on the beach and hence I was not to concerned about the off-road capabilities. However, in the last few months I became interested in some off road driving as well and then realized that the auto have a bit of a disadvantage due to the lack of engine breaking during steep descents.

I have two questions in this regard:
How does the ather Pajero auto drivers handle these type of situations, I am always a bot worried that I might lock up the brakes and therefore hamper "steering"
Furthermore I am considering "upgrading" a bit and I am led to believe that other manufacturers have overcome this issue with some gadget that connects the engine directly with the drivetrain ie overiding the torque converter. Does the newer generation Pajero's also have similar devices or should one rather look at a manual.

Rgds
Nico

Nico,

My previous Pajero was a 95 3.5 auto, and I simply used the gear shift (down to second or even first) and low range to control descends. I never felt NOT in control of the descend.

I would not fiddle with the torque converter. In fact, I have nerver heard of anyone who had problem(s) with an auto on a steep descend. Maybe you should try it out on a "safe" descend first.

Anton

"Upgrading" will not make a difference, because all Pajeros are automatic since about 2004.

Low range and first gear and a little bit of the brake pedal does the job. I have never felt that things are going to get away from me!

RoelfleRoux wrote:I have never felt that things are going to get away from me!

Then you don't try hard enough!

RoelfleRoux wrote:...and a little bit of the brake pedal does the job...

True - although you must be light on brakes and not overheat them, they are there to be used (with moderation, of course).

Anton

Both you clever guys are correct ofcourse.

Gerhard,
Going down a slipface in the Namib desert and using the brake pedal will ruin a very nice holiday.

Tonton,
I believe one should ALWAYS be aware of the condition/performance of the various elements of the car, in particular when you are in the outback. So keeping an eye on the brakes is part of that philosophy.

Hi Guys
Thanks for all the feedback but I am even more confused now, dont know if I am just being stupid but selecting 1st and low range makes very little difference, the vehicle simply "runs" away without hardly any "braking" by the engine, the only way to slow it down is to apply brakes, is there then perhaps something wrong with my vehicle??

Rgds
Nico

Nico,
I'm not familiar with the auto box on the Gen2 Pajero. Am I correct when I assume it is a tiptronic box. So you select 1st and it will stay in 1st?

If I'm correct: you say that the torque converter is allowing too much wheel speed before the engine can truly start braking. You find that your car goes too fast.

I think what we need to find out is how steep is your downhill and how fast is "runaway". What we were mumbling about in this thread, is that we all need to use our brakes to a certain extent on our auto boxes, when negotiating a downhill.

Nico, when you idle in normal "drive" mode on a slight uphill, do you find that the car remains stationary, or do you need to use the hand brake? If you need hand brake, then maybe the "friction or force or drive" of the torque converter is not up to standard any more. Then an oil change of the auto box could make a difference.

I'm sure the more clever guys will show up here sooner or later.
Roelf

Nico,

At the risk of sounding "clever" I would still like to suggest you read the handbook on the transmission. There is a "HOLD" button that may be of use here.

I must admit, I cannot remember exactly how that worked, but do have a look...

Anton

No, the SA spec Gen 2s unfortunately never had a TIptronic type autobox. This means that you can not lock the box inot first gear, only second. In this respect the Gen 3s with Tiptronic are better. If you don't mind spending serious moolah, you can get an extra low low range gear set from Australia for the Gen 2 and Gen 3. This will increase engine braking hugely.