Pajero does not engage overdrive, and 4wd lights blinking

[westfalcon]

Hello all, 

I hope everyone is safe and sound. I'm a Pajero fan, I live in Oman. I recently bought a 2000 Pajero iO 1.8L. Its an absolute blast, but I purchased it with a few issues which are troubling me. I was hoping someone could shed some light, or direct me to an experienced technician familiar with this car. Sorry to bother. 

So as mentioned, it is a 2000 Pajero iO 1.8L 4cyl, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. First issue is the overdrive does not engage. When I am driving 100kph on the highway, my rpm is at 4000. I don't think this is normal at all, though I could be wrong. Also, it accelerates very slowly from 0 till about 60kph, and it seems as though the first and or second gear is not engaging, and the car is starting from gear 3. 

Overdrive relay cannot be heard when I click the button on and off. 

Second issue, the 4wd light on the dash, the mistubishi super select light, the rear wheels flash in 2H position. When I engage 4H position, the front wheels lights come on and stay solid, but no rear wheel lights. When I engage 4H and 4L lock positions, front wheel light are on solid, center diff lock light is on solid, but rear wheel lights are not present. I have tested the 4wd and confirmed that it works, I stuck myself in thick mud near the water and got out with 4H lock.

Its a really strong little car, it does not get stuck anywhere, and when it does I lock the center diff, keep the wheels straight and get out every single time. It hurts me that im unable to drive comfortable on the highway. I have looked up a few pajero specialists in UAE, but coming from Oman, I have clue how to verify their authenticity and expertise. 

If anyone can help, please do. Truly appreciate your time. Thank you so much.  

[Gaurav]

Your problem is around OD or AT button and you need a good electrician to strip the wiring around and check all cable with multimeter for continuity and patch the one that is torn or broken.

I recently had the same exact issue on my 3.5 Pajero, my problem was the switch wiring that control A/T - PWR & HOLD toggle switch. If your Pajero has the same switch, pry open that and check all wires underneath. I wasted too much time and money to trace this listening to all decorated Pajero experts and regretted. 

I will post a pic of that switch shortly.

[Gaurav]

Check AT switch near ashtray.

 

Check OD switch on gear knob.

 

Check suspension setting switch under armrest.

 

All these 2 or 3 switches wiring is passing through center console, so if previous owner installed some electric mods and opened this area, must have spoiled the wiring.

In my case I added 6 switch gang panel to put all electric fan, light in one place and after few months this drama started.

It was hell and back to explain this problem where all were pointing to old car, change gearbox, change car kind of non sense feedback. Finally I chase my old electrician who installed the gang panel and told him to check all cables and within half day, car was back to normal after struggling for 2 weeks.