Help - NT DiD Auto - flashing centre diff light

[PAJ30]

Geopaj just got back from the pub and the discussion was what you just posted. The graph showed us the difference in speed between the two diff's being 1.2km/h and would have happened on the turn around. So moved onto the only thing that hasn't been replaced the ACTUATOR,FREEWHEEL CLUTCH. We believe there might be a hole in the diaphragm trying to engage 4H while the transfer stick is in 2H confusing the computer and throwing a flashing center light and the front wheel engage switch code.

[geopaj]

Geopaj just got back from the pub and the discussion was what you just posted. The graph showed us the difference in speed between the two diff's being 1.2km/h and would have happened on the turn around. So moved onto the only thing that hasn't been replaced the ACTUATOR,FREEWHEEL CLUTCH. We believe there might be a hole in the diaphragm trying to engage 4H while the transfer stick is in 2H confusing the computer and throwing a flashing center light and the front wheel engage switch code.

This is a good guide to diagnose the gen 3 & 4 front diff vacuume system-

http://4epikanini.webs.com/gen3pajero4x4system.htm

It could be the diaphragm, but it could also just be one of the solenoids (my last Paj had the same symptoms as yours and it was one of the two solenoids)

[PAJ30]

Solenoids have been replace as with the vacuum hose's and the front 4h diff switch this is or was confusing me.

[GordonC]

Centre diff light NT Pajero

I have the identical problem with my NT diesel auto, done 150,000kms. Where exactly is this sensor located? Is there a way of testing the sensor other than a system scan tool? Also, I couldn't clearly read the details on the sheet you posted regarding testing the various solenoids. Is there a way you can send it to me without me putting my email on the public forum?

thanks, Gordon C

[geopaj]

I have the identical problem with my NT diesel auto, done 150,000kms. Where exactly is this sensor located? Is there a way of testing the sensor other than a system scan tool? Also, I couldn't clearly read the details on the sheet you posted regarding testing the various solenoids. Is there a way you can send it to me without me putting my email on the public forum?

thanks, Gordon C

G'day Gordon,

Send me your email address via PM (personal message - can be done by clicking on my username next to this post) & I'll email it to you.

The sensor is located on top of the transfer case and on the rear drive shaft output 'snout'.

Unfortunately, it cannot be diagnosed with a normal OBD11 reader (I have a decent one that will read both engine and auto trans codes but it couldn't extract the transfer case codes - my Ultragauge also failed) - only way is with a Mitsubishi MUTT reader.

The other option is to remove the sensor and physically inspect it - the tip of mine was damaged

[GordonC]

Yes, I had the identical problem of flashing light for the centre diff. As per here, the problem was the rear output shaft sensor was damaged internally, and in my case, along with the vehicle speed sensor which operates the speedo and in turn the cruise control.

Both of these sensors are bolted on at the back of the Transfer Case, just in front of where the rear tail drive shaft connects. The sensors are a conventional magnetic induction pickup from a tone wheel inside the rear of the Transfer Case. (ie, the same principal as to how your ABS sensors work on the wheels.)

In my case, I had no speedo, cruise control, along with the flashing lights for the centre diff due to the vehicle speed sensor also being damaged from the inside.

The car ended up in a transmission specialist because I was concerned about what was flying around inside the Transfer Case to cause this damage, and potentially more damage. The root cause was identified as a sort of "C" clip that holds the tone wheel in place had come adrift from where it should snuggly fit and shrapnel had flown around and done some damage. The transmission specialist along with a few Mitsubishi dealers I had spoken to in the process had never seen this before, commenting that these transmissions are near on bullet proof.

From reading this thread and from my experience, it seems that this problem is rare, but in can occur.

[geopaj]

The final instalment... well, unfortunately, the rear output shaft speed sensor again died.

When I pulled the sensor it looked exactly like the last failed one (shrapnel damage), and there was lots of metal bits in the oil.

Some of the metal in th oil (1/4" washer for size scale)


Obviously, something similar to GordonC had happened inside the transfer case

I then pulled the transfer case apart to see if I could find the source of the metal particles and see if it would be an easy fix - hoping it was just a circlip (like GordonC) and I would be able to instal a new one.

Found the source! Planetary gear teeth!


Damage inside the transfer case (from the planetary gear teeth) was extensive.

Check out the bearing supporting the front output shaft!


Needless to say, the old transfer case was binned and I installed a low mileage second hand one (I got lucky and found one that supposedly came out of a wreck that had only done 17,000km)

'New' transfer case installed. (All nice and shiny compared to the rest of the underneath of the Paj)


EDIT: What is truly amazing is that I've done 13,000km since the first sensor died (in August), including driving to Perth & back, and towing a trailer down Googs Track, yet the transfer case remained quiet and smooth! (obviously the damage occurred before the first sensor died, and therefore before those trips)

[tonee]

Bringing up an old post, this is what I've recently found in my NS

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[tonee]

Drained the oil and collected these off the magnet

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[geopaj]

Bringing up an old post, this is what I've recently found in my NS[ATTACH]42879[/ATTACH]

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Drained the oil and collected these off the magnet

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Looks exactly like mine did.

I’d start researching a second hand replacement

[tonee]

Damn how much did the part cost you? Was it a difficult job?

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[geopaj]

Damn how much did the part cost you? Was it a difficult job?

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I picked up a low mileage transfer case from a local wrecker for $550 (if I remember correctly).

If you’re mechanically minded it’s not a hard job but a transmission mount/adapter for your trolley jack will make it much easier (about $50 delivered from eBay)