Jatco V5A5A specialists - D & N together?

[nj swb]

A friend of mine has a 2007 build NS Exceed with 240k km on the clock, and weird transmission behaviour.

In addition to sporadic transient misbehaviours since new, more recently the vehicle has developed a more troublesome problem. The dash will display both "D" and "N" at the same time, and the vehicle won't move, or struggles to move (I'm a little unclear on this point - sorry).

A transmission specialist has told them the transmission is toast, and needs to be replaced - talk of "swarf" inside the transmission causing intermittent / transient blockages. I can't say that the transmission isn't stuffed, but I can't see how swarf inside the transmission will cause the dash lights to display both "D" and "N" at the same time - my instinct is a switch problem in the cabin, and the transmission ECU is getting confused.

There's no talk of flashing "N", or needing to clear error codes, so I don't think that's part of the problem.

Surely this forum has many owners with Jatco V5A5A transmissions still going strong well beyond 240k km. Yes, this Paj has done some epic off-road trips (from Adelaide, they've done the Cape and Gibb River Road, amongst other big trips - generally towing a camper trailer) but I don't believe they are pushing its limits. The vehicle appears to be in good condition, it looks like they care for it.

Has anybody else had this problem with a Jatco? Can anybody recommend a transmission specialist intimately familiar with the Jatco who might be able to confirm or refute this diagnosis?

[BruceandBobbi]

Under warranty we had a problem with the dash lights showing D and R at the same time and the vehicle not moving in any direction.

MM had no idea. Eventually the fault was found. It wasn't the gearbox but something to do with the T bar shifter I think or electrics. The part had to come from Japan.

I will contact the dealer on Monday to see if they are able to tell me.

BTW. 335,000ks now.

[twisted32]

A friend of mine has a 2007 build NS Exceed with 240k km on the clock, and weird transmission behaviour.

In addition to sporadic transient misbehaviours since new, more recently the vehicle has developed a more troublesome problem. The dash will display both "D" and "N" at the same time, and the vehicle won't move, or struggles to move (I'm a little unclear on this point - sorry).

A transmission specialist has told them the transmission is toast, and needs to be replaced - talk of "swarf" inside the transmission causing intermittent / transient blockages. I can't say that the transmission isn't stuffed, but I can't see how swarf inside the transmission will cause the dash lights to display both "D" and "N" at the same time - my instinct is a switch problem in the cabin, and the transmission ECU is getting confused.

There's no talk of flashing "N", or needing to clear error codes, so I don't think that's part of the problem.

Surely this forum has many owners with Jatco V5A5A transmissions still going strong well beyond 240k km. Yes, this Paj has done some epic off-road trips (from Adelaide, they've done the Cape and Gibb River Road, amongst other big trips - generally towing a camper trailer) but I don't believe they are pushing its limits. The vehicle appears to be in good condition, it looks like they care for it.

Has anybody else had this problem with a Jatco? Can anybody recommend a transmission specialist intimately familiar with the Jatco who might be able to confirm or refute this diagnosis?

MV Automatics at Blackwood always seem to get a good wrap. I know they have fixed a few VR4 autos...

[pharb]

Talking to a mechanic in our workshop the other day about his Challenger. He mentioned how he had to replace the neutral inhibitor switch on the transmission recently. Trans would sometimes neutralise and not drive.
He said a little research revealed the neutral inhibitor switch was a very common issue in Challenges and Tritons.
I think one of my sons has the same issue in his ML. Every now and again it will loose drive. Pull up on side of road. Select park. Select drive and all good again for a few months.

Worth a try.

[old Jack]

Have a read of this thread first;

https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=58757

Things to check;
1. Correct mechanical operation and adjustment of the shift selector control cable, shift interlock cable and inhibit switch.
2. Check the electrical continuity of the inhibit switch in all positions.

Apparently there is a steel pin inside the transmission that can come adrift and cause transmission failures, but I seem to recall this was on early years. Not sure when this problem was resolved.

OJ.

[nj swb]

Well there you go! I always thought that switch was built into the shift mechanism in the cabin - live and learn! Thanks OJ.

I would like to think their "transmission specialist" started with adjusting the switch, but it's a simple thing for my friend to check.

Beyond that, a replacement switch isn't too expensive, but I can't find anything in the service manual about replacing it. But one step at a time.

[old Jack]

The switches in the cabin shifter are for the sports shift operation only.

I haven't had a inhibit switch mechanically disconnected, but I would suspect it has several detent positions and each of these can be continuity check as wee
as the wiring harness back to the AT ECU. The mechanical set up of the switch should be pretty straight forward, set it up in "P" then check in R, N & D. In each position remove the connecting pin of the cable clevis to the inhibit switch and check the switch is in the correct position and has continuity according to the Service Manual pin outs on the electrical plug.

OJ.

[BruceandBobbi]

Sorry can't help.

Checked with the service adviser I know there. He checked the records and as it was around 2009 he couldn't find it. He said all service records are deleted after 7 years.

[nj swb]

Sorry can't help.

Checked with the service adviser I know there. He checked the records and as it was around 2009 he couldn't find it. He said all service records are deleted after 7 years.

No worries - thanks for trying.