Mitsubishi Pajero diff locks is first and reverse

**Gizocorp** · 2025/01/14, 05:26 PM

Hi, I am hoping anyone can help or may know what is causing the problem I am having on my Pajero Sport.

The gearbox broke and I had it fixed, it took a while because finding parts for these vehicles in South Africa is hard to find especially 2nd hand so I had to have my original gearbox reconditioned.

the reconditioned gearbox was fitted now the rear diff seems to be locking when you put the car into Drive or Reverse. But if you put it's into manual 2 (second gear) it releases and runs perfectly fine.

So in other words if you put it into 2 you can pull away and flick it into D drive and it will change smoothly. But when you come to a complete stop the rear wheels lock. In reverse it won't move but if you rev is over 3000 rpm it will push through the bind slowly but won't release or free up.

I have googled, check all Mitsubishi and 4x4 forums and YouTube but can't find anything remotely close to my problem. Its like we the only people in the world sitting with this problem.

Do you perhaps know what could be causing this? And is there a way to override or bypass it so I can test why it's doing it. I don't believe it to be the gearbox but the problem did kind of start after refitting it, I have changed the oil on the transfer box. Everything engages as it should from 4H to 4L and 2H. It's just the rear wheels that won't function or release.

I would high appreciate some advise on this problem or if you can refer me to someone who may be able to assist me.

Your assistance will be highly appreciated

Kind Regards
Regan

**bloudraad** · 2025/01/14, 06:14 PM

I can’t comment on your problem but suggest you take it to a decent Indie before you break something that leaves you with more than just a hole in the pocket.

**Nerd** · 2025/01/14, 06:58 PM

I am guessing you have an older model PS. Do you only have diff lock, or the centre lock as well? Could it be the centre lock that engages? You get the same wheel lockup feeling.
Does the DL light come on?

Maybe post a pic of below actuator before you test. Some diffs do have a temperature gauge as well.

The Gearbox or Transfer Case has little to do with the Diff Lock. It only influences when you can engage it. It is activated by an actuator on the rear diff. So should be unrelated to the gearbox.

Simple test. Find the actuator. On the rear diff, this is the thingy with an electrical connector. Make sure the diff lock it is disconnected, like you explained. Unplug the electrical connector from the actuator. Without that connector, 12VDC cannot activate the lock, so problem should be gone.

With a multimeter, check voltage on that connector in first and reverse, and other gears. When do you get voltage? What voltage do you get when you turn the DL on with the button?