Mitsubishi 2013 NW Pajero (NW) Flashing Center Dif. Light (CDL) Part 1 - solenoids

[@Buddy-po4hv]

Mate, you and your Australian language are both legends, thank you for the video, cheers from Saudi Arabia.

[@MichaelJenkin]

You are very welcome !

[@stevewells2327]

Good man. You're the only guy that's been able to show clearly where the solenoids are on my 2008 Triton despite hunting high and low elsewhere ( seems Mitsubishi faffed around with the placement over the years and models ) much appreciated. Steve. Kuala Lumpur.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Awesome to hear. Yes, I had to learn a lot to get to this point and also found very little online !

[@stevewells2327]

Well I'm not going to reclaim my favorable comments Mike ... but having done a merry dance thinking you'd cracked my "where the bloody hell are the sensors ".... nope. Removed airfilter box and look and behold what looked like the bold holes for the solenoid assembly ..but no bloody solenoids. ( old they have been nicked and that's the problem of the flashing lights ;-( ) ... so the search continues. .they're not where anyone has said they are. 2008 Triton shorty. With a now festive green flashing light.

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@stevewells2327 The solenoids appear to be the same as the Pajero (at least Mitsubishi Triton 1996-2006) and I believe the 2008 just looks slightly different. Can you see a pair of plastic air vacuum hoses coming from the free wheel actuator and trace up into the engine bay ? On the Pajero, the plastic becomes metal pipes, then in the engine bay goes back to plastic piping. The solenoids are usually bolted against the body somewhere.

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@stevewells2327 Actually are you specifically after the sensors or the solenoids ? The sensors are a completely different pain to locate. I must admit, it was a pain to get in there and replace the solenoids. I can completely understand if a previous owner of your car relocated them. They would also need to relocate the power and other cables.

[@Richpolskibby]

First video I’ve seen of someone actually fixing this problem and not just speculating about what it could be. You sir, are a bloody legend. I have the same problem on my 03 montero(engine bay slightly different but essentially the same) Will definitely give this a go! Hope it works!!!

[@MichaelJenkin]

This is what happens when you spend thousands trying to fix it, several mechanics and give up. You start the process of elimination !

[@Richpolskibby]

Mate, huge thanks again. Bought anew freewheel clutch solenoid valve (part number Mb937731) off Amazon, got it in within half an hour. Had to be pretty forceful with pulling the rubber tubes off the old part but they came off eventually. Anyway new part in and no more flashing centre diff light since!

[@MichaelJenkin]

Excellent. It feels good to have 4WD back and you can trust it again !

[@Ivan-iz6wt]

I wouldn't have put it better. This is far the best video have watched showing how to solve this issue. Thank you sir. God bless you

[@shaunnell5295]

With one hand only too! The other is holding the camera, well done.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Thank you. It was not that easy, a lot of video had to be cut out :)

[@fplasil]

Many thanks. My wife bought this car for me as a surprise and it is suffering from the same fault. I will try your method and hope it works👍👍.

[@hasanshirazi9535]

My Pajero 2006 does the same after 25km in 2wd. I read about the problem with the solenoids but never knew where it was located and what it looked like. You have done a great job in actually showing how its done. I will surly give it a try. Thanks.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Thanks Hasan, I hope that this helps and you are back on the road in 4WD shortly.

[@byronsmith6454]

Hi, did this fix your 4wd centre diff lock light flashing issue?

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@byronsmith6454 sure did ! (In my case)

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@byronsmith6454 Any one of the things I found wrong could have in inself fixed the light flashing. I was unlucky and had multiple issues

[@shahidafridi-bl8ku]

@@MichaelJenkin plese halp me brother .diesel pejaro .. froblem

[@mazinalowdhah8039]

Hi ,,really your two videos are so useful. Will start solving my blinking deferential light like you by sequence 😁👍🏻 Thank you Michael

[@MichaelJenkin]

Excellent. I took 4 months to get to this point so I was more than happy to post my findings.

[@razikachour4776]

@@MichaelJenkin hi Michael, is the problem was solved after replacing it?

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@razikachour4776 for me yes but there are so many things in that chain of items that can cause the same fault. By going through them one at a time, the fault should stand out.

[@stevewells2327]

Folks I finally managed to get around to sortibg out my green light issue and thought I would share a couple of addendums that may be appropriate for those driving 2008 Triton /L200. 1. Location of the solenoid. After searching high and low, the solenoid was not under air filter nor across the inner bulkhead. It's actually on the chassis near the front right wheel /drivers side. 2. Spare. I bought a replacement from aliexpress, around 15 USD and delivered to my in Malaysia in around 19 days. Aha. The mounting I have is very different from that shown here and elsewhere. However there's a neat trick. Each black solenoid cylinder clips out of the mound. There's essentially a plastic tag that you push down and each solenoid slides out. I actually found this easier to replace all of the pipes electrics by doing each solenoid in turn ... remove from old and slap on to new one at a time. Success. Good luck lads.

[@MichaelJenkin]

awesome and no more flashing lights and 4wd mode working all well ?

[@stevewells2327]

@@MichaelJenkin all good. Many thanks again for your insights though. Still the best AV out there on the issue. Go well.

[@josephlugadiru8880]

Hi, I couldn't figure out the problem and when i took the car to Mitsubishi centre, dont know if it was the english or.. but I just did not understand. You have made it simple and now I can handle this. Many thanks

[@MichaelJenkin]

I had a phone call from a Mechanic the other day. Yes, someone employed to fix these things. They also used my video to fix this problem and they previously had been unable to solve or understand it. It is amazing how Mitsubishi let this problem become such a mystery ! I hope you got yours solved. If not, check the condition of the sensor plugs on the back of the transfer case.

[@samuelod3711]

thanks so much for this video, i have same problem but never knew what the problem was.

[@MichaelJenkin]

I only hope it helps :)

[@samuelod3711]

@@MichaelJenkin i have tried changing mine but still yet, it is still flashing

[@samuelod3711]

also i notice the hose connections were tempered with and i don't know which goes to which.

[@lesliegentle4934]

Can you tell me how to disconnect the two electric cables please, the lugs on the side, do you lever out or squeeze & pull on connector ? What technique do you use. Thanks

[@MichaelJenkin]

Mine were on good and tight. I think from memory I levered the plastic catch with a very small screw driver and pulled really hard, which then released unexpectedly and I accidentally punched myself in the face .. fat lip. I don't know a good technique. It was not easy.

[@taybish5591]

Currently having the same issue

[@kennmenzies]

Nice work mate.Thanks very much.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Thanks, I hope it helped

[@wavoladavo]

Hello, how long did taking the air filter box etc. off, replacing the solenoids and then putting it all back together take? Just asking as the mechanic has given me a quote that seems a bit hefty after watching this and doing a bit of reading.

[@MichaelJenkin]

As I am an IT guy, not a car guy, and as it was done over many attempts to solve this and also I tried to film it .... once I had it figured out, maybe 1-2 hours ? That includes finding the tools and trying to figure out what to do. I think a mechanic, 15 mins to open bonnet, open filter case, pull out filter, unclip hoses, unscrew filter housing and expose the top of the solenoids, 10 mins to extract solenoid. Maybe another 10 to test it or 10 to put one back in and not test the old one. Then if needed, 10 - 30 mins to trace lines and make sure that they are all intact. If it is the free wheel actuator, took about 30 mins to pull off and refit.

[@wavoladavo]

@@MichaelJenkin Thanks mate, that's really helpful! Appreciated.

[@umairi4u]

Thanks alot bro. Superb explanatory

[@wodeyaeric5351]

I am right at the center of a 4WD challenge. All vacuum connections to and from the transfer case have been removed the on this Pajero glx 2006. Micky pliz any directions as to the vacuum line connections and the electrical sockets? It runs a 4m40 engine and manual transmission. I will be glad.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Hello, there are diagrams and notes in PDF format that I have seen in a forum. Off hand I couldn't accurately guide you, I think it is the Pajero club of Victoria that has it. Anyone can join and get help and documents. I will see if I can get the forum URL

[@MichaelJenkin]

Join up and get your questions answered www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/

[@MichaelJenkin]

Try this link images.app.goo.gl/Z1pFHW8ZUCjD6TSVA

[@MichaelJenkin]

In case the links I included are removed, Google images search for "pajero vacuum line diagram gen 3" and select the link to the Pajero club

[@wodeyaeric5351]

@@MichaelJenkin I got information about how to trace the vacuum lines. I accordingly connected them. Now the problem is the actuator diaphragm at the diff locks but can't free wheel even if I change to different modes. I am wondering whether the problem is the transfer case selector stick electricals. Pliz let me know which states of voltage those wires contain and how to test them.

[@moonhaklee415]

Cheers mate all the way from UAE..

[@MichaelJenkin]

you are very welcome !

[@wodeyaeric5351]

Which wires of the transfer case gear lever hold positive charge?

[@MichaelJenkin]

If you google "pajero electrical wiring diagram" there are full diagrams in PDF format for almost every model available. There are even a few workshop manuals you can find. I can't recall off hand which wire to look for but it should be easy to work out from one of the diagrams

[@vijayakumar1353]

Hai Michael, My Pajero 2009 having the same problem after 25-35km in 2wd. once if i stopped & restart the car its normal till 25 to 35 Km travel, but the light blinks again., I have changed the Vacuum Solenoid Valves, Actuator and shaft, OEM MR953767 T/HGearshift 4WD Lamp Switch. but still issue remains same. Could you please share how to resolve in this case.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Have you checked the hose form the Solenoid all the way down to the free wheel actuator ? no splits or holes ?

[@tinotidiculla]

Hi, I have same issue which is shown in your video from some weeks my car is Mitsubishi pajero 2015 model. i scan the car for error and no error is showing up my car is facing same issue or something different?

[@MichaelJenkin]

Hello, Is yours an NW ? Mine throws no error codes either. I had to use the process of elimination. Given where the free wheel actuator is and also the condition I found my solenoids in, I have no doubt that this is a very common issue. I can't guarantee from your comment that you have the same issue but it does sound like it.

[@mominbilla]

I have same problem with my pajero 2014, if i leave it like this , there will be a problem ? Or i must need to fix it ?

[@MichaelJenkin]

In my case it meant I was driving around in full time 4wd. There was nothing to further damage. I can't say this is the same in all cases

[@house28ns]

hi brother, i have also problem Pajero Centre Diff light flashing after 30km , actually is this vacuum solenoid issue?

[@MichaelJenkin]

It does sound like the same thing. For me, it was about 40 kms but, same symptoms. It could be vacuum in the free wheel actuator, leaking hose or solenoids. It is a fault likely somewhere in that part of the system

[@house28ns]

@@MichaelJenkin actually i had done computer (obd) scanning in professional garage , they found transfer wire issue , but I have good fuel efficiency

[@MichaelJenkin]

I had it scanned but there were no codes. Apparently there are a number of models around 2013 where the ODB codes for this issue, do not come up :(

[@sergeykostylev9390]

I heared that Pajero made in 2018 does not have the freewheel actuator. Is it true or false?

[@MichaelJenkin]

Personally, I am not sure. I will ask around. I know it is not AWD and there would still need to be a way to click the freewheels in and back out for 2wd. Have you heard this about the Pajero or Pajero sport ?

[@sergeykostylev9390]

I mean that Pajero 4 is still Full-time because still has the central differential. In 2H mode the front wheels driveshaft is disconnected in the gearbox. If my information is correct and the freewheel actuator has not been on the place , then the front wheells have to rolling the front differential and the shaft. Pajero removed the actuator for reliability reason of front differential. I found this info on some Russian forum related to L200. For I'm not sure on my concern.

[@MichaelJenkin]

I looked at a 2017 model that still has it. I need to see a 2018. I have asked about but not many people know much about this. You may be correct but I thought they were committed to changing very little on gen 4s.

[@sergeykostylev9390]

Thanks a lot for your investigation. I glad to hope that there has not been critical change in Super Select II. I have Pajero II and now I am going to buy Pajero IV made in 2018 that is still availble in Moscow. Cannot wait Pajero V because it seems that Pajero V (if will have appeared someday) won't be the same philosophy unfortunately.

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@sergeykostylev9390 yes, Nissan and Renault are involved and they were talking patrol drive train and then talking electric. Who knows what the V will be :(

[@hasanalzaabi]

I hve noticed my pajero is doing the same blinking deferential light i dont know wot might cause this i thought low ATF or may be Over.

[@MichaelJenkin]

Does it also do it after 30-50 kms driving on the road when in 2wd ?

[@sveinung100]

@@MichaelJenkin My pajero 2006 mod. is doing this flashing after 25-50 km driving in 2WD

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@sveinung100 Hopefully like me, if you work through this one step at a time, you will come to the fault and it will be obvious !

[@markking8223]

@@MichaelJenkin hi mate, my Pajero does it, how do I fix please?

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@markking8223 Hello, You will need to follow a process of elimination. This includes checking that the solenoid works, the air hoses are not damaged and that the free wheel actuator works. After this, if no fault found, you need to start looking at the other sensors including those on the transfer case.

[@AlbertoATV956]

On the same boat as you excelent video thanks from mexico

[@MichaelJenkin]

Thank you for your kind comment

[@syedrasheedhoda7790]

Hi mate what if i leave this sound and drive it in same condition atleast 400 km ...becoz its christmas time and no mechanic showing up also parts not available .

[@MichaelJenkin]

In my opinion: If it is the hose, solenoid or free wheel actuator, it will not cause damage. Just don't flick the car into and out of 4WD. Just make sure there are no obvious leaking oil from the sensors. I drove like this for 6 months. I had 9 mechanics look at it and no one could find the issue. I had no choice but to drive like this. When we fixed it, there was nothing further that could have failed. I was not in any danger and damage to the car was limited to the parts. Again, that was my situation :)

[@syedrasheedhoda7790]

Yeah im driving it on only 2wd on automatic D or manual 2wd ..thanks for ur reply Micheal

[@MichaelJenkin]

@Syed Rasheed Hoda I am led to believe, if the free wheel actuator system is not working, you are actually stuck in 4WD mode as a safety precaution. I have not checked to confirm this. I can say that whilst in this weird mode, I got stuck in the rain and driving up a mud track, the car did not seem to want to climb easily. Felt to me like 2WD.

[@syedrasheedhoda7790]

So u want me to put the car in 4wd mode

[@MichaelJenkin]

@@syedrasheedhoda7790 No, leave it as is, and be aware of the lack of capabilities and weird state you are in until you get it repaired

[@Ariautoace]

Do you know that you are the only person in the world that figured this out?

[@MichaelJenkin]

Hello, It took me 3 mechanics, thousands of dollars to finally get fed up and look at this issue myself. It ended up getting dangerous for me. I got stuck somewhere and the car would not engage 4wd correctly so I got desperate and looked for myself. Credit goes to a number of people. The first suggested Solenoids. Yes, mine were no good. Then tracing that, I found the hydraulic hose leak. Then I posted images of the free wheel actuator and someone finally said ... that does not look right :)

[@Ariautoace]

@@MichaelJenkin I feel you mate, I wanted to tell you my part came in and it fixed it. So really thank you.

[@MichaelJenkin]

That is awesome. I was surprised no one had tried to solve this previously.

[@sheikhibrahim5932]

Amazing Video. thank you very much.

[@MichaelJenkin]

glad to be able to assist

[@trains3501]

This problem is so common with Mitsuibishi Super Select it should have been a Factory Recall. Secondly Super Select is only a gimmick with expenses attached because most people who purchase 4WD vehicles would not know how to engage 4WD at hubs.

[@MichaelJenkin]

This may be true however in my personal experience and those I have spoken to, this issue is often caused by something broken by doing silly things :)

[@hasanalzaabi]

So where's part 2?

[@MichaelJenkin]

kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=Ru3X06xxUfs

[@bijoudacosta2093]

Changed the solenoids and still get the fault 😩

[@MichaelJenkin]

Have you checked the hoses for holes from the solenoid to the free wheel actuator ? Can you get someone to put the car in and out of 4wd and see if the actuator kicks in ? You will need a wheel off the ground and need to rotate it by hand

[@Cappuccino-ph7rp]

Well Done!

[@MichaelJenkin]

Thank you

[@shahidafridi-bl8ku]

Hi brother here pejaro diesel actuator froblem

[@MichaelJenkin]

Hello, Have you confirmed it is the actuator and does it seem to be intact or damaged ?