first post. need help with my 01 montero. possible differential problem

[jaosnyc]

Hi all ! I have a 01 montero (65k miles ) and lately I've been having alot of problems with it and I'm wondering if anyone in here can help. I suspected my differential have problems but yet when I took it back to the dealer, no problem had been found !!! I'm so stressed out, it's been the 4th times I took the truck back and all they said was can't find the problem.

1: Whenever I go a for a drive for bout 40 mins, my c/d lock indicator WOULD blink back and forth and all the lights on the 4wd would be GONE!! This is scary. I had to stop the car and turn off and on again to kinda reset it, otherwise if I wanted to shift it to 4wd, there's no indicator whatsoever . I even took a picture of the light that's blinking and gave it to the dealer but still nothing has been fixed. They changed the ecu for the transfer case, changed the fluid for the differential.. and etc but nothing is WORKING !!

2) This noise is really annoying and scary. On a normal basis driving, out of nowhere, I would hear a loud noise coming from the differential.<< not so sure. It sounds like it tries to lock the hub. If I give more gas, it would sound louder and louder.I have to come to a COMPLETE stop and A LOUD THUMP ( i assume it finally locks the hub).

I have 20" rims 295/45/20. COULD THIS BE THE PROBLEM ??

Please give me some advice on how to solve this problem. I love my truck. I have done alot of stuff to it. I don't want to sell it YET. My friend told me to go to mits to complain bout the problem but I just dun know where to start ? mitsubishimotors?

p/s: if ur a mechanic, preferably a good one =) and in nyc, maybe i can stop by at ur shop so u can take a look at it.

[boelscherv]

I have had the same thing happen, did you find a fix. I just happened this week. Took it to the dealership and they did not have a clue. Any help would be great. Thanks

[jaosnyc]

Originally Posted by boelscherv

I have had the same thing happen, did you find a fix. I just happened this week. Took it to the dealership and they did not have a clue. Any help would be great. Thanks

Sorry, the dealer cannot possibly fix this, so I'm just gonna drive and hope something shows up before my warranty is over. But if anything, I'll keep you posted.

[vicb]

Originally Posted by jaosnyc

Sorry, the dealer cannot possibly fix this, so I'm just gonna drive and hope something shows up before my warranty is over. But if anything, I'll keep you posted.

Found a service bulliten this should be it but it is only covered to 36000 miles. I am trying to get Mits to fix it, we will have to see. Here is the TSB

Drivetrain - 4WD Lamp Flashing/DTC33 Set

No.: TSB-02-23-007

DATE: November, 2002

MODEL: 2001-02 Montero

SUBJECT:
4WD INDICATOR LAMP FLASHING / DTC 33

PURPOSE

Due to moisture entry, the transfer shift position switch terminals may corrode, causing the 4WD indicator lamp to begin flashing and/or Diagnostic Trouble Code 33 to set. To eliminate this condition, replace the transfer switches with the new, improved switches listed in this bulletin.

Vehicles produced since 2/26/01 have transfer switches with corrosive-resistant terminals.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

2001-2002 Montero vehicles produced before 2/26/01

PROCEDURE





1. Replace the five transfer switches indicated below, using the improved parts listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin. Refer to Group 23 of the appropriate service manual.

2. Clear the DTC, using the scan tool.

3. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the 4WD indicator lamp does not flash and DTC 33 does not reset.






PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Normal warranty procedures apply.

[Rad Dad]

Sorry but I cant post a problem I have to get help here goes
truck lost power could not move in 1st. or 2nd.
was able to drive in reverse. not a trans problem
I thought it was a top gear switch, not that so I tried to use on board ECU under shotgun seat but not there ,under drivers seat is a ECS that has only 1 green lite not red and green so I cant do the trouble codes, and truck wont start. its a 2weel drive carb CA. setup 8 plug 4 cyl. 5 speed 1984 2 WD

[jareyes_pr]

Originally Posted by jaosnyc

Hi all ! I have a 01 montero (65k miles ) and lately I've been having alot of problems with it and I'm wondering if anyone in here can help. I suspected my differential have problems but yet when I took it back to the dealer, no problem had been found !!! I'm so stressed out, it's been the 4th times I took the truck back and all they said was can't find the problem.

1: Whenever I go a for a drive for bout 40 mins, my c/d lock indicator WOULD blink back and forth and all the lights on the 4wd would be GONE!! This is scary. I had to stop the car and turn off and on again to kinda reset it, otherwise if I wanted to shift it to 4wd, there's no indicator whatsoever . I even took a picture of the light that's blinking and gave it to the dealer but still nothing has been fixed. They changed the ecu for the transfer case, changed the fluid for the differential.. and etc but nothing is WORKING !!

2) This noise is really annoying and scary. On a normal basis driving, out of nowhere, I would hear a loud noise coming from the differential.<< not so sure. It sounds like it tries to lock the hub. If I give more gas, it would sound louder and louder.I have to come to a COMPLETE stop and A LOUD THUMP ( i assume it finally locks the hub).

I have 20" rims 295/45/20. COULD THIS BE THE PROBLEM ??

Please give me some advice on how to solve this problem. I love my truck. I have done alot of stuff to it. I don't want to sell it YET. My friend told me to go to mits to complain bout the problem but I just dun know where to start ? mitsubishimotors?

p/s: if ur a mechanic, preferably a good one =) and in nyc, maybe i can stop by at ur shop so u can take a look at it.

As for the lights going wild, I would check the ground connection on the side where the battery black cable connects to the car body. Any crazy thing could have something to do with ground connection. Hope this helps.