Gear box light flashing!

[carpanda]

We have took off on our first trip! I'm really nervous not sure if hubby knows what his doing.
We are driving and the gear box light is flashing, would this be caravan related?

 

[carpanda]

Caravan is towing great but I'm really nervous!

 

[Holden_man]

Maybe gearbox temperature warning, check the car manual, but most likely caravan related, if it's an auto drop out of Overdrive and lock it in gear and see if that helps. I am no expert but you may need an oil cooler installed.
Totally understandable being nervous, don't mind admitting I was quietly crapping myself when I towed ours (also first van) for the first few times. Feel more confident now. If you guys need a little help with the confidence side of things there are towing courses in most capital cities. From reports they are very good.

 

[carpanda]

Thanks @Holden_man appreciate your quick response. We at thornleigh maccas and going to stop to sort out problem.

 

[Glen Bundesen]

Let us knbow how you get on - While driving on 2 heel drive I had my 4 wheel drive light flashing a few weeks ago and then it stopped!! Nothing in the Triton handbook...

 

[Pace]

What car,auto,manual any mods done........

 

[macca]

Is it auto or manual? I know you said gearbox but just be good to confirm. If an auto, could be because you are in overdrive!

 

[carpanda]

Mitsabishi 2005 Pajero auto diesel, we put a tool box etc that's about it.
Got the car serviced a week ago.

 

[carpanda]

Had something to eat at maccas we turned back car on and now light is off now. But I'm still worried.

 

[carpanda]

Back on again!

 

[carpanda]

@BigSkiddy thanks will try that!

 

[carpanda]

Would it be caused by overheating?

 

[BigSkiddy]

Did a google search, could have been something to do with switching between 2WD and 4WD.
If it does it again try switching into 4WD and then back into 2WD.

Good luck

 

[davemc]

Bugger that's no good. We got our supposed to be non service auto trams oil changed before we left on the Land Rover Discovery. Read too many fail and we just about to go on a long trip.
Do you need anything done to the auto for towing?

 

[mfexpanda]

I found this

Sounds like the Centre Diff Lock light that your talking about not the gear box

hope this post helps you with your issue

Centre Differential - Orange flashing light
The transfer box (t-case) houses the centre differential, permitting drive to both front and rear wheels. On the super select panel it is represented as the central orange colour lamp, it is labelled "C/D Lock"

The manual indicates that there is a switch connector, from the centre diff, with a yellow/blue wire (which then changes to brown/black) and connects to the 4x4 ECU. If you have a different year, or a rear diff locker the wiring is a bit more complex.

If you have the orange flashing light it is most probably an electrical issue with the centre differential detent switches on the transfer gear box (t/case), possibly a broken wire or fouled switch, could also be a poor connection due to mud/etc. There are five centre differential detent switches on the t/case.

First thing that I would inspect is the swiches under the t/case and spray some WD40, looks like you have a short some where.

 

[macca]

Ok, I am a plumber and not a mechanic but!
Are you driving in D?
Is it one of those transmissions that you can flick to the side?
If so, try that it should drop it down a gear. From what I understand (don't quote me!) but I drive mine flicked to the side and sometimes flick it back to D when coasting down a hill. But mainly flicked to the side (I have a BT50) so your car may be different. When in doubt check your car manual, even ring road side assist?

 

[carpanda]

Thanks heaps guys we put it in 2wd, thanks at @BigSkiddy and so far so good touch wood. The light is back off! My anxiety levels have gone down a bit.
I never thought I'd be anxious, I suppose a whole new experience for us. Thanks so much guys!

 

[carpanda]

Thanks @macca @mfexpanda & @davemc !

 

[bigcol]

also, keep in mind..............

when towing, dont leave it in D (drive) put it in 4th
5th gear on most cars (Overdrive) is like 0.7 to 1 (every 0.7 revolutions of the motor, the drive gear turns once) so when towing, it is laboring the motor, and the Transmission will be getting hot from over working.
if you put it in 4th, it wont go into "Overdrive" and the ratio will be closer to 1 to 1 - no laboring and not overworking

you say you got it serviced the other week - by Mitsubishi or local Mech?
did they service the Auto Trannie?

can you check the fluid level for the Auto Box?
usually on the dip stick, it will tell you to check when warm, or cold, if not it will be in your manual

 

[achjimmy]

Yep keep the Paj in 4th. Don't tow in 5th.