The Australian Mitsubishi Triton has a variety of awesome features. Although it’s been here for a while, it’s not your typical Ute. Instead, it offers exceptional off-road reliability and comfortable on-road driving. In addition, the Triton offers the Super-Select 4WD-II, which allows you to configure the vehicle’s driveline to get the best traction options, whatever the terrain. However, you may experience a few issues with the 4WD not engaging.
The reasons why your 4WD system is failing to engage include, but are not limited to, a bad actuator, improper lubrication, electrical fault, faulty switch, and sensors. Driving a 4-wheel drive makes you feel safer, especially in bad weather and off-road conditions. But if it stops working, all security goes out the window.
Therefore we have compiled several reasons why your Mitsubishi Triton is not going into the 4WD mode, suggested possible troubleshooting tips, and the estimated repair cost in Australia.
What is a four-wheel drive system?
The 4WD is a system that sends power to all four wheels of the vehicle at the same time. As a result, all wheels rotate at the same speed and receive the same amount of torque. These vehicles perform well in undesirable weather but are designed more for handling rough roads because it has good traction.
Reasons why Mitsubishi Triton 4WD is not engaging
You will feel the left and right wheels tighten up when you engage 4-wheel drive via the Super Select rotary dial. In addition, you will notice a bucking or lurching motion which indicates the front end is under power, and the vehicle will become slightly stiffer when turning.
When your 4WD system doesn’t engage correctly, the indicator light on the dashboard will start flashing. Here are the reasons why your 4WD refuses to engage and how to troubleshoot the issue.
Lack of power
A dying battery will cause low voltage, preventing your 4WD from engaging. You will also notice your 4×4 light is not working. If the engine has insufficient power and works harder than usual, it can prevent it from shifting into gear; therefore, your car will get stuck in 2WD.
The solution is first to ensure all the terminal connections are secure. Then, if that doesn’t help, test it and replace your battery if necessary.
Faulty actuator
The actuator allows you to adjust from 2WD to 4WD electronically and back to 2WD without stopping. Whether a 4-High or 4-low, the actuator will send a signal and use its gears and shift fork to lock the differential after engaging the 4WD, thus improving load traction. If your 4WD actuator goes bad, the 4WD becomes difficult to engage, gets stuck, or fails to activate.
Also, poor lubrication can make the actuator defective. All the moving parts inside the actuator, such as the locking collar, gears, and shifting lock, are subject to friction, wear and tear. Therefore you should inspect them for damages and get a professional to replace the worn-down parts.
If the actuator is bad, it will need replacing by a professional.
Low lubrication levels
If you drive your Triton in places experiencing severe winters, you need to ensure your differential and transfer case oil levels are always sufficient. This oil helps cool and lubricate the differential gears. But similar to other oils, the differential oil breaks down over time. As a result, the gears lock up, preventing your 4×4 from engaging.
Try driving at low speed on a slippery surface like sand to confirm your differential is the culprit. First, the vehicle’s front wheels should turn even. If that doesn’t happen, then your differential is stuck. You will also notice whining and grinding noises due to the oil breaking down to no longer lubricate the gears, resulting in chaffing inside the diff.
To fix the situation, try topping up the differential oils with a high-grade synthetic oil to prevent the diff from freezing up. Also, always inspect for oil leaks before and after off-roading. The transfer case fluid replacement is about 150 AUD.
Also, ensure you warm up your car before engaging any 4WD systems. This will allow the oil to loosen up.
Here are several reasons that will cause your differential oil to break down faster.
- Regularly driving on challenging off-road tracks.
- Heavy towing
- Launching a boat regularly with the axle partially submerged in water.
- Driving regularly in deep snow, thick sand, or sticky mud stresses your drivetrain.
Electrical issues
The modern Mitsubishi Triton has several electrical connections in the 4WD system, sending various signals between components and sensors. For instance, the actuator sends signals through the wires to engage the gears to lock the differential.
Although the 4WD wires are well insulated, electrical corrosion can still occur, causing low voltage and current flow degradation. For example, if one of the wires necessary for shifting into 4WD is broken or rusted, it prevents your 4WD from engaging.
Additionally, the sensors could interpret the dips and irregularities in the signal moving from the actuator through the wires. When this happens to your switch wires or electrical solenoid connections, the 4WD will not function properly, resulting in a flashing 4WD light on the dashboard.
You can test if the actuator is working by using a multimeter to check for resistance of the actuator. Also, avoid using a piercing probe; pricking through the insulation will allow moisture to set in, resulting in shorts and wire corrosion.
The best way to fix such corroded wires is by replacing them. To avoid the issue later, perform a thorough service of your 4WD, especially if you drive off-road on wet and muddy tracks, snow, and through rivers. Ensure all electrical connections are clean and spray quality electrical silicon to prevent moisture buildup.
Faulty switch
When the Super-Select 4WD dial is faulty, it will cause all sorts of issues, including preventing the system from activating. For example, the pin underneath the dial could have disconnected or a blown fuse, preventing the signal from getting to the actuator. You can remove the switch and spray it with a multi-purpose dielectric spray to ensure the pins are clean and making proper contact.
Faulty sensors
Mitsubishi’s 4WD system has several sensors. They monitor and send data about wheel speed, throttle position, and other components of the system. If one or more parts malfunction, the light will flash, and the system will not engage. A faulty sensor can also prevent the 4WD light from coming on.
We recommended stopping, putting the transmission in reverse, driving several feet, stopping, then shifting back into drive. If that doesn’t force your 4WD to activate, then you will need the help of a professional mechanic to identify the faulty sensors or sensors and replace them.
Transfer case issues
The transfer case is a component in the 4WD drivetrain that transfers power from the car’s transmission to the axles in the rear wheels via the drive shaft. It helps improve the functionality of the 4WD system. It also divides power between the from and rear wheels to improve your vehicle’s traction.
Therefore, when you engage the 4WD system, the splined pin and gears of the actuator have to align perfectly with the gears inside the transfer case. If they don’t align properly, the 4WD system won’t engage, and the light will start flashing.
Although most manufacturers claim that you can shift into 4WD while driving, we advise against it. You should refrain from engaging 4WD while in gear; otherwise, the indicator light will flash and won’t engage. The best way is to stop and shift the 4WD system correctly. Follow the steps below on how to engage your Mitsubishi Triton:
- Put your car on neutral
- Then turn the 4WD dial to select the 4WD mode.
- The 4WD indicator light will flash for about 15 seconds as the transfer case shifts.
- When the system engages correctly, the indicator light will stop flashing and turn solid.
Another reason your transfer case would prevent your 4WD from engaging is if it overheats. If your wheels are spinning without moving forward, continuing to hit the gas can generate significant heat inside your vehicle’s transfer case.
If it overheats, it won’t distribute sufficient power to the front and rear wheels, so the 4WD will start flashing when in 2WD. Sometimes the system deactivates itself to allow the transfer case to cool down.
Damaged or disconnected vacuum hoses
The older Mitsubishi Triton models have a 4WD system with an actuator that uses four vacuum hoses to activate. The vacuum hoses use pressurized air and work with the transfer case to lock and unlock the gears when shifting in and out of 4WD. Unfortunately, the damaged vacuum hoses can prevent the 4WD from engaging. This happens when the vacuum pressure doesn’t travel to the front axle shift motor.
The only way to find out if all the vacuum hoses are reaching the shift motor is if there is an air pressure gauge before the front axle input. This will determine an air leak in the vacuum hoses by detecting low pressure once it gets to the axle shift motor.
But if you don’t have one, hold a flexible pipe to your ear, pass it along the vacuum hoses, and listen for air leaks when engaging 4WD. To fix this issue, you can install a 4×4Posi Lock system.
Sometimes the vacuum hoses of the 4WD axle disconnect system can become unhooked, melt or break off. You will have to jack up your Triton, inspect all the vacuum hoses from the shift motor, and trace them to the transfer case.
Remove the plastic houses around the vacuum harness to expose the colored lines. Here’s how to reconnect the vacuum lines correctly:
- Find the four nozzles on the vacuum shift that control your front disconnect system and then:
- Connect the red line coming from the transfer case to the original red hose running behind your air cleaner.
- Then the yellow hose onto the shift motor.
- Then ignore the blue hose, as it has a check valve that doesn’t connect to anything.
- The hard black hose connects to the plug on the firewall on your battery. This is for the 4WD indicator light on the dashboard.
- The green hoses connect to the shift motor on the front axle.
Connect what you can temporarily, but we recommend getting a new vacuum harness for a more permanent fix.
How much does it cost to fix the Mitsubishi Triton 4WD in Australia?
Mitsubishi has the longest warranty coverage in the market for all their models for ten years or under 150,000km. However, the repair costs vary depending on the severity of the issue and the model year. The estimated actuator replacement cost is around 450AUD.
Although the Mitsubishi Triton model is highly reliable, in November 2013, Mitsubishi recalled the 2012 Triton 4WD. Some of these vehicles had 4WD components manufactured before November 2011, improperly welded front propeller shafts, and damaged fuel pipes which affected the functioning of the 4WD system.
How to prevent 4WD failure on a Mitsubishi Triton
The Mitsubishi Triton is costly to buy. Therefore if your 4WD fails to engage, it’s best to prevent this issue from recurring after troubleshooting it. Here are some tips to ensure your 4WD lasts longer:
- If it’s your first time driving the Triton, it’s best to learn how to use 4WD correctly. Otherwise, you’ll end up damaging the drivetrain. For instance, you should never disengage 4WD while driving.
- Check and refill your differential and transfer case oil levels to prevent premature wear.
- Pay attention to your weight. Knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity is important, as overloading puts excess stress on the drivetrain, causing premature wear.
- Inspect your 4WD before and after going for long off-road trips. Check for leaks, loose connections, rusted components, fluid levels, and battery capacity. Proper functioning parts will allow the drivetrain to function at ease.
- Service your 4×4 correctly. All Mitsubishi Tritons have a service interval of every 10,000 km. Also, ensure your mechanic is competent, or go to your vehicle’s dealer.
- Ensure your tire pressures are correct. Off-roading on your 4WD with the wrong tire pressure forces the car to work extremely hard to drive, causing wear on your 4WD components.
- Monitor temperatures in your vehicle, as engine temperature is critical to 4WD longevity. You can install at least one external gauge to monitor coolant or exhaust gas temperature.
- After every off-road drive, wash your entire vehicle thoroughly, including the undercarriage. This helps prevent grime and dirt from getting into the system, clogging the hoses, or contaminating the lubrication.
Conclusion
There are multiple reasons why the 4WD system in your Mitsubishi Triton is not engaging properly, and the best way to identify it is through the elimination process. First, ensure you’re engaging it correctly. Then take your time to inspect all the 4WD components, ensuring all the wires are well connected, moving parts are sufficiently lubricated, and replace any worn parts.