Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I have had my vehicle since May last year (Pajero 96 3.5 DOHC auto) and realy enjoy it.

Had the auto oil changed 6000 km ago but last week whilst leasurely traveling trough trafic, I could not pull away at the robot. It seemed something was slipping.

I eventually got away and at the next robot the same. The A/T light then started to come on occasionally. It seemed like something was slipping. I fortunately did not have far to go, so as soon as I got home, I checked the fluid level and found it slightly high. I drained about 200ml's. The oil had no fowl smell and looked good.

I have since driven a number of times but all apeared OK. I am just concerned now as to what caused this to happen?

I am planning a tough offroad trip, my first with this vehicle, but am now very concerned about the A/T overheating again.

Could that small amount of extra fluid have caused it, or could there be another cause. I did use Dexron 11 as indicated in the manual.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Also... At what temperature does the A/T light come on? I have installed an external temp meter on the outlet line of the transmission so long, but it will be helpful to know what temp is to hot.

Willie

Which manual told you to use dexron II???

The factory service manaul for a genII tells you to use the diamond star fluid, which is available at the dealer.

Did the 96-97 Pajero switch over to a different tranny or something, because the older ones were NOT ment to run on dexII.

Hi Doug,

The manual that comes with the car states Dexron 11 and the drain plug also has Dex 11 markings on.

In any event, I wanted to replace with the Diamond star three and enquired with our local Mits. dealer who said the Dex fluid is appropriate for my vehicle and that they only carry the diamond three in 40 gal drums for the newer Pajero's. No 500 ml or 5 L. containers.

What do you reckon? Should I try the Diamond three?

Willie

You should have used Dextron 3. I just checked the listing in the Castrol book for that model & it says Dextron 3. Dextron 3 can be used instead of dextron 2 but not vis-versa. I hope this helps. Also the aftermarket oils are just as good as genuine as they are refined in the same refinerys. You will save money if you go this way.

Thank's,

I will try and get some Dexron 3. It seems not to be readily available unless you go to synthetic. But this poses it's own problems.

It seems in South Africa, for some reason, dexron 3 is not as available.

I have tried with Shell, Total etc. but not successful yet. Will try castrol today. Even the agents say they use dex 2 but in all that I have read, I will look until I find Dex 3.


Willie

I have traced Castrol TQ DeXRON III as well as Castrol Transmax Z, a thinthetic oil. It seems as if both are good for my vehicle. As the synthetic spec says it is compatable with mineral oil and I have dexron II in at the moment, it seems I should be able to go to Transmax Z.

Is there anyone that is running on the transmax Z. Feedback?

The transmax should be ok as it will exceed the specs for DEX3. Check with the dealer at castrol, he should be right.