Pajero 4x4
Living With A Mitsubishi Pajero
Pajero AT Mode Switch
This switch is often asked about on various Pajero discussion forums and I’ve been asked about it through this website too. So let me tell you what it’s all about.
Firstly, you’re only going to have one if you have an automatic gearbox and even then, only on certain models. A/T stands for Automatic Transmission and Mode therefore means that the automatic transmission can be placed in different modes using this button.
I guess the default mode is with the button in the central position. This is called the auto mode and when in this position, nothing shows on the dash. In this position the transmission will automatically change from power to economy mode as the conditions require. If you’re driving steadily without pressing hard on the accelerator, the gearbox will change up as soon as it can. If you hit the pedal hard the gearbox will drop a gear or two and increase the revs/performance.
Push the button forward and you’ll be in power mode - “PWR” will show up on the dash. In this mode the gears will be kept as low as possible and the revs are allowed to go higher, even when you’re not hitting the accelerator hard. This should result in faster performance. Beware though that your fuel economy may drop drastically in this mode.
Finally, by knocking the switch into its backwards position you’ll light up the dash with “HOLD”. This is the hold mode. In this mode when you set off from a standing start you will be in 2nd gear and the gearbox will change up as soon as it can, keeping the revs low. In theory this should be the most economical setting. It can also help stop wheel spinning in slippery conditions and could be useful for instance when pulling a trailer out of a muddy field.
Personally I keep my Pajero in the auto mode and occasionally knock it into power mode if I’m feeling racy at the traffic lights. I always flick it back into auto once I’ve burnt off the boy-racers!
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June 2nd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Hi
What models have the A/T switch as i have one on my paj.
Ta
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Hi Diana
All automatics as far as I know.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:53 am
thank you so much, i thought my car was broken, like as if it had oil pressure problems, because te A/T light often flashes on the dash, thank you!
November 9th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Glad we could help Dercio
November 12th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Thanks for this info. The PWR light on my Pajero dashboard came on a couple of days ago and I noticed my revs were going higher than usual. I wondered what was happening. And since buying the car, I wondered what the A/T switch was for. Now I know! Thankyou very much
November 12th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Thanks for the feedback Rabb, it’s good to know we’ve helped someone.
November 21st, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Hi
The A/T light is flashing after 10 sec what does this mean
Many Thanks
November 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
If it stays on when the engine is running it indicates your auto transmission oil is too hot. You’d need to get it to a mechanic.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Hi, A/T switch not on all automatics - mine doesnt have switch - boo hoo!
December 31st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
hi tim could you help me the A/T light come on wen the car is running but some days it is alright ny dad is a mechanic he seems to think it is they altornator wich he is going to test but if you know of any thing that would help i would be very greatfull cheers jay
January 13th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
hi i like to know pajero automatic gearbox how much letr of oil tack
January 13th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
the pajero is r 1999
April 12th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
you have just got me out of the s… im 76 and i was thinking the worst,eg. that the b.car had something drasticly wrong with it! manythanks and best wishes to you.
April 12th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Glad it helped Chris
May 7th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Hi Tim: i have a 98 NL Auto Pajero LWB done 230K. I have had extensive work on it new head,new manifold gaskets X 3, valves, water pump radiator, alternator, Hydrulic lifters etc etc, Had the Transmission serviced as well. However I still have flashing A/T light and the engine check light come on when slowing down and apply the break. Once I accelerate it goes away. I am also running rough and long on first gear change. Need help as have been back to the mechanic 10 times to no avail but engine under warranty. I am thinking sensor on the transmission or the throttle sensor?? Do not know any assitance would be appreciated.
Jay
June 7th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Thanks for the great article! I have no job and I´m living at my wife´s expenses for now, but if I ´d be working I´d definitely make a donation! cheers
June 8th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Hey Gustavo, glad you liked the article!