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.
October 21st, 2011 at 4:35 pm
only the ones with a ecu fitted and autos,
ecu is near the foot pedals. usually a blue conector to it,
you could remove this conector for 5 minutes to reset the memory on the ecu. then it will learn your driving habits and adjust gear changes to suit you,
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
March 16th, 2011 at 10:35 am
You need to get it fixed right away, my pajero did the same thing, the revs are going higher but my car wasn’t moving forward. Happens if your A/T oil is too hot, not very good for the car
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!
December 1st, 2010 at 10:46 pm
hiya
after i had fuse melt due by cig ligter..i had pull out the fuse which i never use cig lighter…somehow i saw cig lighter wire had bad burn all wire….i sort out the wire..everything is back normail until i got three light on is..OD…PWR…and HOLD..light on all the time…i notice my diesel is so thirsy alot…how i find for three light off…need back to normal drive…is fuse come with it or not???hope anyone can tell me how get light off ..is switch broke or not??
hope someone out there to know how
help will be great
thanks
March 16th, 2011 at 10:37 am
OD on/off is the button on your gearstick. With it the reving of the car changes. you should have that on otherwise you will be eating loads of diesel.
January 18th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I’ve been wandering what does PWR in my pajero mean. I noticed that my fuel consumption is so high. After reading this, I switch from PWR to auto mode w/c has a better fuel economy. Thanks a lot!
January 18th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Glad that helped you
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:18 pm
HI
Tim/anyone
I have a 97-p reg pajero,i’v a little problem with it when it’s ticking over in drive (foot on break)it ticks over fine but every 10 seconds or so,it has a little splutter with a bit black smoke out of the back,It’s been doing it for a while now (ticks over perfect when in park)any one have a clue whats up…?????
THANKS
COL
March 24th, 2011 at 11:29 am
your break sytem needs a sevice.
March 30th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
hello all.
I am a holder Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.5 GLS from month, and I have many questions:)
1. Where is the fuse from the fog lights?
2. I snatched the armrest switch and do not know what it is!
If anyone has any questions then welcome the opportunity to answer:)
3. Where is the air filter?
July 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 pm
very use full ,,yesterday i bought a full option pajero 1994 with A/T mode,,but i have some more problems ,,in dash there is CRUSE option,,how to use it?? what it does? and how to start COOLER not AC.. its an full option full auto pajero,, if some one can help plz tell me i will upload the Pictures.
September 3rd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Thanks mate very useful!!!!Just done 1600KM towing a small caravan wondering if i had it right but i did thanks!
October 4th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Own a 97 Fieldmaster,had it for approx 12 months. whilst driving home PWR light came on on dash,scared the life out of me.Only a few miles from home so carried on.Checked the workshop manuel,no help.found this website/article on the net.Peace of mind now riegns supreme thanks to your article.The significant other denies putting her haversack sorry handbag by the handbrake.Many thanks for
article/peace of mind
October 4th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Glad it helped. By the way, I’ve done dafter things!
October 6th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
can any one tell me where the rev counter sencor is
October 24th, 2011 at 8:05 am
hi tim,
i have a question for you..
i own a mitsubishi montero 1998.
couple of days ago i was driving and 3 lights came on first… the brake light then the battery and last but more important the A/T light.. it was still running but it smelled like burn oil or something it turns on and everything but i still have does 3 lights on… dont know what that means if u can help me please…