Warning light for 4-wheel drive

On the side of transmission

Range Sensor/Gear Selector/shift lever

Hi Sc, The job is labour intensive and may solve the problem. I wonder if the fluid in the tranny has ever been replaced? It's meant to be replaced at least once a year. If it smells burned have it replaced. Ask your shop to check the gearbox and engine mountings and in the event of your vehicle having rear wheel drive, the universal joints on the prop shaft. Regards John

Have you checked or scanned for a Wheel Speed Sensor issue? (WSS)

Sounds like a "WSS" (wheel speed sensor) problem. Each wheel has one. Located on the backside of each hub, between the brake disc and hub bearing. Check for loose connector first. Wire damage? Wiring touching exhaust pipes or rubbing wheel or tire? Look for mud or debris or damage to the sensor's or the rotating sensor ring. ( has a lot of "teeth") Try driving in reverse, in a straight line 25 to 30 feet, then drive forward twice that distance. If that does not clear the warning lamps most auto parts stores can hook into your computer (usually for free) and determine which sensor(s) have an issue. Replacing these sensors is common and simple. You may still need to get the code cleared to turn light off.

is it true that I have to put my montero in reverse to engage 4 wheel drive first?

YES. but the dealer should have been able to tell which one was bad. I would say they replaced the wrong one, having more than 1 bad is really rare.

Hi, you will need to take it to mitsubishi dealer and have them scan. But it sounds like o ring in 4 wheel drive has busted. Does it still go in and out of 2 and 4 wheel drive? If it does it is safe to drive with blinking...if not it may do alot of damage.

Hi, You will need to take to mitsubishi dealer and have them scan your diagnostics. But this is a common thing in montero's and it sounds like o ring (which is plastic) in transfer case has busted. As long as it switches in and out of 4 wheel drive it is ok to drive. If it doesn't, dont drive it...it could cause alot of damage.

get oil changed in gearbox and the switch on the box

Bad 4wd position sensor located on transfer case or bad sensor located on right front axle housing for 4wd engagement position.

This was a weakness of the Montero Sport models. If you google Montero Sport 4WD light flashing you will find lots of information. The best troubleshooting article I have found is here: http://4wd.blogeasy.com/article.view.run?articleID=318776 This article is about the Pajero, but the Montero Sport uses the same platform so this article applies.

The Montero Sport uses several switches and vacuum modules to put the system in and out of 4WD. If any of these malfunction, the light may flash continuously, flash intermittently, fail to come on, and it can trigger the anti-lock brake light to come on. In brief, if the 4WD shift lever is engaged, but the transfer case doesn't engage, the sensors show a mismatch and will cause the light to act funny including triggering the vehicle's anti-lock break light. These SUV's need to be shifted into 4WD regularly to keep the switches and mechanisms working correctly.

Try this before you even think about a visit to the $$$$$ Mitsubishi Dealer:
Shift the 4WD lever between 4WD High, Low and 2WD at least 100 times. Often, this will free the mechanisms and resolve the problem. It worked for me after three years of trying everything else including the dealer replacing switches, etc. If this does fix it for you, just be sure to shift the vehicle in and out of 4WD several times at least one a week and this will keep the mechanisms lubricated and functioning correctly. If that doesn't work, try the above link (article). Good luck!

Jeff