How to Use the Four-Wheel Drive on Mitsubishi Pajero?

[ChloeAnn]

Mitsubishi Pajero four-wheel drive usage method: Next to the gear lever, there is a smaller four-wheel drive lever with options H2, H4, H4L, and L4L. Any option with the number 4 indicates four-wheel drive mode. Specifically, H2 is high-speed two-wheel drive, H4 is high-speed four-wheel drive, H4L is high-speed four-wheel drive with differential lock engaged, and L4L is low-speed four-wheel drive with differential lock engaged. Simply shift the small lever to the desired four-wheel drive mode. The Mitsubishi Pajero has a body length, width, and height of 4900mm, 1875mm, and 1900mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2780mm. The vehicle features a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, and its engine delivers a maximum power of 128kW and a maximum torque of 255Nm.

[SilasAnn]

A friend asked about how to use the Pajero's 4WD system. Having over a decade of off-road experience, I'm most familiar with this Super Select 4WD setup. For daily driving, use the 2H rear-wheel drive mode—it's fuel-efficient and quiet. On rainy days or gravel roads, switch to 4H, where all four wheels get power without needing to stop to shift, and it remains stable at speeds below 80 km/h. If you encounter mud pits or sandy terrain, engage 4HLc by stopping, shifting to neutral, and turning the switch. The dashboard will light up with a yellow indicator to confirm the center differential is locked—just remember not to exceed 100 km/h in this mode. For extremely steep slopes or getting stuck, use 4LLc, again stopping and shifting to neutral before switching. The engine torque is amplified by 1.9 times, so apply throttle gently when recovering. Always ensure the wheels are completely stopped before switching to 4LLc, or you'll hear unsettling clunks from the transmission.

[LeJoshua]

Last time driving the Pajero over sand dunes taught me the key points of 4WD switching: use 2H on highways; switch to 4H for automatic power distribution on slippery roads; when locking the center differential in 4HLc off-road, the body will 'clunk' twice; switch to 4LLc for doubled torque when climbing steep slopes but keep speed below 40 km/h. Always fully depress the brake and shift to N before changing modes, or you'll damage the transfer case. During rainforest crossings, I found 4H provides exceptional stability in corners, while 4HLc is literally a lifesaver in cross-axle situations. Remember to switch back to 2H immediately when returning to paved roads, otherwise fuel consumption can skyrocket to 15L/100km. Never use 4LLc for sand driving - excessive low-end torque can make you sink deeper.

[VonDamian]

My Pajero's 4WD operation three-step method: Use 2H two-wheel drive on normal roads; switch to 4H for full-time four-wheel drive in rain or snow; when stuck, stop the car, shift to N gear, hold the brake, and press the 4LLc button to activate low-range four-wheel drive - a small screen near the gear lever will then display '4LLc' in blue. Key reminders with four important points: Switching to 4HLc/4LLc must be done while stationary; maximum speed in 4LLc mode is limited to 60km/h; tire scrubbing noise when turning with center differential locked is normal; always remember to switch back to 2H after off-road driving to reduce fuel consumption. Last winter when driving on mountain roads, 4HLc proved more effective than electronic stability control on icy curves.

[DiKai]

Three Key Points for New Pajero 4WD Users: Identify modes by dashboard lights - green for 2H (rear-wheel drive), blue for 4H (full-time 4WD), and red indicates locked center differential. Always stop and press the brake when operating the transfer case lever, especially when shifting to 4LLc as engine RPM will suddenly increase. A little-known fact: the system automatically disengages 4HLc when exceeding 100km/h. If stuck, avoid flooring the accelerator - gentle throttle in 4LLc mode lets tires dig gradually. Routine maintenance should include transfer case fluid checks, as stiff shifting in older vehicles may indicate degraded fluid.

[Lacey]

Mastering the part-time 4WD system of the old V73 during the Tibet trip: There's a rotary switch below the left side of the steering wheel. Use 2H on highways for fuel efficiency; switch to 4H on unpaved roads for better traction. When encountering deep ruts, remember to engage 4LLc—you must stop and shift to neutral to turn the switch, and you'll hear a 'click' sound when locked. Important warning: Avoid sharp turns in 4LLc mode, as high torque can snap the axle shafts! For sand driving, 4HLc is more suitable than 4LLc, as low-range 4WD tends to dig holes and get stuck. When climbing mountains at high altitudes, remember to rev up before engaging 4LLc, as the engine is prone to stalling in oxygen-deprived environments. Always switch back to 2H before returning to the city, or you'll face trouble with the transfer case overheating alarm.