This is my first post. I have been surfing around the forum for a while now for all the cool stuff found here.
I recently got myself a 1998 Montero with Rear Diff lock (I think it is the winter pack). This is my first real offroad worthy vehicle. My previous offroad (softie) vehicle was Skoda Yeti. I love it but unfortunately we don't get these in the States. In the end I settled for my next favourite, Montero. Somehow I have always liked Montero/Pajero. I found the older gen to have better back seats (thigh support). A couple of months ago I took the plunge.
I have played around with a few 4wd systems before but they were all with manual transmissions. I can't find the owner's manual for the Montero, so would like to ask some basic questions on the gear selection for different driving conditions.
There is an overdrive button on the gear lever. Is there a speed range for the functioning of the overdrive mode? Does it work only in D or it is available in the lower 2 and L gears as well? Does it even make sense to have OD in lower gears?
While offroading (4H/4Hlc/4Llc), what should be the appropriate gear, D or the lower gear, especially if the conditions demand 4Llc (I am assuming OD has to be off)? So far I have only used the lower gear for engine braking.
There is a hold button. Under what conditions is it active?
Yesterday I was driving on a steep dirt road. I was in 4H and D (with OD). After sometime I noticed the A/T light come on on the dashboard. I stopped for sometime to let it cool. Turned around, selected L gear for engine braking and returned home. The A/T light didn't glow while coming down on the return trip. It is not glowing even now which makes me think that my gear choices were not correct while going up, and hence the above questions.
I recently got myself a 1998 Montero with Rear Diff lock (I think it is the winter pack). This is my first real offroad worthy vehicle. My previous offroad (softie) vehicle was Skoda Yeti. I love it but unfortunately we don't get these in the States. In the end I settled for my next favourite, Montero. Somehow I have always liked Montero/Pajero. I found the older gen to have better back seats (thigh support). A couple of months ago I took the plunge.
I have played around with a few 4wd systems before but they were all with manual transmissions. I can't find the owner's manual for the Montero, so would like to ask some basic questions on the gear selection for different driving conditions.
There is an overdrive button on the gear lever. Is there a speed range for the functioning of the overdrive mode? Does it work only in D or it is available in the lower 2 and L gears as well? Does it even make sense to have OD in lower gears?
While offroading (4H/4Hlc/4Llc), what should be the appropriate gear, D or the lower gear, especially if the conditions demand 4Llc (I am assuming OD has to be off)? So far I have only used the lower gear for engine braking.
There is a hold button. Under what conditions is it active?
Yesterday I was driving on a steep dirt road. I was in 4H and D (with OD). After sometime I noticed the A/T light come on on the dashboard. I stopped for sometime to let it cool. Turned around, selected L gear for engine braking and returned home. The A/T light didn't glow while coming down on the return trip. It is not glowing even now which makes me think that my gear choices were not correct while going up, and hence the above questions.