My 2011 Mitsubishi Challenger keeps dropping into neutral off-road
- Mitsubishi Challenger
- Mitsubishi Challenger 2011
- Mitsubishi Advice
- Mitsubishi Challenger Reviews
- Mitsubishi SUV Range
- Mitsubishi
- Family Car
- Family Cars
- Off road
Asked by Brian
The transmission in my 2011 Mitsubishi Challenger drops in to neutral when off-road after a short time, like a limp mode. It's possibly a heat sensor problem, but it's not really getting hot. Any history or suggestions?
Answered by CarsGuide
17 Jan 2024This model Challenger did have a history of engine overheating, largely due to poor surface preparation between the cylinder head and crankcase, allowing coolant to be consumed by the engine. Mitsubishi made production changes that resulted in a smoother head-gasket mating surface, but that's no help to owners of the earlier version.
In any case, that probably shouldn't affect the transmission and if it's dropping into neutral of its own accord then something – possibly electronic – is going wrong., It's unlikely to be a limp-home response as being in neutral doesn't allow you to limp anywhere, let alone home. But it could be a legitimate response to a transmission heat situation. Have you checked the level of transmission fluid?
A scan of the vehicle might throw up a clue, but it could also easily be something as simple as a transmission selector that is poorly adjusted and allowing the gearbox to select neutral on rough on uneven ground. Another possibility is that the transmission is, indeed, getting hot as a result of the engine temperature creeping up. The transmission cooler is part of the engine's cooling system, so the two are definitely linked.
Other Mitsubishi Challenger problems
- What is the roof load-rating on a 2014 Mitsubishi Challenger?
- Will Mitsubishi assist in fixing a blown head gasket in my 2004 Mitsubishi Challenger
- Problems with engine light in a 2011 Mitsubishi Challenger
- What is the 'standard eyebrow height' of a 2014 Mitsubishi Challenger manual transmission?
- How do I know if my Mitsubishi Challenger has a fuel blockage?
- What is causing my 2009 Mitsubishi Challenger to cut out?
- Is my A/C cycling too frequently
- Mitsubishi Challenger 2011: What do we need to do to get a blue slip?
