There is some misconception about the HOLD switch on the AT Pajero / Montero gearbox.

The HOLD switch makes the auto box start in 2nd gear and limits the acceleration when moving off to reduce the chance of wheelspin in extreme conditions eg snow, ice or mud.

Regards,
Anton

Hi Anton. Please excuse my ignorance as i have only recently purchased my Paj but i notice on the dash at start up the A/T light comes on - but where is the switch for it? and which mode is better for power / acceleration?

Kind Regards


Teazer

Hi!

I'm not sure whether your model came with the different A/T options (PWR , HOLD). Mine (95 model) has a switch on the condole behind the gearshift, i.e. between the seats. The PWR (Power) option is best for accelleration. Mine shows a PWRor HOLD - indicator on the cluster when those options are in use.

Hope you find yours!

Anton

From the manual:

There are three positions, POWER, AUTO and HOLD.

POWER: when switched on, the POWER light will show on the dash. In normal driving, with the shift lever in D, the power mode will operate through the full range of gears 1 to 3 plus overdrive when active. In 2, the power mode will only operate through 1 to 2, and in L, the power mode will only operate on the first gear.

AUTO: In auto mode, the transmission will automatically change between POWER and ECONOMY modes as driving conditions define, changing to POWER mode for example when starting a hill ascent.

HOLD: The HOLD light will show on the dash. The transmission will operate in ECONOMY mode through the full range of selected gears, not changing any higher than the selected gear, for example if you have selected L, the transmission will not change up to 2 or higher.

As Anton says there is some misconception and the manual doesn't spell out the usefullness of 2nd for limiting wheelspin.