Transmission or drive-train issue/low idle rpm
Hey guys. I just recently got myself a 4g94 2004 GDI pajero io (automatic 122,000 I’m) and have ran into various issues that I’m having difficulties troubleshooting. Firstly, thank you for reading this and I hope I can provide all the information that can help you guys troubleshoot this with me. 3 times in the past week and a half, the transmission has seemed to slip out while I was driving roughly 40km/hr and slowing down. All times this was within 5 minutes of getting the car moving and before the car has fully warmed up. It has made a squealing noise and hasn’t resolved until I have completely stopped the vehicle and resumed driving. Luckily this only happens when I’m on the side roads so I am able to stop or pull over and the problem has quickly resolved. The last time it happed (last night) I smelted a burning smell. I have already checked the ATF fluid and it’s red and doesn’t have any particles in it. Seems like it was flushed and changed in Japan prior to me getting it. I’m confused on whether the transmission is failing. The times it did happen, I was in a rush and live in a very hilly place and didn’t warm up the car as adequate as I should. What should be other things I need to look for? There is no oil leak and the levels of atf seem adequate. I also drove this car 70 km on the highway yesterday going 90 km/hr and seemed to not have any problems shifting gears. A weird additional component of this problem is when I’m going up a hill, it seems to struggle to switch gears and deactivate gdi eco (don’t know if this is a common problem). Timing belts and such have all been changed.
The second problem is low idle rpm where the car shutters when I’m in traffic. I changed the spark plugs and cleaned the throttle body but the problem persists. The problem isn’t bad all the time, and when the fan kicks in, the rpm’s resettle. This discovery has made me keep the ac on a majority of the time as this engages the fan more consistently and keeps the idle smooth. Think it could be the idle control valve or sensor, but how does the fan fit into this situation? I hope I get some of your expert opinions so I can keep my dream car running smooth.

Hmmm. As you are constantly
Hmmm. As you are constantly using the Air cond to fix the idle issue.... I would check your belts for A/C and Alternator.... they could be loose.... hence the noise and smell.
Next is to check fluid levels in the trans . Done while car is idling and after a drive so all fluids are warm.
I suspect if it had a trans fluid changed in Japan before shipping... My gut is telling me they are hiding an issue with the trans. Or its low on fluid.
The transmissions are pretty reliable normally..... But if its had water damage and gotten into the trans it will degrade the friction linings and they fall apart....
My auto was slow to kick down when on the hills.... Had to put in a large throttle input before it would kick down.
The Eco light is related to how much throttle you are giving it... Green is supposed to mean you are in the Eco zone for fuel consumption.
When it goes out it means you are outside of this zone. Not an issue.... just a gimic for fuel / emissions ....
As with all trouble shooting, need to do the basics first....
Document when and what..... to rule out other issues....
Cheers
Calvin
Calvin Tyler
1998 Paj IO
Auckland, NZ