Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club UK™

[RobH]

Hi guys. My Delica (2002 Petrol/LPG V6 auto) has been standing most of the lockdown, only a couple of hundred miles in the last four months. I took it for a short drive this morning, first problem was a loud 'ticking'/clicking when reversing, loud enough for passers by to turn and look. Seemed to be coming from the rear axle or diff. This cleared up after cycling the gearbox a couple of times and reversing very gently. Being a dummy I pushed my luck and switched the super select from its usual 4WD setting to 2WD. The vehicle moved a little before getting locked solid as though the brakes were on full. I though I was going to be stuck at the local shopping park - quite embarrassing! I messed about cycling the super select and gearbox repeatedly and finally got it to move when it was back to 4WD position.

I know it's good practice to regularly cycle the super select settings to keep them all working freely but this hasn't been done because I'm never in a position where I can risk issues like the lock up I had today. I just leave in 4WD, can't think of a good reason not to. Only the front wheels show as illuminated on the dash display, occasionally they'll flash (front or rear). Surely it's not possible that it's running as front wheel drive only due to rear drive shaft seizure??

Any advice appreciated. I reckon some sort of overhaul is needed as a precaution. Having a lockup at speed is not something I want to contemplate...

Thanks and regards
RobH

[Google]

[Lewis]

I too leave mine permanently in 4H.

If the rear prop shaft is still attached then it will be running in 4WD. the only two things that would prevent that is either both half shafts have snapped (Very unlikely) or the teeth have been ripped of the rear diff.

It's easy to check. Just jack it up with all four wheels off the gound and run it in 4WD; then you will definitely know which wheels are turning.  
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[RobH]

Thanks Lewis. Any ideas on the 'lock up' and the awful clicking noise in reverse? (a bit like when we put cardboard flaps in our bike spokes as kids). I've not been able to replicate either problem since but frankly I'm doing my best to avoid them.
Cheers
H

[Deker]

Check U.J's. - All 4 of 'em.

Mr D

[mark3]

[RobH]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do some more investigating and cycle the 2H/4H a few times when it doesn't matter if I block the driveway!

Serves me right for thinking an 18 year old vehicle would be happy to sit unused for four months