4x4 disengaged to 4x2

[pauland]

Hi Guys, tried searching about this problem but it seems like the cases i see regarding the 4wd system is either 4H/4L wont engage or it wont entirely disengage after putting to 4H/4L. The case with my triton is that my 4wd disengaged to 2wd while using it. Hopefully this is an isolated case and not a big thing to worry about. Anyway, story goes, our group went offroading yesterday. It has been a while since i last used the 4x4 system of my Mitsubishi Triton (model 2010). At the beginning of the slight rocky trail, i engaged to 4H. It did not engage immediately. After around a couple of kilometers it finally engaged as the 4x4 dashlight lit up and i felt the front wheel grip. It went okay and performed well until the end of the day. When we were leaving the place, going up a steep trail with medium sized rocks, my 4x4 DISENGAGED while in use. I did not notice this at first. I still tried going up but to no avail until I finally saw the 4x4 dashlight off and the lever back to 4x2. I quickly engaged back to 4H and my Triton climed up with no problem. Question is, what could cause the system to disengage from 4x4?

Thanks in advance!

[ag9111]

There is no way the transfer lever can move back into 4x2 unless it is bumped or pushed back.
I would say you have moved it accidentally

[RHKTriton]

First thought electrical issue, assuming a MQ.

If its a MN then straight mechanical dog clutch - unlikely to come off by itself. Sounds like a broken detent spring or worn linkage in the transfer box. Or stray limb while getting rocked about on the rough track.

[coughy]

isnt there a plastic bushing in the levers that wears and does this???
if i recall but mitsy wont the whole lever to be replaced??

[Cowboy Dave]

No the bushing jams the stick. I would be assuming a knee bump if you're saying it went from 4H to 2H.

[pauland]

I live in the Philippines and my Triton MN is left hand drive. Meaning the closest to my knee is the transmission speed shift stick and not the 4x4 system lever. It's unlikely that i bumped it with my knee. We will be going to the trail again soon and see if it happens again. It only happened once and had no chance to replicate the scenario since we are already on our way home then. I'll let you guys know. Appreciate the replies! Happy holidays!

[RHKTriton]

Oh, Left hand drive; that would have saved some brain cells.

Maybe the lever hadn't been pushed fully into position originally?