Help! Issues after running over metal object on highway.

BayMonty

Member
On the way to work this morning, I ran over a metal object on the highway going about 70mph. The car in front of me was about 4-5 car lengths ahead and veered to the left and I unfortunately didn't react in time. I ran over the object with my front right tire and immediately the orange "anti-lock" light pops on the dash. I pulled off the highway to check the tire and everything seemed good. No punctures, no leaks, etc. I continue to drive hoping it would turn off, but it's still on as of this afternoon. In addition, I noticed that it's very hard to get the Montero above 3000rpm. Flooring it doesn't have much effect. Overdrive is on. Turning it off it jumps to 3500-4000 rpm. Not sure if this was always how it was, or if it is normal, but just wondering if anyone has experienced the same thing. Help!
 

coffeegoat

Adventurer
I don't know on the gen 2, but on the gen 3 the abs sensor is relatively exposed to potential damage. You can pull the ABS codes using the blinking light method, that will help track it down.
 

BayMonty

Member
Found it. The right rear ABS sensor wiring was cut by the object. Looking at OEM, I can get it for a little more than $200. Has anyone tried the eBay ABS sensors?
 

BayMonty

Member
I've used cheap ABS sensors, hasn't been a problem.

Just ordered a cheap ABS sensor from eBay. Seller ratings were good so we'll see what happens. I also called into local Mitsu dealers and they all said the part is obsolete now, so the only option is used or aftermarket.
 

BayMonty

Member
There are several factors that can produce that effect, need to go through them one by one to narrow it down. Also wouldn't hurt if you shared what year and model your Montero is since each generation is very different and there were four different engines in gen2/2.5. Problems could be plugged fuel filter (if it's 20 years old just replace it they're 5-10 bucks), failing fuel pump, failed TPS, incorrectly adjusted TV cable, failing or dirty or disconnected MAF, dying ignition transistor module (which often is a result of a missing or damaged ignition noise capacitor), failing ignition coil, wiring short (these are becoming more common recently as the insulation on a lot of wiring is starting to turn into chalk from age and heat.. particularly on top of the engine), poor engine grounding, dying CPS, damaged ignition wires, ancient spark plugs gapped too huge from age..

It's going to take inspecting everything (which isn't an awful idea anyway)

Thank you for this info Shovel. I'll try to get to all of this ASAP. Really appreciated!

1997 Montero LS 3.5L

Just did all the major maintenance. New fuel filter, plugs and wires...along with all components for the timing belt/water pump job. ALL fluids replaced. I'll update as I get through the list.

It's looking half decent and actually running pretty smooth other than the 3000 rpm problem. Fuel economy is spot on what it should be getting. Obviously I've got to fix the rpm issue, change out the ABS sensor and solve the brake light issue and then it should be all good. I've already ordered a new cap, diaphragm, and float valve for the master cylinder. Hopefully that solves it. Hopefully those last two lights will remain off after these fixes.

Thanks again

507359
 
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BayMonty

Member
How's the temperature? Any check engine lights?

It's also possible a choked up cat could give you the lack of cojones at high rpm or load... you could potentially run a bore scope in an o2 sensor bung to get an idea of the condition in there. Since you're in CA there is good and bad news.... the good news is replacement cats are available (can't buy federal Y-pipes anymore...) the bad news is, well they cost real money. In AZ if we have a CA truck we can get universal cats welded in way way way cheaper but I guess that's less an option on your side of the border, even if the aftermarket universal cats are just as good for the environment they don't pass the visual

No CEL. Temperature is perfect (middle while driving). Oil pressure is about spot on (50-60psi cold start - 15psi at warm idle 30+/-psi driving). I do have access to CARB 50 state legal cats.
 

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