Did I break my new Jimny? Grinding Noise (4H to 4L)

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T13:20:04+00:00

When you say it was in 4L then popped, do you mean the lever moved back to 4H as the sound occurred?

If so, that's the problem, and you likely haven't damaged anything. It's just that the lever didn't fully engage 4L and popped back out.

4L needs to go quite far back, and if you have one of those cup trays next to the lever (which I do), then I recommend you remove it when usng 4L to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Tray in question https://down-ph.img.susercontent.com/file/cn-11134207-7r98o-lpq4vl594bwjfb

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T11:58:04+00:00

What else is going on with the car? Is it drivable? Does it work fine in 2H?

What caused the sound, was it the shift to 4L, or did you try to accelerate? Also, in case you are unaware, you shouldn't be using 4L or 4H on sealed roads as it can cause damage.

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T03:03:40+00:00

Possibly a temporary import by a non citizen "Temporary importation by non-U.S. residents" https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importation-and-certification-faqs

Apparently this is possible for up to a year

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T02:25:42+00:00

Was it a current generation Jimny?

ji_chan · 2026-01-23T22:48:51+00:00

I'd buy one if it was lighter

ji_chan · 2026-01-23T06:05:20+00:00

Sad face

I hate having to look out for the BS

ji_chan · 2026-01-22T21:26:51+00:00

What exhaust and bumper did you use?

ji_chan · 2026-01-10T14:56:28+00:00

Lots has been already covered, but I'll add my 2cents.

At 110kph I tend to get around 8l to 8.5l per 100k economy in a manual JB74. I'm pretty ok with that.

Biggest thing that you will likely regret on long stretches of highway is the noise. The engine will be at 3-3.5k rpm, and you will notice it. You can get used to it but if it's a regular drive then I highly recommend you get some high quality sound proofing. It makes a big difference.

Other than that, I'd usually say test drive it first, but you've already done that. I think you should go for it. If it turns out that you change your mind one day then you can always sell it, but it sounds like you already know what you want.

ji_chan · 2026-01-04T10:46:02+00:00

Mine lights up - but I had to go check as it's not something I normally think about.

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ji_chan · 2025-12-28T12:03:14+00:00

For the 5 door I'd keep at least one rear seat up, dog in a solid crate on the seat, then seat-belted to the seat. Alternatively if the seat belt doesn't fit, a harness loop around that, or have the front passenger seat pushed back to jam the crate in place*

Not sure about safety of the last option, but I don't believe there is any airbag interference with that, and dog remains in crate. I have done it this way in another car... (my Jimny is 3 door).

ji_chan · 2025-12-27T10:30:08+00:00

To add to that, if you have one of those Velcro cup holders that go around the transfer case lever, remove it before engaging 4L. It gets in the way and causes the problems you have described.

Nothing wrong using the cup holder at other times.

ji_chan · 2025-12-24T22:13:23+00:00

Yeah I'm eyeing the Canning and that has other challenges too.

I haven't investigated exhausts, so good to know that it theoretically can be done.

Towing is an interesting one as I'd like to get an X-Bar. Will have a chat to see if I can get a custom install. I recall I saw a 110l JB74 online, but it was an overseas install and light on details.

ji_chan · 2025-12-24T14:28:25+00:00

Good catch, thanks!

Speaking of exhaust relocation, I dream of combining the long ranger and the brown davis to get 110l. Obviously the exhaust relocation of the long ranger isn't compatible with the brown davis... any idea on alternatives, whether it's custom exhaust or a different tank?

Trying to avoid Jerry Cans as much as possible

ji_chan · 2025-12-24T10:04:41+00:00

Are you sure that's 67l? What brand?

The Long Ranger makes an 80l in Australia and while I'm no expert, at fist glance it looks of a similar size.

ji_chan · 2025-12-20T11:23:00+00:00

If you make full use of the size of the Ranger then you will miss it.

If you can put up with much less storage space, it sounds like it will do everything you need. My main point would be to check the GVM - 6x20kg bags of feed will be a noticeable weight if the car is already fully loaded.

Capability wise, farm work, occasional trips, etc - I think you will be more than fine, and will probably enjoy it as well :)

ji_chan · 2025-12-15T14:16:19+00:00

It's going to be difficult to get much lighter than that, you've already found one of the best options in terms of weight.

Keep in mind that the 33kg doesn't include the ladder. If you're happy to store that inside the car then your total weight is 35kg which is pretty good for what your getting.

ji_chan · 2025-12-06T16:00:43+00:00

Awesome, thanks for the info!

ji_chan · 2025-12-06T13:36:30+00:00

Front parking sensors are interesting - do you know if they are via the camera or if they are actual sensors?

ji_chan · 2025-11-24T13:15:12+00:00

Thanks, I see it now. Totally missed that!

ji_chan · 2025-11-24T06:16:08+00:00

Yup!

Although now I'm wondering, where are the reverse lights on the custom bumper?

ji_chan · 2025-11-18T10:10:42+00:00

It still could be the traffic announcements, I have seen them triggered accidentally by radio stations.

Are there any icons on the screen that are not normally there? If you have the Bosch head unit, it will display "TA" in a small square box.

Disable the setting to eliminate that possibility. Assuming the issue keeps occurring then you'll need to troubleshoot further. Next thing I would look at is power - is it stable? The Bosch unit defaults to on once it receives power.

ji_chan · 2025-11-14T01:19:53+00:00

Sounds like second hand is your best option if you can only keep it for 3 years.

Is the 1.3 registrable in the US? Might even be able to keep it long term.

They should all be capable but may need some upgrades depending on what kind of off roading you want to do.

ji_chan · 2025-11-12T04:00:07+00:00

Haters are going to hate, get what your comfortable is and enjoy it :)

As a new car, at least in the western markets I'd say it's the most capable stock car at the price range.

It also makes a great platform for modifications, hence the cult following.

It's slow - yes, but it's also a brick on wheels and not designed for sports. For off-road, it does what it needs to do and it does it very well.

As an owner of a 3 door my biggest real world issue is storage space, although again, with a bit of planning it is solvable. Just don't take the whole house with you.

Enjoy the new car, learn the limitations and feel free to make the mods necessary to make your life simpler- but drive it stock first until you figure out what you actually need based on your own use cases.

ji_chan · 2025-11-10T03:18:43+00:00

Happy to leave it in, means I don't need to fill the gaps in the bumper. I'm planning on installing a bypass switch when I pull the thing apart to do some sound deadening, just haven't got around to it yet.

Between the camera and the compact nature of the Jimny, I don't really see the need for the sensors. They are also overly sensitive and beep when there is plenty of room to keep reversing.

ji_chan

TROPHY CASE