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Check the console switch for 2nd gear start, "snow/ ice" mode.


^Forgot about that.

The trans has the three modes, power, normal, hold. If your light is burned out in the dash you might have it in "hold" which starts it in 2nd gear instead of first. I don't think there is an indicating light for "normal", just "power" and "hold".

The Montero trans are pretty stout. Usually no problems with them. I like to run the OEM Mitsu fluid in mine just for the piece of mind. I would double check ATF level and condition.