Daihatsu Fourtrak Common Problems and Solutions
Overheating Engine during Normal Driving
Problem:
You're not towing anything, and you're taking a short drive, but the engine is overheating quickly.
Solution:
While there are lots of possible causes for an overheating engine, your first check with the Fourtrak should always be your radiator matrix. This is very prone to blockages. Remove it and give it a good clean, and the overheating should stop.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
When you're towing a heavy load, the engine starts to overheat earlier than you'd expect.
Solution:
This is very common on the Fourtrak, but it's an easy fix. A slipping viscous fan is causing the overheating in your clutch, which we always have in stock and available for rapid delivery. It's an easy installation job too.
Difficulty level
Viscous Fan
Slow To Start From Cold
Problem:
The car's performance is fine, but it takes multiple attempts to start when the engine is cold.
Solution:
Order some new glow plugs from our parts list and easily install them to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Glow Plug
Knocking Sound In 3rd Gear
Problem:
You can hear a knocking sound when you move into 3rd gear, and it persists until you change to another gear. You may find it harder to move out of 3rd gear than you used to.
Solution:
This is very common on the Fourtrak, and it's being caused by a loose nut that holds together the sliding synchro hubs and cones. Annoyingly, for such a small fault, this is a time-heavy fix. You can order a replacement nut from our parts list easily enough, but then you have to remove the gearbox. That means detaching all of the switches, wires, props, gear levers, and breather pipes. Then you have to drain the oil before getting under the car. You can then see the nut at the rear of the gearbox. Doing this repair job yourself will inevitably lead to gasket damage (even a trained mechanic can't avoid this), so you'll need to order some gasket paper and apply it with some sealant.
Difficulty level
4 wheel drive problem
Problem:
If you have been experiencing any problems with engaging/disengaging your 4 wheel drive, then it could be caused by two different problems. It could either be the prop shaft, or the vacuum switches causing the fault. If it is the prop shaft which is faulty, you will most likely be hearing a clicking or grating noise. Remember that there is a different vacuum switch for each function.
Solution:
Once you have identified if it is the prop shaft or a vacuum switch which is causing the fault, you will need to fit a replacement part to sort the issue.
Difficulty level
Prop Shaft
Rear suspension fault
Problem:
Can you hear a knocking noise coming from the rear suspension, as you drive over rough surfaces or bumps? If so, then the most likely cause are faulty rear trailing arm bushes. You may also feel a twitching from this area as you exit corners.
Solution:
You will need to fit replacement trailing arm bushes, in order to fix this problem. Watch the video below, to see how to replace these bushes.
Difficulty level
Gearbox problems
Problem:
Have you noticed the gears crunching, when you are changing them? Changing into and out of second gear seems to be the most common gear for crunching. If you have this problem, it is usually caused by a faulty syncromesh. This gearbox is known for being notchy, when changing gears, but you should not have the crunching noise.
Solution:
It can be very expensive to replace the syncromesh and in most cases it is actually cheaper to purchase a second-hand gearbox. We can help you to find a replacement gearbox, at a very low price.
Difficulty level
