ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

First of all this is the best forums I've seen that covers topics of CVT fluid for Mitsubishi transmissions.

My story is, Im thinking about purchasing a nice Outlander MY07 (1st CVT model in the range, I believe its a Jatco unit) Car drives good only have been up to 60kph in it.

Currently the fluid on the CVT dipstick looks like this, red-ish/brown colour just where its thin on the. I guess Crimson colour.



Car has done 97,000kms, serviced by independent mechanic at 93,000km. Previously CVT Fluid should have been changed at dealership at 40000km (for 45,000km service) I've confirmed it went to a dealership for service but no fine details on fluid change. should be standard practise.
Note - 4wd model needs change at 45,000km & 90,000km.

I called Mitsubishi and they said the colour of their CVT fluid is red/Golden.. Then online you see ppl saying its green.

Im wondering if the aftermarket CVT fluid is Crimson colour from new..

Car has done 4,000km after last servicing. From the colour would think its old fluid if oem is red/golden or aftermarket ?

Any expert advice if I should be worried by the above or not ?

Just hear horror stories online about CVT transmissions dying after fluid not changed or incorrect fluid etc.

Just wondering if I should be okay or not as long as I change the fluid asap.

Ha! Mitsubishi quoted $4100 for a rebuilt CVT transmission and $6900 for new.. which is almost the cost of the car

Also anyone know of any places in Victoria that rebuilds CVT transmissions ? Doesn't look like they have that many parts inside.

well, for piece of mind. Id change the fluid to CASTROL TRANSMAX CVT. Its Goldish colour and you will know its good

CVT transmissions usally have early signs of it going. Like it might slip gears, strange noise coming from the tranny area , things like that. Other then that, if its behaving like it should then your sweet. But again, If i personally dont change it myself, i wont know whats in the car.

Maybe change fluids ?

Yeah when I went for a test drive, it was very tight and drove great. Speeding up to 60 kph briefly, rpm was at probably around 3000 when getting up to speed.

Since I normally drive a manual (Nissan 300zx) kind of gave the same feeling as if the clutch was starting to slip (slightly higher rpms) but that's normal for CVT I believe.

I listened hard for strange sounds/wizzing/wherring sounds but couldn't really hear anything.

I fix my own cars so I always listen out for strange sounds.

Cheers, its probably ok risk as long as I change the fluid straight away.

In general would CVT issues trip engine check light at all. Seller did mention that it came up briefly for a few minutes but he hasn't really driven the car in 2 months which might be the reason. (seller has a bigger family car now)

I think CVT would trip an overheat slowdown message and that's probably it.

Yeah CVT's to me sound like theyre always slipping haha

If you can, chuck it tip tronic or manual mode.. In 4th gear or 5th, and go full throttle and see if the clutch feels like its slipping.

For fluid, id personally change it for piece of mind !

Yeah, ive heard they tend to be a little whiney on low rpms. Even my car, Lancer 2010 Manual gearbox tends to whine a little around 1000-1500 rpms but nothing to be worried about now.

And yeah, heard ALOT! That the CVTS tend to over heat. There is CVT coolers on the market but thats as far as my knowledge goes for CVTS.

As for the Engine light, i can scan your car at the next meet (FREE) and see what codes its popping up for piece of mind

I've finally purchased an Outlander.. Pretty impressed by it.

Purchased a different newer one (MY11) for not much more with lower km's.

Went with 2WD version as well since it seems like it would be easier on the CVT (double service interval for fluid change compared to 4WD).

Fluid still golden-ish, but I'll get it replaced anyways.

I've already got a elm327 interface, plugged in and scanned with my phone. no error codes came up so far. only driven it for 35km's so far.

Drove it on the freeway and manually put it into 5th/6th was very solid.

Only strange sound is a very faint central rotational rattle sound that is hard to replicate. Think it only happens after its warmed up a bit (fluid expanded?) , slowly going up a gentle incline at low speeds (35km to 45km). I normally gently back off and push on the accelerator gently , so I can hear the noise over the engine. If Im heavy on the accelerator or speed up over 45km noise disappears.

My CVT fluid seems to be a little over when cold and warm (after going through all the gear positions) by about 0.3 - 0.4 cm on the dip stick.

Thinking maybe if its alittle over CVT box might produce other sounds as the fluid gets hotter.

Not sure if that above noise is normal for CVT's.. first time I've had one..