The CVT transmission in Mitsubishi models has proven reliability and good performance.
But in order to avoid problems, the correct selection of oil for the Mitsubishi CVT is important, because the use of a lubricant that does not meet the car manufacturer’s tolerances can lead to failure of the variator, followed by expensive repairs.
But how to choose the right oil and not buy counterfeit? What should you pay attention to?
What kind of oil to pour into a Mitsubishi variator
For Mitsubishi Lancer X and other cars of the specified manufacturer, the use of variator oil from Jatco model JF011E (article MD978375), designed taking into account the operating characteristics of CVT, is required.
Original oils
Initially, the CVTs of the Mitsubishi Outlander 3 and other models are filled with CVT oil - CVTF with index J1. Subsequently, during operation, it is possible to use the specified original fluid or Mitsubishi CVT Fluid J4 with an improved formula (article MZ320262 for a four-liter canister).
Price Mitsubishi CVT Fluid ECO 4L volume – from 4,000 rubles.
Counterfeit products are not uncommon, given the high cost of lubricant. Counterfeit Mitsubishi CVT Fluid oil can be identified by characteristic features:
an uneven line of a light insert at the end of the container to determine the level of liquid in the canister;
easy erasure (or absence) of the batch number and production date code, written in green or black letters and numbers on the back of the container.
To avoid buying counterfeit products, you need to contact trusted suppliers.
Analogs
In addition to the original CVT fluid, you can use analogues. Possible replacement options are Nissan lubricant (NS-2), Elf ElfMatic CVT, Pentosin CVT 1 and other oils that meet the manufacturer’s tolerances.
If you do not have experience in choosing CVT oils, you can contact the “CVT Repair Center No. 1”. Experts will help you choose the right product. You can get additional free consultation by phone: Moscow –, St. Petersburg. We accept calls from all regions of the country.
When should the oil be changed in a Mitsubishi variator?
The average frequency of oil changes in a Mitsubishi CVT is after a mileage of 100 to 150 thousand km. But to avoid problems with the CVT transmission, it is better to change the fluid after 90,000 km.
Signs that replacement is needed:
excessive engine vibration;
difficulties when changing the speed limit;
slow speed increase;
jerks and jolts when moving.
During operation, wear products accumulate in the oil. As a result, it loses its characteristics.
Under intense loads on the CVT, a lubricant change may be required at a mileage of 50 thousand km or less, taking into account the condition of the fluid and symptoms during operation of the box.
How often do you change the oil in a Mitsubishi CVT? Do you do it yourself or do you prefer to entrust the work to specialists from the service? Write in the comments.
Differences between CVTs on Outlander XL and Outlander 3
Many motorists are skeptical about CVTs, preferring to purchase cars with an automatic transmission. This is mainly due to the capriciousness of the mechanics. By right, in previous models of Outlanders, the transmission was noisy and also had poor speed dynamics. In the third generation, the manufacturer improved the mechanism. Thus, Outlander 3 cars have great acceleration properties. In addition, the gearbox operates in silent mode.
How to check the oil level
Periodically you need to check the oil level in the Mitsubishi CVT box to prevent its volume from falling below the set level. To do this you will need:
- Start the car, drive for some distance until it warms up a little to a temperature of more than 70 degrees.
- Place the machine on a flat surface.
- Move the switch lever to any position to fill the torque converter with oil, then set it to “P” or “N” mode.
- Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off from grease, then put it back in place and check the fluid level after removing it again. With normal volume, the indicator should be between the HOT marks.
A deviation upward or downward indicates, respectively, an excess or deficiency of transmission oil.
Is it necessary to reset the counter?
Motorists who operate cars with CVT transmissions installed on them are naturally interested in one question. It concerns whether the counter needs to be reset.
The answer here is clear. On vehicles with CVT, zeroing is a mandatory procedure. If you are serviced by an authorized dealer, the specialists themselves will be able to reset the sensor and begin a new aging count. Performing a reset yourself is more difficult.
Many service books state that it is necessary to reset the oil aging sensor in the box. There are 2 main reasons why this is done:
- This information makes it clear in what mode the car and the variator itself are operated. That is, specialists and ordinary motorists can find out if there are problems with the CVT after its last reset.
- If you remove the oil aging sensor on the variator after replacing it, this makes it easier to determine the next replacement date in the future.
- On some cars, if you do not reset the parameters, the meter will cause an error to appear when connecting specialized diagnostic equipment.
From the position of a car owner, he does not really need such information. But this is a good way to find out the details of the operation of a car with a CVT when buying a car on the secondary market.
The presence of errors when connecting a diagnostic device or a large number of points over a short period of operation allows us to naturally assume that the variator was operated in very difficult conditions, and therefore quite serious problems may arise with it in the near future. The buyer would rather refuse to buy such a car.
Alas, CVTs are still far from perfect. These are the most vulnerable and delicate gearboxes, very susceptible to stress. The delicacy of CVT forces buyers in the secondary market to be extremely careful when purchasing used cars with a CVT.
Only after making sure that the variator was not loaded and was operating normally can you agree to the deal. An oil aging meter will provide significant assistance in this matter.
Replacement procedure
If the mileage exceeds the indicator established in the operating manual, or signs appear indicating the need for replacement, you need to drain the old CVT oil and fill in new one.
Tools and consumables
To change the oil in the Mitsubishi Outlander XL variator and other car models, you will need to prepare a set of consumables and spare parts:
- original lubricant in a volume of up to 12 liters (taking into account the consumption for flushing). Three 4 liter canisters will cost from 12,000 rubles. and more expensive;
- upper filter - from 900 rubles;
- sealing the filter element - from 120 rubles;
- gasket on the drain plug - from 60 rubles;
- rubber sealing ring - from 180 rubles;
- pan seal (with complete replacement) – from 900 rubles.
You also need open-end or socket wrenches 10 and 19, a 10-liter container (to drain old oil), flushing fluid, a watering can, rubber gloves and clean rags.
Removing old oil
Algorithm for removing old fluid from a Mitsubishi CVT:
- Warm up the variator after driving a certain distance.
- Drive the car into a pit or lift it with a lift.
- Remove the protective element on the box and pull out the dipstick.
- Substituting the container, unscrew the drain plug and release the oil.
Hands should be wearing rubber gloves. The container is held until the lubricant stops flowing out of the box.
Flushing during complete replacement
If there is a lot of metal shavings and debris in the used oil, the Mitsubishi CVT box will need to be flushed. The work is performed in the following sequence:
- After draining the old grease, tighten the plug.
- Fill in 6 liters of new oil and replace the dipstick.
- Start the engine and hold it at idle for up to three minutes.
- Move the switch to different positions, holding it for up to half a minute in each mode. The number of switchings is at least 10.
Afterwards the engine is turned off and the lubricant is drained.
Replacing the filter and cleaning the pan
To replace the filter elements and clean the pan, you must:
- Remove the air duct by unclipping the plastic fasteners and pulling them up.
- Remove the pan and remove any remaining lubricant.
- Check the condition of the crankcase, magnets, and other parts of the variator that are accessible for inspection.
- Replace the pan filter (removing three bolts with a 10-head head), installing a new seal.
- Clean dirt from magnets.
- Wipe the inner surface of the tray with a clean rag after treating with a degreaser.
- Remove the battery along with the fasteners.
- Remove the heat exchanger.
- Remove the old one and install a new filter on the variator, replacing the rubber seal.
The mechanism is assembled in reverse order. Instead of dismantling the battery, to access the heat exchanger, you can remove the front wheel on the driver's side by jacking up the car.
Filling in new fluid
To fill new transmission oil into a Mitsubishi CVT, you will need:
- Insert the watering can into the filling hole.
- Fill the liquid to the required level (about 6 l).
- Start the engine, wait a few minutes (when idling).
- Check the oil level again, top up if necessary.
Make sure there are no leaks after installing the filler plug.
Is calibration necessary after replacement?
The manufacturer recommends that after replacing the transmission fluid in the Mitsubishi Outlander 3 variator, calibrate the box and reset the oil aging counter.
This operation can be performed by connecting the ELM 327 diagnostic adapter to the vehicle's control unit. The use of CVTZ50 or other specialized software will be required.
After connecting and checking the operation of the system, the grease aging counter is reset in the menu.
Answers to frequently asked questions
In conclusion, here are some answers to the most popular questions on this topic.
What is oil degradation and how to reset the meter
Oil degradation is its aging, with deterioration of properties during operation. The electronic transmission system awards points based on the temperature of the oil in the box.
The meter readings do not affect the operation of the unit in the Mitsubishi Outlander. In order to provide correct information during subsequent computer diagnostics of the variator, the manufacturer recommends resetting this data when replacing the fluid. Therefore, this manipulation is mandatory if maintenance is carried out at a service station.
To do this, connect a laptop or smartphone with the necessary software to the control unit via an adapter, making appropriate changes to the equipment settings.
What filters are changed when changing the oil on a Mitsubishi Outlander
Usually, when replacing fluid in a Mitsubishi Outlander XL variator, the cartridge with a fine filter is changed. Just wash the filter element on the pan and put it back in place.
Fine filter
How many liters of oil will be needed for a partial change?
When partially changing the oil in the transmission of a Mitsubishi Outlander 2016 or other model years, about 8 liters of fluid will be required. The exact volume is determined taking into account the amount of drained waste and the readings on the dipstick.
