A/T Fluid Replacement

If you have an A/T fluid changer, use this changer to replace the A/T fluid. If you do not have an A/T fluid changer, replace the A/T fluid by the following procedure.

1. Disconnect the hose shown in the illustration which connects the transaxle and the oil cooler (inside the radiator). Place a container under the hose to collect the discharge.
   CAUTION: The engine should be stopped within one minute after it is started. If the A/T fluid has all drained out before then, the engine should be stopped at that point.
   1. Discharge volume: Approximately 3.5 dm ³  (3.7 quarts) 
      Fig 1: Disconnecting Hose For A/T Fluid Replacement

      Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
2. Start the engine and let the A/T fluid drain out.
   1. Running conditions: "N" range with engine idling 
3. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the transaxle case to drain the A/T fluid.
   1. Discharge volume: Approximately 2.0 dm ³  (2.1 quarts) 
4. Install the drain plug with a new gasket, and tighten it to the specified torque.
   1. Tightening torque: 32 +/- 2 N.m (24 +/- 1 ft-lb) 
   CAUTION: Stop pouring if the full volume of A/T fluid cannot be poured in.
   Fig 2: Identifying Transaxle Case Drain Plug

   Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
5. Pour new A/T fluid (DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent) in through the oil filter tube.
   1. Adding volume: Approximately 5.5 dm ³  (5.8 quarts) 
6. Repeat the procedure in Step  2. (to pump out the rest of the contaminated A/T fluid)
7. Pour the new A/T fluid in through the oil filler tube.
   1. Adding volume: Approximately 3.5 dm ³  (3.7 quarts) 
   NOTE: Check for contamination or burnt smell. If fluid is still contaminated or burnt, repeat Steps 6 and 7 before proceeding to Step 8.
8. Reconnect the hose which was disconnected in step 1, and firmly replace the dipstick.
9. Start the engine and run it at idle for one to two minutes.
10. Move the selector lever through all positions, and then move it to the "N" position.
    Fig 3: Reconnecting Hose For A/T Fluid Replacement

    Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
11. Check that the A/T fluid level is at the "COLD" mark on the dipstick. If the level is lower than this, pour in more A/T fluid.
12. Drive the vehicle until the A/T fluid temperature rises to the normal temperature [70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F)], and then check the A/T fluid level again. The A/T fluid level must be at the "HOT" mark.
    NOTE: The A/T fluid temperature is measured with scan tool (MUT-II).
    NOTE: The "COLD" level is for reference only; the "HOT" level should be regarded as the standard level.
    NOTE: If it takes some amount of time until the A/T fluid reaches its normal operating temperature [70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F)], check the A/T fluid level by referring to the left diagram.
    Fig 4: Locating HOT Mark On Dipstick

    Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
13. When A/T fluid is under the specified level, pour in more A/T fluid. When A/T fluid is under the specified level, drain the excessive A/T fluid from the drain plug to adjust A/T fluid level to the specified level.
14. Firmly insert the dipstick into the oil filler tube.
    Fig 5: A/T Fluid Level Graph

    Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.