Transmission Fluid Replacement

If you have an transmission fluid changer, use it to replace the transmission fluid. If you do not have an transmission fluid changer, replace the transmission fluid by the following procedure.

1. Disconnect the hose shown in the illustration which connects the transmission 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 all the transmission fluid has drained out before then, the engine should be stopped at that point.
   Fig 1: Disconnecting Hose

   Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
2. Start the engine and let the transmission fluid drain out. (Running conditions: "N" range with engine idling.)
   1. Discharge volume: Approximately 4.0 dm ³  (4.2 quarts) 
3. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the transmission case to drain the transmission fluid.
   1. Discharge volume: Approximately 2.0 dm ³  (2.1 quarts) 
   Fig 2: Removing Drain Plug

   Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
4. Install the drain plug with a new gasket, and tighten it to the specified torque.
   1. Tightening torque: 39 +/- 5 N.m (29 +/- 3 ft-lb) 
   CAUTION: Stop pouring if the full volume of transmission fluid can not be added.
5. Add new transmission fluid (DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent) through the oil filter tube.
   1. Adding volume: Approximately 6.0 dm ³  (6.3 quarts) 
6. Repeat the procedure in Step  2. (to pump out the rest of the contaminated transmission fluid)
7. Add new transmission fluid (DIAMOND ATF SP III or equivalent) through the oil filler tube.
   1. Adding volume: Approximately 4.0 dm ³  (4.2 quarts) 
   NOTE: Check for contamination or a burnt odor. If the transmission fluid is still contaminated or burnt, repeat Steps  6 and  7 before proceeding to Step 8.
8. Reconnect the hose and firmly replace the dipstick.
   Fig 3: Reconnecting Hose

   Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
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.
11. Check that the transmission fluid level is at the "COLD" mark on the dipstick. If the level is less than this, add transmission fluid.
    Fig 4: Checking Transmission Fluid Level Is At "COLD" On Dipstick

    Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
12. Drive the vehicle until the transmission fluid temperature rises to the normal operating temperature [70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F)], and then check the transmission fluid level again. The transmission fluid level must be at the "HOT" mark.
    NOTE: The transmission fluid temperature is measured with scan tool MB991502 (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 transmission fluid reaches its normal operating temperature [70 - 80 °C (158 - 176°F)], check the transmission fluid level by referring to the left diagram.
    Fig 5: Fluid Level Graph

    Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
13. When the transmission fluid is less than the specified level, add transmission fluid.

    When the transmission fluid is greater than the specified level, drain the excess fluid through the drain plug to adjust the transmission fluid to the specified level.

14. Firmly insert the dipstick into the oil filler tube.