I own a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer ES. Since this wasn’t a problem before the fluid was changed, I was looking to change it myself. I’m familiar enough with belt replacements, brake pads and oil+filter changes. I know how to change the the cvt fluid, but I can’t seem to find anywhere online that suggests whether or not I need to use a washer when replacing the trans fluid sump plug.
My next question was, if cvt fluid replacement is so reliant on the amount you had in the transmission before you refill, how can I be sure that the mechanics who previously worked on the car put in the correct amount of fluid? I do have a dipstick, but I’ve been told already that the low to full meter on the dipstick isn’t exact enough for a fluid change.
Speaking of which, on the trans dipstick, the liquid is still very dark. I mean greyish red dark. It doesn’t look like they actually flushed the transmission. Maybe they just drained it and topped it up? I’m not sure. But they charged for a “flush”.
To add to my confusion, they didn’t replace the filter. I mean if you’re flushing the transmission, just throw another $70 in there and replace the filter right?
I’m open to being called an idiot, happy to be told not to attempt this job on my own. This is just my first step in working out what the hell these mechanics have done to my car.
Big thanks for any advice.
Some cvt filter in order to be replaced need the whole transmission to be torn down. On your bill does it give you a part number of the fluid the shop used? Make sure it’s the right one
Reddish fluid sounds like they put automatic transmission fluid in your CVT transmission. Don’t drive it anymore. Call the shop to confirm the color of their CVT fluid. Most often it’s a lightish green. If they confirm this, have them tow the car back and flush the fluid multiple times. That greyish part you mention makes it sound like the damage is already done, so they might be on the hook to replace your transmission.
If you paid for a flush, they likely used a machine to exchange the fluid. Very few shops will replace the filter with these services.
CVT fluid for the that transmission is red
They either didn’t add enough, too much, or filters weren’t changed.
There’s always a chance incorrect fluid was used when you pay someone else to do a job and a chance they won’t own up to it.
Changing the filters is a pain and time consuming. They likely just didn’t want to.
The dip stick is accurate. It’s literally the same as if you were changing your oil