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.