LoveMyLancer

I have a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES Sedan 2.0L Engine. I think I should put that in my signature.

Anyway, my car is at 88k miles. I recently got a mechanic to change the timing belt and water pump. Afterwards I went to Precision Tune to get an oil change. When they were done they of course told me to all my other fluids were bad and gave me prices for getting those fixed. One of which was my transmission. They said that is the most important and to get that done asap.

Well I know transmissions are a big deal so I've been calling Mitsubishi dealers. Mitsubishi dealers say I should get it done with them because Precision Tune uses some sort of universal transmission fluid, and they use Diamond SPF3 (I think that's what its called) which is only dealers have, and you can only get through special order. They said using anything other than Diamond SPF3 can seriously damage my transmission, and yeah, I believe them.

Problem though is two dealers said I need a flush, and a third said I need a drain and fill. What's the difference?

mci2727

iTrader: (12)

"Flush":
They will drain out fluid, flush cleaning fluid through your tranny and replace filter and add new fluid.

"Drain and fill":
Geto way of doin' it.
All of the above without flush.

I would get the flush.

As far as the fluid, I think that's dealer BS.
However I would take it somewhere you trust, because alot of places will tell you they flushed it when they did not.

But it is recommended you get the flush.
It'll make your trans last longer.
Cleans all the little metal and crap from the system.

LoveMyLancer

I had a feeling that was the difference.

That's always my biggest fear when I get oil changes.

The mechanic I used to replace the timing belt and water pump can do it I think. I would just have to buy the Diamond SPF3 online first, if I can't find it in a regular auto store.

One last thing: I called three different Mitsubishi dealers, and though they all said different things, they all seemed to agree on never changing the filter itself. What's that about?

mci2727

iTrader: (12)

I've never heard this.
I would replace it, can't think of any reason not to.

I do know alot of people have had a hard time finding the filter, but it doesn't make any since not to replace it.
As long as you can find a good replacement.

I have a 5-speed so I've never had to do it.

As far as the fluid;
I would use what I use in all my fluids... Royal Purple.
In your case it would be Royal Purple Max ATF.
http://royalpurple.com/transmission-fluid.html

As you can see it is a replacement for Diamond SP-III.
In my opinion this will be much higher quality then Mitsu's stuff.

Demon_ni2

iTrader: (15)

ive never flushed or replaced the filter on mine.. i was told origonally that we do not have a replaceable filter. i Drain and fill my trans fluid every 15k miles.. 30k miles on a turbo.. no issues. and im at 135k miles on the transmission now.

LoveMyLancer

Thanks for your input. I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm very scared if I use something other than what the dealers are saying I'd mess up my transmission. And I don't exactly have 1,500 (or is it 15k?) lying around to buy a new transmission if anything goes wrong. I feel like I'm in a rock and a hard place, cause the dealers are only going to say so much to try and assure I do business with them. I know that, but at the same time don't wanna take a chance. Kinda stuck.

One dealer said he'd charge $179 to do the flush (not messing with the one who said he'd only do a drain and fill), so, I may have to go that route. The filter thing, though...that is kinda odd.

Photool

iTrader: (6)

If your automatic , their is a transmission filter and you can replace it.

However LOL the location is completly flawed by mitsubishi. Its under the planetary gear box and requires seperation of the transmission to access and slide out the filter.

I say this from pure experience. You can review my thread below.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/la...oing-back.html

As far as the flush its one of those things the dealership will push on you and charge roughly around $199 for it.

I use Royal Purple transmission fluid.

LoveMyLancer

I have an automatic Mitsubishi Lancer ES Sedan, 2.0L Engine, 2006.

So, because its hard to get to, they say DON'T change it? Couldn't that lead to problems, driving around with clean transmission fluid but a dirty filter? And yeah, one place said $179 for the flush.

Green_Bandit

iTrader: (25)

Geez, didn't you guys read the thread. The filter is metal. You don't replace it.

Photool

iTrader: (6)

This filter is not replaceable during normal maintenance. Replacement of this filter requires removal and disassembly of the transmission. If you feel like thats what you want to do and have a hoist/ proper tools to dismantle the transmission by all means you can. The hazzle isnt worth it and if your not familiar with the transmission , I would not even mess with it. Just flush/drain all the fluid and then add new fluid and you will be fine. The filter has a high longevity and can handle high mileage .





Here is what it actually looks like:

RDSSPIEGEL

adding on to the topic:

Well after much consideration I am goin to flush the transmission. Ive read all the pros and cons of the situation so i figured, ill take the plunge now.

here are my details:

2003 OZ Lancer

137K miles
its always been on the severe scheduel of maintnance
Always been serviced on time( couple times, went over a bit)
as for the transmission I have 60k-90k-and 101k miles drain and fills.

Ill be back with the Good or crying news

squid267

iTrader: (4)

please keeep us posted. Take pictures!

YeOldeLancer

iTrader: (2)

I drive an 09 Lancer GTS and have no clue on transmissions. Do manuals have a dipstick that we can check? Do manuals need to have the tranny oil changed? It's got 38K miles on it and the only reason I'm thinking about it is because it is on the "Regular Maintenance Schedule" in the handbook (to check oil level and condition)

I have an appointment tomorrow but i won't take it in if it's not necessary.

Thanks in advance!

Sorry Wrong Thread. Can this be moved to the 08+ section? Thanks!

mci2727

iTrader: (12)

No, manuals do not have a dip stick.
Yes it does need to be changed, not sure what your manual says about mileage but I would think about every 40k.
You do also need to check level every once in awhile.
To check level, you have to get under car and remove the fill plug.
Fluid should be at very bottom of fill hole on level ground.

YeOldeLancer

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! Very helpful. I will do more research and get more prices on a tranny flush and fill!