Do your Mitsubishi transmission slip, erratic shifting, and hesitating when shifting gears? Learn how to fix the problem by checking the ATF fluid level and adding ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) to your Mitsubishi.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to check transmission fluid levels on Mitsubishi vehicles such as Lancer, Outlander, Mirage, Eclipse, Galant, ASX, Carisma, etc.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of low transmission fluid level include:
- Hesitation shifting gears
- Erratic shifting
- Transmission surges into gear
- Delayed gear engagement
- Transmission slipping
- Transmission wines (similar noise to low power steering fluid)
Insufficient fluid or excessive fluid could cause transmission problems.
What you will need
- Mitsubishi Transmission Fluid
- Clean lint-free cloth
Only use the recommended fluid type noted in your Owner’s manual.
Procedure
How To Check Mitsubishi Automatic Transmission Fluid Level:
- Drive the Mitsubishi for 15 min to warm up the transmission fluid.
- Park the Mitsubishi on level ground and set the parking brakes.
- Start the engine, and move the transmission shifter between all the gears with the brakes applied. Move the shifter into Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low gears stopping for a few seconds on each gear. Move the shifter back in Park and allow the engine to idle.
- Pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood.
Locate the transmission dipstick and pull it up. 
Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth.
Re-insert the dipstick making sure it is fully inserted, then remove after a couple of seconds.
Note the transmission fluid level. It should be between the Max and Min lines marked with an H for Hot. If you are measuring the transmission fluid without warming up the car, the level should be in the C – Cold range. 
If the level is below the Min mark, add transmission fluid level via the dipstick tube. Wait a few minutes and recheck the level. Do not overfill past the MAX line.
If your Mitsubishi has started to shift erratically, the problem could be a low transmission fluid level. Before you spend money on transmission repairs or diagnostics, check the transmission fluid level.
Notes
- Make sure the engine is running when checking the transmission fluid level.
- Do not overfill the transmission with fluid past the Max line, as this can cause shifting problems and even damage your transmission.
- There are several Mitsibushi transmission fluid types. Only use what is recommended in your Owner’s manual.
- Before starting the warm-up trip, follows the same steps in this guide to check that there is transmission fluid. The level should be in the C (cold) marks of the dipstick.
Recommended Mitsubishi Transmission Fluid
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-III ATF
- Mitsubishi Transmission Fluid for the 3 and 4, and 5-speed automatic transmissions
- Most common Automatic Transmission except for 6 Speed and CVT
- Meets requirements of SP II
- Part number MZ320200
- Used in most 2000-2011 models such as Eclipse, Endeavor, Glanat, I-MIEV, Lancer, Mirage, Montero, and Outlander.
- Also for Kia and Hyundai vehicles that require SPIII Automatic transmission fluid.
Mitsubishi J4 (J1) CVT Transmission Fluid
- Lancer, Outlander and Outlander Sport Models with CVT transmission 2008 – 2018
- Total transmission capacity: is 4.2 Quarts.
- Part number MZ320185
- J4 replaced the J1 CVT Fluid. If your Owner’s manual says to use J1, you can use J4 as well.
Mitsubishi J2 Automatic Transmission Fluid
- 6 Speed Automatic Transmission
- Outlander V6 3.0L Engine 2007 – 2009
- Part number MZ313771
- Capacity: 4.0 Quarts.
We hope you find the Mitsubishi Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Level guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mitsubishi.
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