[DGC]

Hi

I purchased an ex-demonstrator Eclipse Cross CVT 2019 in 2020 with about 3500 on the clock. As the pandemic came about just after I bought it, I've only done 18000 miles now, so it's still like brand new.

Anyway, my question is. Recently, I came to check the CVT transmission fluid and was surprised by what I found. It says in the handbook to only use the correct fluid in the transmission, which should be 'Mitsubishi Motors CVTF-J4', this is also printed around the plastic cap at the top of the dipstick. After doing some research on the Internet about this, I found that this fluid should be green in colour. However, when I checked mine, it was a very pale straw colour, almost clear and akin to gun or clock oil, not a hint of green to be seen though. How could this be, as the car was essentially brand new to me, and although it's been for two main dealer services since I aquired it, I would have thought if it was to be changed at such a low mileage, they would have used the correct Mitsubishi fluid.

Also, what is the correct way to check the CVT fluid level. I've seen differing accounts, so, should it be hot (normal operating temperature) or cold, with the engine running or with the engine stopped?

Many thanks

DC

 

[DibbyDibbyDJ]

J4 is blue in colour when new. With use it starts to go brown in colour. The colour is hard to see against a dipstick. Dribble a drop onto a white surface if you are unsure. Level is checked at normal operating temperature and engine running

 

[DGC]

Hi

I've checked the fluid again and put it on a white cloth, it does indeed look darker, gold/caramel in colour. If I need to top it up at any point, can I just purchase the Mitsubishi recommended fluid and put that in, essentially what I'm saying is, will it mix and work OK? And, if top-up is required, is it the same as checking, normal operating temperature and engine running?

Many thanks

DC

 

[Bonbon]

I'm at 38k kms (23k miles) and showing gold/straw colour. No burnt smell or debris in the fluid, and the local service desk said no concerns at 35k service. I may get a flush in the next couple services as a lot of my miles are mountain passes pinned at 130km/hr.

Have you driven hard while you've had it - towing, loaded down, hard through mountains, very hot/cold etc that would cause early deterioration? My maintenance manual calls for 90k kms normal, 45k kms severe usage; and our trusty online Russian workshop manual calls for 80/40 (50-25k miles). CVT fluid change older thread with snapshots of the manual and a link to it. Expensive 4th Service Vs Reasonable Service Plan this as well, discussing the cost of the fluid..

If you feel you need a top up this early you may want to find out why and look at warranty coverage, but doesn't sound like that's the case.

 

[DGC]

I haven't got any burnt smell or debris in the fluid either, it's pretty clear. No towing with it and I don't drive it hard at all really, I'm not a slow driver, I just don't thrash it, I never kick down and rarely use the paddles. To be honest, it hardly moved very much at all for the first year I had it due to the pandemic lockdown, however I did drive it around on occasions just to keep everything moving and so that nothing seized up.