Jerky autobox

[I-S]

I fear that I may not want to know the answer to this...

The autobox on my car is jerking somewhat. Mainly it's when shifting between 1 and 2 that it's worst (with 3-4 smoothest, although sometimes 3-2 can be neck-snapping if braking down a hill).

The fluid was changed about 3-4 thousand miles ago by mitsu dealer, so I don't think that's the problem. It seemed exacerbated by higher than normal pressure in the front tyres, but it's still happening.

Am I just being paranoid or is there something up with the box. Is there something I can do? There are ATF additives like Wynn's... do they do anything? Any suggestions?

[Kieran]

Issac - what colour is your ATF on the dipstick, and is it the right level? The INVECS is *really* touchy about fluid. The fluid should be BRIGHT red... Reddy-brown means it's struggling, and brown means it needs changing pronto!

I know you had it changed only 3-4K ago, but when Mistubishi did my old GLS, they just dropped out what was in the sump and then refilled it. Fine, but as soon as I started my engine, the 2 plus litres of barbequed fluid curtesy of Castle Combe contaminated the fresh new stuff - instantly reducing the fluid's lubricant properties and it's lifespan. 5,000 miles later and it was changing like a brick :(

So, I did it myself and flushed out all the crap fluid. Problem went away again, and didn't come back!! :-b

See these two threads for more info:

How to:
http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4213&highlight=atf

My story:
http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4117

[I-S]

I checked the dipstick under sodium lighting so couldn't tell you the colour... If that's the case I will be very peeved because they charged quite a bit of money for that.

I've read those threads... I'm not confident to do that myself. Plus I have no ramps or anything....

[Kieran]

I presume they charged around £90? If that's about right..... I bet they've just dropped the sump fluid.

[I-S]

Something like that... Is it worth complaining to them do you think?

[Kieran]

Something like that... Is it worth complaining to them do you think?

Possibly.... You see the service manual CLEARLY documents the flush procedure in the 'change autobox fluid' section.... I never tried though.

[I-S]

So it does....

Hmmm... might have a word with them. No shortage of things to be doing at the minute though...

[I-S]

Right, I've had a closer look.

The fluid isn't bright red. It's mainly red, but not what I'd call bright. Dull maroon perhaps.

The hose connection to the ATF cooler hasn't been disturbed. It's been on ther for some time... They didn't take it off.

And they definately only charged me for 5 litres of fluid.

I noticed the other thread, and have been aware of Amsoil ATF for some time... Is it worth going for? Also, would any kind person here (Kieran?) be willing to give me a hand with doing the fluid change?

[I-S]

Right, I've phoned the dealer who doesn't seem to be particularly interested, particularly given the time elapsed from the work being done. They rejected outright the idea that they hadn't flushed out the torque converter and cooler, despite agreeing that they'd charged for 5 litres of fluid and that a full change requires 7.8 litres.

[Kieran]

They rejected outright the idea that they hadn't flushed out the torque converter and cooler, despite agreeing that they'd charged for 5 litres of fluid and that a full change requires 7.8 litres.

EH?!?!

How can they say they've done a full FLUSH with only 5ltrs of fluid?! The GLS autobox system holds about 7 or 8 litres in total, and obviously, you use more than that when you flush the system......

Depends on how far you want to take it... Think i'd cut my losses, but up to you.

[I-S]

Problem with cutting losses is that I've just bought a house and can't afford to write off £100 of ATF and filter which need replacing again because they did it wrong.

[Kieran]

So, what's the latest then Issac? Any news?....

[I-S]

Mitsubishi won't budge.

I'm letting it lie for now because it's not the biggest problem I have with the car (needs new front offside hub, suspension sorting, service) and I'm moving house soon and trying to get my hifi amp fixed (I work in audio, so that's important), etc, etc, etc.

[autosands]

try having your accumalator seals changed ,the accumalators control the damping of the the gear changes there are 4 off them , 1 for each gear ,they are located under the valvebody which is behind front sump . you will have to get an automatic specialist to do this as there are many pitfalls.

[I-S]

Interesting.... the 1-2 and 2-1 shifts are jerkiest, and 2-3 and 3-2 are jerkier than 3-4 and 4-3.

[Rima]

I fear that I may not want to know the answer to this...

The autobox on my car is jerking somewhat. Mainly it's when shifting between 1 and 2 that it's worst (with 3-4 smoothest, although sometimes 3-2 can be neck-snapping if braking down a hill).


Hi Isaac, any success wit this?

I have noticed 3 times since owning my legnum (around 3 months) travelling in traffic. Complete stop, then slowly accelerating almost to a point where I have to release pressure off accelerator (cars stopped in front) and it goes into second and WAM it is like something hit me. Gives me a huge fright since I am only half awake at that time.

What to do?

[KiwiTT]

I am getting a full flush ... I noticed a little bit of a jerk when changing from 4-5 ... however, only when cold though.

[I-S]

Rima - that's what I get either v.gentle throttle 1-2 or down hill off-throttle 3-2. When I'm done moving house the fluid will be changed.

[marsh]

Now you've got me thinking.

I've just hauled out the invoice from my supposed tranny flush from November. I have a transmission flush at £68, and then the part number MZ312096L Description:SP111 at £76.

Does anyone in the know, know if this is all correct?. If it makes you feel any better Isaac the total was £168!. :|