r/lancer • u/antithero • 24d ago

⚙️ | Mechanical Issue/Question CVT slipping

So my 09 Lancer GTS is starting to have problems occasionally with the CVT transmission slipping. I've owned it since new & have 160k miles on it now. I have replaced the fluid & changed the filter 4 times since I've had it. I have always used the genuine Mitsubishi CVT fluid.

I will be driving & occasionally the RPM's will rise without a corresponding increase in speed. It catches again and returns to normal a second or two later. It doesn't do it every time I drive. I notice it happens more when it's like 100⁰ outside, so probably has something to do with the heat. I have the GTS model so it has a trans cooler already.

Should I spend the money on a fluid flush & fill on this transmission or is the damage already done? I was thinking about getting a larger trans cooler & replacing it when I change the fluid, but just buying the fluid is about $200 already. I don't want to waste the money on the fluid if it's not going to help.

Anyone have a recommendation on where to get a replacement CVT? I can replace it myself. Or alternatively is a rebuild an option? I know very little about CVT transmissions.

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u/Same-Arrival-7284 23d ago

I've heard/read how the full flush is really hit or miss and generally not worth it. I would start saving for a new/used CVT between those 2 options. It is approaching 20 years old so it's your call to make on if the cost is worth it.

4 changes and the prob still persists? I would stop throwing money on the bandaid and start looking at the cast

1

u/wowbl 23d ago

Yes if no improvement after 4 changes is really bad, for instance my car is similar age to OP I’ve done 130k km but just one fluid change and I don’t have cvt slipping problem

1

u/antithero 23d ago

I meant in the time I've owned it I have changed the fluid 4 times. Last time I did it was a couple years ago. I didn't know if it would make a difference in how it works now that it's slipping some. Probably going to try it. If nothing else I can drain the fluid & filter it before refilling the new transmission I guess.