ATF replacement
1. ATF replacement should be carried out on a regular basis, in accordance with the vehicle's routine maintenance schedule (see Section Mitsubishi Galant/Mirage/Diamante Routine Maintenance Schedule). Before proceeding with the procedure, warm up the transmission by driving the vehicle for a short (about 20 minutes) trip.
2. Prepare fresh transmission fluid of the correct grade (see Specifications at the beginning of the chapter).
3. Other tools and materials necessary for the upcoming procedure include: a trolley jack, props for fixing the car in a raised position, a drain tank with a volume of at least 7 ÷ 10 liters (depending on the vehicle model, see Specification) and a supply of rags and old newspapers.
4. Park the vehicle on a level, hard paved area, jack it up and place it on jack stands so that the transmission oil pan drain plug is easily accessible.
5. Place a drain container and all necessary equipment under the transmission oil pan. Try not to touch the heated components of the power unit and the exhaust system located under the bottom of the car. Having properly placed the receiving container, unscrew the drain plug - in order to avoid rounding of the slots of the head, use a ring wrench to release the plug. When the outflow of liquid stops completely, wipe the drain plug, screw it into its regular place and tighten with the required force (30÷35 Nm). Check the condition of the drained fluid.
Attention! If the drained ATF has a dark (brown or black) color, has lost transparency or smells of burning, you should contact the car service specialists in order to check the condition and necessary repair of the internal components of the AT!
6. The final drive differential drain plug is also located at the bottom of the transmission case. Move the drain pan appropriately, remove the plug with a spanner wrench, and drain the fluid from the differential assembly. When the outflow of liquid stops completely, wipe the drain plug, screw it into its regular place and tighten with the required force (30÷35 Nm). Tighten the differential drain plug with the same force.
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground and through the dipstick guide tube (use a funnel with a long spout) fill the transmission with ATF of the required grade, bringing its level to the corresponding mark on the dipstick (see Section Checking fluid levels).
8. Move the transmission to "R", engage the parking brake and depress the foot brake pedal to start the engine.
9. Keeping the brake pedal depressed, for about 5 minutes, alternately move the AT selector lever through all positions, finally returning it to the position "R". With the engine running, check the ATF level, if necessary, make the appropriate adjustments by bringing the fluid level to the correct mark on the dipstick blade (add liquid in small portions, each time checking its level).
10. During the first few days of vehicle operation, look under the vehicle, checking the transmission for signs of leaks developing. Check the ATF level again, correct if necessary (see Section Checking fluid levels).
Filter replacement
1. Raise the car off the ground and drain the ATF from the AT crankcase (see above).
2. Having brought a drain container under the transmission crankcase, unscrew the fixing bolts located along the perimeter of the latter.
3. If necessary, tapping the pallet around the perimeter with a soft-faced hammer (to avoid damage to the mating surfaces, do not try to pry the pallet with a lever), carefully separate it from the transmission case.
4. Drain the liquid remaining in the sump into a collection container.
5. Turn out fixing screws and remove the ATF filter from the valve assembly case.
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6. Carefully inspect the inner surfaces of the sump, evaluate the condition of the filter element and the drained ATF. During use, the transmission fluid can change its original bright red color to dark red and even brown, and also acquire a burning smell - such changes usually indicate transmission overheating during vehicle operation. If metal filings or particles of friction material are found in the liquid, pan or filter, the condition of the internal components of the AT or the rotation converter should be checked. If you are not sure when determining the condition of the fluid or filter, contact a car service specialist.
7. Wash the sump with solvent and, if possible, dry it with compressed air. Using a scraper, remove traces of the old gasket material from the mating surfaces of the sump, crankcase and valve body.
Note. Be careful not to damage the mating surface of the lightweight aluminum alloy body of the valve assembly. Install a new ATF filter and tighten its mounting bolts to the required torque (7 H•m).
8. Carefully wipe the mating surfaces of the sump and crankcase AT with a rag soaked in acetone, install a new gasket, press the sump against the crankcase, screw in the fixing bolts and evenly tighten them in several stages with the required force (10÷12 H m).
9. Fill the transmission with fresh ATF.