My Mitsu dealer informed me that to keep the warranty I must have the tranny fluid flushed and refilled every 30,000 miles and this is not covered in my free maintenance coverage. Tranny fluid used must be factory made SP3 Diamond not available any where else except dealer. Is this correct?

I was told the same thing and didn't really leave me a choice but to pay for this service. Timing belt is at 55000 miles or 96000 Kms be sure to get that done the timing belt is not covered but if they discover a leaky water pump or bad tentioner these are covered by warranty. But if you go over this mileage and they find something worn out it won't be covered. They've got us by the b....ls.

Can anyone confirm this?
I may call the customer service number to find out. I am not paying $180 for trans flush from dealer. I can have it done for much less than the stealership if it is required. I have 27K on it now so it has to be done before 30K.

you can get your trans serviced anywhere, but you DEFINATLY should use mitsus fluid.

and yes, you need to maintain your car to mitsus requirements to keep a warranty valid. thats only common sense.

C D Guy
Thanks for that info.

Is the requirement to completely flush tranny fluid or is a change tranny fluid ok?

I also checked and found that Valvoline has an approved by Mitsu tranny fluid for use in SPIII required transmissions. Would I have to call warranty customer service to confirm this?

Unlike other vehicles the Outlander has a drain plug on the transmission and when I had mine done I stood by the mechanic and he did not flush he only removed 4 litres I beleive and then added 4 litres. I guarantee that's all he did and the stealership like you call them charged me 59.95 plus tax.

im telling you, do not use anything but mitsu fluid. nothing.

and you dont need to flush. A drain and fill is fine unless the fluid is in terrible shape, which it shouldnt be (but could be if you do things like tow a lot, etc).

OK, got it. I will get the Mitsu fluid and bring it to my mechanic to do a drain and refill. I am still trying to find out if the warranty requires a flush rather than a drain and fill. My dealership told me flush was required so I am still tracking down Mitsu warranty service. Anyone have a number for the warranty service hotline?

it tells you right in your owners manual.
a flush is NOT required.

Thanks again CD guy. Wish I could buy you a couple of brews for the advice. I gather I need to buy a gasket for the Trans drain. How much fluid will it take to drain it? Do you happen to know the spark plug gap also?

I'm also planning to change out my 03 Outlander trans fluid -- can someone tell me where the drain plug is on the transmission? What does the plug look like?
I did'nt see any type of standard "oil" plug, so I'm still searching!

I was at the Mitsu dealer today, and they have the SP III fluid for $4.25 /quart -- it was $5.30 at the local Kia dealer.....and the Mitsu dealer wanted $160 for a flush -- I'll stick with the regular drain and fill.

Two options as I see it -- either drain from the trans (if I can find the drain plug), or go buy a suction pump and suck the trans. pan dry and fill with new fluid...

Greg

I did a flush at 30k, it prob wasnt nessecary BUT I did it myself. I have a machine that can do this. The fluid cost me about 80 bucks. It was well worth it.

Warrantys are overrated. Thats why I rarely buy new cars (Wife Bought the 06 Outie to build credit, she is from Venezuela)