Checking CVT oil level ??

[lefties]

Vehicles with automatic or CVT transmissions require the engine to be running to accurately check the fluid level. This isn't something new that Mitsubishi just came up with to make people's heads explode. It's been the case since well before I was born.

The alternative is to buy a Manual transmission but I assume that's out of the question. Just be thankful you even have a dipstick, that's pretty rare to find nowadays.

I had to laugh,,thanks for that fummins. Im 62 and its always been the same as long as i can remember,i just dont remember ever having such a hard time seeing the fluid level. Thanks everybody for the help!!!!

[skyblue]

Vehicles with automatic or CVT transmissions require the engine to be running to accurately check the fluid level. This isn't something new that Mitsubishi just came up with to make people's heads explode. It's been the case since well before I was born.

The alternative is to buy a Manual transmission but I assume that's out of the question. Just be thankful you even have a dipstick, that's pretty rare to find nowadays.

Thanks, I didn't know, I've never had an automatic before now.

[tomrad]

Vehicles with automatic or CVT transmissions require the engine to be running to accurately check the fluid level. This isn't something new that Mitsubishi just came up with to make people's heads explode. It's been the case since well before I was born.

The alternative is to buy a Manual transmission but I assume that's out of the question. Just be thankful you even have a dipstick, that's pretty rare to find nowadays.

Just did another drain and fill today. Using the hand crank pump method to remove old fluid. The old stuff looked dark green, like the last time I swapped a couple of quarts (Nov 2020, approx 10k miles ago). I've been changing two quarts at the last couple of oil changes since the car has 114k on it. No trouble out of it, just preventative maintenance.
I may wait 30+k before I refresh it again.
My only complaint is getting an exact measurement. I think I've got it close to exact, within a couple of ounces. The dipstick is a pain to read, dirty or clean fluid. I'm not sure how much the level can vary without causing a problem.
You'd think there would be a more failsafe measurement system in place for a critical fluid like trans fluid.

[El Kapitan]

I also wish that there was a better method of reading it.

[2016 Versa]

You'd think there would be a more failsafe measurement system in place for a critical fluid like trans fluid.

Yeah, like including a dipstick. I don't know about the newer Mirage but I suspect they're like my '16 Versa and have no dipstick. My Versa is getting ready to hit 30K so I'll be changing my fluid/filters in the next few weeks.

[inuvik]

Yeah, like including a dipstick. I don't know about the newer Mirage but I suspect they're like my '16 Versa and have no dipstick. My Versa is getting ready to hit 30K so I'll be changing my fluid/filters in the next few weeks.

The Mirage has a dipstick for the CVT.

[skyblue]

I still don't really get this. If I check the level with the engine running after a drive I see a little bit on the tip of the stick. If I check it after it's been for a drive with the engine off it's above the H but below the line.

So either my level is wack or they mean you to check it after the engine is off.

Next time I take it on a super long drive I'll check it and hopefully it'll be at H while the engine is ON, because they never tell you to switch the engine off in the manual (but they don't explicitly say one way or the other). If it's not I've been running low oil for who knows how long.

[inuvik]

I still don't really get this. If I check the level with the engine running after a drive I see a little bit on the tip of the stick. If I check it after it's been for a drive with the engine off it's above the H but below the line.

So either my level is wack or they mean you to check it after the engine is off.

Next time I take it on a super long drive I'll check it and hopefully it'll be at H while the engine is ON, because they never tell you to switch the engine off in the manual (but they don't explicitly say one way or the other). If it's not I've been running low oil for who knows how long.

Read post #32 to check your CVT level correctly.

[skyblue]

Yeah alright, took it for a highway run, stuck it in B on the homeward stretch, got it up to 80c, was still showing a quarter up C marker, dumped a bit more fluid in it and now it's pretty much bang on the upper H line, maybe a smidge over.

[jgoedhard]

On Nissans CVT which apparently Mitsubishi uses the same tranny for the Mirage, 30 - 40oC is required for checking.