No response to gas pedal (Update/solved: used CVT replacement)

[Eggman]

I didn't find any large metal chunks, just fine shavings. Magnets were "furry". The only code it was throwing was p0796: primary pressure solenoid "C" performance/stuck off. Not sure if that solenoid just failed, or a valve got stuck, or what?

Some transmission repair shops and industry periodicals have suggested that shavings can foul the solenoid valves.

As a CVT breaks in, those metal shavings can clog ports & passages and impair valve operation. One video in particular showed a screen for each valve that can capture metal bits - I suppose if those screens get clogged it would keep the valve from operating.

I wouldn't expect a flush-n-fill would clear those screens, but I'm not a mechanic so what do I know.

Poor tortured CVT owners...

Dropped cvt pan. Fluid looked a little darker then on dipstick, but still not black.

Also, sensing dirt can be tricky. A glass of water from a pond can look pretty clean, even drinkable. But when you look at the larger body of water it tends to show the opacity better. I hope that makes sense - looking at the fluid drained will be different from what is seen on the dipstick.

[Mark]

I followed maintenance schedule 2, as at least 90% of the miles are highway and I have always babied it when I drive. Schedule 2 doesn't include a cvt fluid change.

I honestly don't understand how Mitsubishi can recommend CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles in schedule 1, and not recommend any CVT fluid changes in schedule 2?

It's almost like schedule 2 should get you past warranty, & who cares after that!

It makes one wonder if schedule 2 should be followed for anything? In all honesty, I would expect a neglected CVT to crap out. Most neglected automatic transmissions crap out shortly after the fluid has been changed. I know that has been true of automatic transmissions to some extent, & it may apply to CVTs, too?

Having your CVT replaced with a low mileage used one for $1,800 isn't all that bad. As long as your engine is running good, I feel it's worth having done. $1,800 is nothing compared to starting up new car payments again. Plus, you aren't going to get much for your Mirage (trade or selling yourself) in its present condition.

Costs are associated with owning mechanical things. It's part of life! Unless you want to walk everywhere, it's unavoidable. If the price is right, I can see doing what Loren suggests, too! If you like your Mirage, replacing the engine & CVT with a low mileage one should insure an extended life of your Mirage.

I must admit that I do like the simplicity of the manual transmission (no filters, drain oil, & refill to the fill hole), but not everyone like driving a manual & I get that.

[Dirk Diggler]

That engine is bulletproof, I'd just change the CVT and be done with it. Steve has already proven it
can hit 300k miles no problem.

[Cwick]

I decided to only do the CVT. I'm in the process of taking the old one out and the donor one will be ready to pick up Monday or Tuesday from a local yard. It has 19k miles on it and came from a same year (2015) mirage. They had it on ebay for $769 with free shipping, I asked if they'd do $625 if I picked it up and they agreed..... should have started lower! Lol

Get this......while working on removing the cvt, the sales manager at the kia/Mitsubishi dealership here in Des Moines left me a voicemail letting me know they were looking for my particular car as they were in high demand, and could make me a great deal! I couldn't believe it, soooo funny! I should put it back together and limp it down there! Hahahaha

[Mark]

I decided to only do the CVT. I'm in the process of taking the old one out and the donor one will be ready to pick up Monday or Tuesday from a local yard. It has 19k miles on it and came from a same year (2015) mirage. They had it on ebay for $769 with free shipping, I asked if they'd do $625 if I picked it up and they agreed..... should have started lower! Lol

Get this......while working on removing the cvt, the sales manager at the kia/Mitsubishi dealership here in Des Moines left me a voicemail letting me know they were looking for my particular car as they were in high demand, and could make me a great deal! I couldn't believe it, soooo funny! I should put it back together and limp it down there! Hahahaha

Regardless, you need to fix up your Mirage. $625 sounds like a good deal.

As far as your car being in high demand, I've heard that line before. It's more like we know you almost have your current car paid off. How about buying a new one from us now!

Even if we get the updated 2021 Mirage here, it's basically the same car.

[Dirk Diggler]

I was told if the belt didnt grenade and spray shrapnel everywhere the cvt7 could be rebuilt for $1300 from an Aamco specialist. This is alot different from 18 months ago when I was told by different transmission shops they'd only put it a brand new cvt. I guess these shop owners are starting to catch on it's in their best interest to get specialists that can rebuild cvts in their shops. Makes sense considering all the Japanese manufacturers are switching over to them besides Mazda. Although the rumor mill is Nissan is going to go back to traditional automatics, at least for their Frontera/Pathfinders.

[Cwick]

My plan is to fix it for the $625 and hopefully drive it another 100k miles. I much prefer no car payment!

[Fummins]

I honestly don't understand how Mitsubishi can recommend CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles in schedule 1, and not recommend any CVT fluid changes in schedule 2?

It's almost like schedule 2 should get you past warranty, & who cares after that!

It makes one wonder if schedule 2 should be followed for anything? In all honesty, I would expect a neglected CVT to crap out. Most neglected automatic transmissions crap out shortly after the fluid has been changed. I know that has been true of automatic transmissions to some extent, & it may apply to CVTs, too?

Having your CVT replaced with a low mileage used one for $1,800 isn't all that bad. As long as your engine is running good, I feel it's worth having done. $1,800 is nothing compared to starting up new car payments again. Plus, you aren't going to get much for your Mirage (trade or selling yourself) in its present condition.

Costs are associated with owning mechanical things. It's part of life! Unless you want to walk everywhere, it's unavoidable. If the price is right, I can see doing what Loren suggests, too! If you like your Mirage, replacing the engine & CVT with a low mileage one should insure an extended life of your Mirage.

I must admit that I do like the simplicity of the manual transmission (no filters, drain oil, & refill to the fill hole), but not everyone like driving a manual & I get that.

I flipped through the service schedule for the wife’s sorento today. Regular schedule says there is no need to ever check the fluid level or replace the transmission fluid. The Severe schedule says to replace it at 96,000km/60,000miles ish... and there’s no friggin dipstick anyways. According to the book, if you live in Canada you basically have to follow the severe schedule.

[Cwick]

I was told if the belt didnt grenade and spray shrapnel everywhere the cvt7 could be rebuilt for $1300 from an Aamco specialist. This is alot different from 18 months ago when I was told by different transmission shops they'd only put it a brand new cvt. I guess these shop owners are starting to catch on it's in their best interest to get specialists that can rebuild cvts in their shops. Makes sense considering all the Japanese manufacturers are switching over to them besides Mazda. Although the rumor mill is Nissan is going to go back to traditional automatics, at least for their Frontera/Pathfinders.

One of my son's roommates is a mechanic and specifically works on transmissions at his shop. I sent the code it was throwing to him and he said "Jatco cvt's are non-repairable units" and he hadn't heard of any shops willing to attempt it. I did find a website directed to shops on how to repair them, and that it was in their best interest, as parts are more available now, so cheaper. Maybe Aamco saw the same website! Lol

[Fummins]

I had luck tearing changing the valve body on the 15 that acted similar last year. Driver said it would t move sometimes and the indicator would flash. I couldn’t make it act up. Almost didn’t believe the guy. I can’t recall the code it had. It’s posted around here somewhere. I removed the valve body from a cvt I had on the bench with a junk input bearing. Pulled the valve body apart first and cleaned out all the bearing material first. Slapped it back together and had to drive for quite a while til it’s shift and act properly. I haven’t heard any complaints since.
I don’t think I’d try to rebuild one myself. They seem pretty finicky. But there isn’t much to them when you have them apart.