JATCO CVT8 recommended fluid - Mitsubishi Outlander
- Thread starter Brons2
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I've used Valvoline Maxlife ATF/CVT, Amsoil and other aftermarket fluids in JATCO CVTs in the Versa/Cube (JF009e).
I've been monitoring the CVTs using the Android app CVTz50 (indispensable, $5), I've swapped & serviced the valve-bodies, internal filters, pan, magnets, etc. My preferred fluid is Amsoil (cheaper than OEM) but I've never had a fluid related issue. The main issue is getting the system clean (and keeping it that way) along with keeping the fluid temp in check.
I've been monitoring the CVTs using the Android app CVTz50 (indispensable, $5), I've swapped & serviced the valve-bodies, internal filters, pan, magnets, etc. My preferred fluid is Amsoil (cheaper than OEM) but I've never had a fluid related issue. The main issue is getting the system clean (and keeping it that way) along with keeping the fluid temp in check.
Neither really. It seemed to perform as before. I'm not sure what the total system capacity is, but the D&F only takes about 2.5 qts with the rest being J4.
I've found performance is mostly due to the CVT system working properly as a whole and definitely temperature dependent (ambient, fluid, etc). Performance issues arise from fluid levels too high/low, too dirty/worn, too hot/cold. The networked control modules have so much control that it's tricky to feel what's really going on or what's not "right".
Software updates could also be a factor.
Looking forward to receiving the case of Castrol Transmax CVT I got on sale for a 2012 Lancer. Going to perform a dump and fill on the kid's car. Got in on sale yesterday for $43 Canadian for case of 6. The product spec sheet lists J1/J4, which is the OEM spec.
Sounds good! Don't forget to clean the magnets and check the inlet filter/screen if possible.
I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and order the OEM J4 fluid just to not have any conflict at the dealership when then time comes to change the fluid since I'm still under warranty. I know they can't deny me for any failures if I use a J4 compatible fluid but I'd rather avoid the aggravation.
OEM supplier is likely Idemitsu and more affordable than a dealer bottle.
Compatible means nothing if the manufacture does not have that on a list of approved fluids to use.
Someone could mark a bottle of canola oil and say its compatible, that does not mean that it is, or approved by the manufacture.
The word compatible is a marketing word to sell the product.
There is no universal one size fits all automatic transmission fluid. Unless your stuck 100 miles from nowhere and need some fluid Now.
Compatible means nothing if the manufacture does not have that on a list of approved fluids to use.
Someone could mark a bottle of canola oil and say its compatible, that does not mean that it is, or approved by the manufacture.
The word compatible is a marketing word to sell the product.
There is no universal one size fits all automatic transmission fluid. Unless your stuck 100 miles from nowhere and need some fluid Now.
"likely"? I can't use that to validate timely maintenance with the correct product in a time of need if the transmission fails prematurely. That's why I'll use the manufacturer product because it'll be what's written on paper with my signature on it that will count in the event of a warranty claim. If I still have the car out of warranty I'll probably go with Amsoil or Lubegard, whichever is cheaper.
Got the order. They sent the Universal ATF/CVT fluid, which has the J1/J4/J4+ spec listed. Here's the spec sheet for it:
https://www.castrol.com/content/dam...max-universal-full-application-sheet-2_24.pdf
That's a pretty extensive list of compatibilities! For a 12 year old car, with over 150K kms on the original fluid it should be an improvement, and was the least expensive option at $43 Canadian for 6 quarts, $7.16/quart.
https://www.castrol.com/content/dam...max-universal-full-application-sheet-2_24.pdf
That's a pretty extensive list of compatibilities! For a 12 year old car, with over 150K kms on the original fluid it should be an improvement, and was the least expensive option at $43 Canadian for 6 quarts, $7.16/quart.
Where did you order this from?
Amazon Canada. The price bounces from regular to discount depending on the day, but goes on sale at 50%+ off regularly on both US and Canadian Amazon websites.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00T96Q956
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00T96Q956
Interesting, thanks for the link.
Walmart always has stock of Maxlife ATF, $50/5 liter w free ship so that's my usual go-to.
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I'll bet there's a very good chance that the Transmax Universal is going to work fine for you.
Although different from your Lancer, I have two 2017 Mirages with CVT7's. Between the two of them, I have 18 months and 26,000 miles using the same Transmax universal you just got.
Both of my cars are driven 75% commuter stop-and-go traffic, and 25% on the interstate at 65-75 mph and have done all that in temps as high as 104F (Aug 23) and as low as -16F (Jan 24).
No issues at all with the performance of the transmission under any condition.
Good luck to you with yours!
Can you post the Mitsubishi list of approved fluids please?
I am not a Mitsubishi representative, so how could I do that? It is likely just the stuff the dealer sells that is most likely made by idemitsu.
Someone could, but they wouldn't be in business long. Oil suppliers have good reasons for saying that their oils are suitable for use in the applications they mention, it's not just hopes and prayers. For many ATF requirements there are no published specifications or approvals, so "suitable for use" is the best an oil company can attain if they are not the incumbent supplier.
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