My girlfriend has a 2002 Lancer ES which of course I have to fix. The other day the tranny started slipping a bit--off the line if you step on the gas in a "regular" way. Once it's going it's fine--so it was just slipping going into 2nd. Checked the fluid and it looked and smelled burnt. I imagine it's on the way out given it has 192k on it--and from what I understand, never had the fluid flushed. I did that just today to try and get her back on the road, and put some Lucas stop slip in there as well--and it seems to be back to "normal"--BUT, I could not for the life of me find where the filter is. I scoured the interwebs, but nothing. I understand it's "in" the tranny, but where?! The drain plug was COVERED in residue and shavings, so I imagine the filter is toast, so I'd love to change it out. Anyone have an idea? Diagram? Suggestions? Thanks much.

 

I pulled this up in the service manual and it's very strange. I can't see how you would remove the filter with the transmission in the car. Looks like it's behind the torque convertor.
Also, reading the section on fluid check/flush, there's no mention of changing the filter at all.
Maybe someone else can chime in.