We have a 2002 Montero XLS with that has almost 80,000 miles on it. The AT fluid still appears to be pinkish in color with no burnt tomato smell (not sure what the smell is anyway.) The AT shifts fine and feels great. Should we replace the fluid? If so, should it just be a drain and refill or a flush?

There are mixed comments on changing the fluid. Some say leave it alone, others say change it... some say changing the fluid will cause problems, others say *not* changing the fluid will cause problems.

What about the F/R diff and transfer case? The Montero is not used off-road or in the dirt and has never towed. Should we change the fluid as well or leave it as is?

So I am looking for the Mitsu experts who know these issues. It would be great if I can get a clue... I am a Jeep guy and I change the fluids in Jeep often as it see's a lot of off-road use. I just don't know much about how well Montero holds up.

FYI, the Montero was bought new...

Thanks!

 

just follow the maintanance schedule.
autobox are sensitive to the fluid.
drain&refill is enough but flushing is better.
same goes for the axles, and transfer case.

 

I have heard a lot of people having a tranny fluidflush/change done with the wrong fluid and having problems.Just had mine done ~10K miles ago and no problems to date at 104K miles.

You said that normal maintenance is always performed...I think all three of these items are recommended every 30K(a bit excessive)under the severe schedule.

 

I would change them as preventive maintenance. Your '02 Montero will require SP-III ATF, which you can also purchase at Hyundai dealers. Try and get it flushed if you can, to get all the old fluid out of the system.

I change my transfer case, differential, power steering fluid regularly every 50,000 km (30,000 miles). ATF I change every 35,000 km (22,000 miles), along with brake fluid and coolant. That being said, I follow the severe service schedule because of local climate and traffic conditions.