Transmission replacement or rebuild?
 

Hi everyone. So about 2 months ago I bought a 2010 outlander 2.4L engine with 165k miles. It runs perfect and no issues.

About a few weeks after, I took the car for a 3 hour roadtrip. On the 2nd hour of the trip, at a stoplight, I tried to accelerate but the car didnt move. The check engine light came on. I tried to step on the gas pedal all the way down and then 2 to 3 seconds later, it moved and jerked forward. There was noticeable loss of power when the car is moving. It was a pain getting the car to move from a stop. Sometimes I would turn the engine off then turn back on and it would run great again.

I scanned the car and the code P0868 showed up which indicated low transsmision fluid pressure. So I bought the genuine Diaqueen CVT fluid for it and changed the fluid.

Problem still showed and i figured it was time to bring it to the dealership. They said I might need a new transmission and would cost $7000 for it.

I was planning to just buy a used transmission and have it replaced at a local tranny shop to save money. But then I was told by the dealership that it wouldnt work because the transmission has to match the VIN of my car, otherwise it wouldnt be able to be programmed with the computer and errors will still happen. Not sure if they are just trying to get my business or if it's really true.

I also considered to have a transmission rebuild done instead if thats the case.

What are your thoughts and suggestions? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

As of now, i am still using the car but not for any trips thats over an hour because thats when the issue usually happens. It drives perfect if the issue doesnt occur though.

I would talk to a transmission shop about rebuilding it, if they end up not being able to do what they say they can it shouldn't come out of your pocket.

Tcm
 

Without looking at diagrams, my first guess would be simply to have the tranny shop switch out the TCM (transmission control module) of the replacement unit with your original. If they are stating it needs a VIN match, most likely means that the unit software has to be customized to your Outlanders variables. Such as the 'All Wheel Control' unit that works with the ECM, TCM, ABS and Yaw/Pitch sensors plus any adaptive suspension parts that you may have from the factory. So it's a complex system based on the CAN-BUS method of communication to function properly. Now the problem - without further diagnosis - could be that the TCM is the problem and your mechanical equipment is fine (even bad wiring/corroded connectors between the units could produce the same symptoms).

Also are you sure that when you changed the fluid that the torque converter was properly emptied and refilled/checked twice?

You've got a couple of different variables here (pun intended). I'd ask a lot more questions at the dealer before giving them a chance to fix it. A real mechanic would quote actual values and real codes beyond the generic one you have. Mitsubishi literally has hundreds and hundreds of manufacturer specific codes, beyond the mandated OBDII. So make them prove it. Otherwise your dealer is what is called a 'parts-hanger', where they just replace stuff on your dime until the car works, even if they're perfectly good parts.

Now the symptoms you describe could be either computer related or mechanically based or a combination of both.

I have had some luck on the JustAnswer website with a nice dealer mechanic who was very knowledgeable and experienced in Mitsubishi servicing.

Good luck

Robbie,

What did you find as a solution? My 2009 Outlander with 248000 miles just did this on my way home today and gave me the same code. I just had the fluid and filter replaced 1200 miles ago by a shop.

I'm taking it back to the shop but was hoping you had a solution to this problem so I don't get trapped with a repair that won't work.

Thanks!