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2016 Lancer ES CVT Shudder/Hesitation - No Codes Yet

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:05 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

My 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer ES, with about 80,000 miles, has been acting up lately. I'm experiencing a noticeable shudder or hesitation, especially when accelerating from a stop or at lower speeds (20-40 mph). It feels like the CVT is struggling to find the right ratio or slipping.

I haven't gotten any Check Engine Lights or specific transmission warning lights yet, but the driveability is definitely impacted. The RPMs sometimes flare a bit before the car catches up. I'm worried about the CVT, as I know they can be expensive to repair.

Has anyone with a Lancer experienced similar CVT issues? What was the cause, and what was the fix? Is there anything I can check or do before taking it to a transmission shop? I've kept up with fluid changes.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:05 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing with your 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer ES's CVT – shuddering, hesitation, and RPM flare – are classic signs of potential issues within the continuously variable transmission. While you haven't received any codes yet, these driveability concerns are definitely diagnostic-worthy.

Here's what could be happening and what to consider:

  1. CVT Fluid Condition: Even if you've kept up with fluid changes, the type and quality of CVT fluid are critical. Mitsubishi CVTs require specific fluid (e.g., DiaQueen CVT Fluid J4 or equivalent). Incorrect fluid or fluid that has degraded prematurely can lead to these symptoms. A fluid flush and filter change (if applicable) with the correct fluid might help if the issue is minor and caught early.
  2. Valve Body Issues: The valve body controls the hydraulic pressure that operates the CVT's pulleys. Wear or sticking valves in the valve body can cause incorrect pressure, leading to slipping, shuddering, or hesitation.
  3. Worn Pulleys/Belt: Over time, the metal belt and pulley surfaces within the CVT can wear down, leading to a loss of friction and efficiency. This is a more serious internal transmission issue.
  4. Torque Converter Lock-up: The torque converter can sometimes cause shuddering if its lock-up clutch is failing or if there's an issue with its control.
  5. Software/Calibration: Less common, but sometimes a transmission control module (TCM) software update or recalibration can resolve minor driveability issues.

When to see a shop:

Given the complexity of CVTs and the potential for expensive repairs, it's highly recommended to take your Lancer to a Mitsubishi dealership or a reputable transmission specialist as soon as possible. Even without a Check Engine Light, a professional scan tool can often read pending or historical transmission-specific codes (P-codes or U-codes) that a generic OBD-II scanner might miss. They can perform:

  • A comprehensive diagnostic scan for transmission control module (TCM) codes.
  • A road test to replicate the symptoms and monitor live data from the CVT.
  • Fluid inspection and potentially a fluid pressure test.
  • In some cases, a CVT recalibration or software update.

Early diagnosis can sometimes prevent more extensive and costly damage to the transmission.

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