Eclipse Cross Trans Issues: Warning Light & Rough Shifts

Hey there! I had something very similar happen with my 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Diesel. I've got some experience working on cars as a hobby mechanic. From what you're describing, it sounds exactly like what I dealt with last summer. Turned out my transmission oil level was critically low, causing all those symptoms you mentioned. Took it to my regular workshop, and they found that there was a small leak that had developed over time. The fix, including new transmission oil, labor, and fixing the minor leak, cost me about 365€. Since then, the transmission's been shifting smooth as butter, no more grinding or warning lights. Before I can give you more specific advice though, How many miles/km are on your Eclipse Cross? When was the last transmission service? Is there any visible fluid leak under the car?

Thanks for the detailed response! My Eclipse Cross currently has 63125 KM, and I just had it serviced last month. I haven't noticed any visible leaks under the car, though I'll definitely check more carefully now that you mention it. The shifting issues started pretty suddenly, like within the last week or so. Your experience with the Outlander is really helpful, I'll get it checked for transmission fluid levels first. Did your warning light also come on before you found the leak?

Hey again! Yes, my warning light definitely came on before I discovered the leak in my Outlander. Actually, it's interesting you mention the sudden onset because that's exactly how mine started too. One day it was shifting fine, and then BAM, all these issues started popping up. Since you mentioned your recent service, did they specifically check the transmission fluid? Sometimes it's not part of the regular service unless specifically requested. In my case, even though I had regular services, the transmission fluid check was overlooked during a couple of visits. I should mention that after my experience, I started checking my transmission fluid level monthly, it's become a bit of an obsession, haha! Given that your Eclipse Cross has similar mileage to what my Outlander had when the problems started (mine was around 68000 KM), it could definitely be related. But here's something else to consider, after fixing my leak, I learned that these Mitsubishi transmissions can be a bit sensitive to fluid quality too. The warning light could also indicate contaminated fluid, even if the level is okay. When they fixed mine, they found some metal particles in the old fluid, which was contributing to the grinding noise. Maybe get it checked ASAP? Better safe than sorry, I learned that lesson the expensive way by waiting too long! Let me know what you find out.

Thanks so much for all this valuable info! No, I don't think they specifically checked the transmission fluid during my last service, I just got the standard maintenance package. I'll definitely look into getting it checked first thing tomorrow morning. Your point about the fluid quality is really eye-opening too; I hadn't even considered that possibility. You've honestly saved me a lot of worry and potentially money by sharing your experience. I've already called my local mechanic and booked it in for tomorrow morning. I'll make sure they check both the fluid levels and quality, and inspect for any possible leaks. I'll also start doing those monthly checks like you suggested, better to catch these things early! Really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. I'll update you once I know what's going on with my Eclipse Cross. Take care!