Outlander's Rough Shifting: Real Repair Stories Needed

Hey there, I had very similar issues with my '09 Mitsubishi ASX Diesel last year. The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced, rough shifts, slipping, and that nasty grinding noise. Initially thought it was just low transmission fluid, but turned out the transmission control unit (TCU) was indeed the culprit. Got it fixed at the Mitsubishi dealership in town after a bad experience with a local shop. They diagnosed it properly right away, the TCU was failing to communicate correctly with the transmission, causing those erratic shift patterns. It was a serious job that took them two days to complete, as they had to reprogram the new unit to sync with the car's systems. If your symptoms match mine, I'd strongly suggest heading to a certified Mitsubishi dealer. TCU issues aren't something you want a general mechanic experimenting with, it's too specialized. The problem won't fix itself and could lead to more severe transmission damage if left unchecked. Hope this helps!

Thanks! Your experience sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with right now, it's almost scary how similar! I'm gonna take your advice and head to the Mitsubishi dealer instead of risking it with another unusual shop. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole thing? Also, has everything been running smooth since the repair, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? Cheers!

Hey again! Great to hear back from you! Yeah, since you asked, the whole thing cost me exactly 1000€ at the dealership. I know it wasn't cheap, but honestly, it was worth every penny because the fix was spot-on. After getting the new TCU installed and programmed, my ASX has been running like a dream, no more grinding, no more rough shifts, nothing! It's like having a completely different car. It's been about a year now since the repair, and I haven't had a single transmission-related issue pop up. The dealer really knew their stuff, and I'm so glad I went with them instead of trying to save a few bucks at a regular shop. Trust me, getting it done right the first time is the way to go. Let me know how it works out for you at the dealer. I'm betting they'll sort you out just like they did for me. Good luck!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! Just got back from the Mitsubishi dealer today, and you were absolutely right. Took it in yesterday morning, and they confirmed it was the TCU, just like in your case. Ended up costing me 950€, which was actually a bit less than what you paid. The difference is incredible! Drove it home, and it's shifting like butter now, no more grinding, no more rough changes, nothing. It's like driving a new car! Can't believe I waited so long to get it fixed. Should've just gone straight to the dealer instead of stressing about finding another mechanic. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it gave me the confidence to make the right call. Fingers crossed mine stays running smoothly like yours has! Thanks again!