The Mitsubishi F4A51 4-speed automatic transmission was produced from 1996 to 2012 and was installed on powerful versions of such models as Galant and Outlander, as well as cars from Hyundai/Kia. The latest versions of this gearbox had the index F4A51-2 and F4A5A, and all-wheel drive W4A51 and W4A5A.
This series includes: F4A21, F4A22, F4A23, F4A33, F4A41, F4A42, F4A51, W4A32, F5A51.
In 1996, Mitsubishi introduced the most powerful 4-speed automatic transmission in its new line, which was intended for front-wheel drive models with engines up to 3.8 liters and 350 Nm. Also, this gearbox was often installed with 2.0-liter diesel engines, especially on cars from Hyundai/Kia. By design, this is a conventional hydromechanical automatic transmission based on planetary gearboxes, with a torque converter and a valve body with 6 valves, one of which is an EPC electric regulator.
There are several versions of automatic transmissions and in catalogs they are designated as F4A51-1, F4A51-2 and F4A5A, and modifications for all-wheel drive cars have their own index W4A51 or W4A5A.
Specifications
| Production years | 1996 – 2012 |
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of drive | front |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.8 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 350 |
| Recommended oil | Mitsubishi ATF SP-III |
| Oil capacity, liter | 8.5 |
| Replacing the oil | every 60,000 km |
| Replacing the filter | every 120,000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
Gear ratios Mitsubishi F4A51
Using the example of a Mitsubishi Galant 1999 with a 3.0 liter engine:
| Main | 3.735 |
| 1st | 2.842 |
| 2nd | 1.495 |
| 3rd | 1.000 |
| 4th | 0.731 |
| Reverse | 2.720 |
The transmission was installed on:
- Hyundai Dynasty 1 (LX) in 1996 – 2005;
- Hyundai Grandeur 3 (XG) in 1998 – 2005;
- Hyundai Santa Fe 1 (SM) in 2000 – 2012; Santa Fe 2 (CM) in 2005 – 2010;
- Hyundai Sonata 5 (NF) in 2004 – 2010;
- Hyundai Trajet 1 (FO) in 1999 – 2008;
- Hyundai Tucson 1 (JM) in 2004 – 2010;
- Kia Carnival 1 (GQ) in 1998 – 2005; Carnival 2 (VQ) in 2005 – 2010;
- Kia Carens 3 (UN) in 2006 – 2013;
- Kia Magentis 2 (MG) in 2005 – 2010;
- Kia Sportage 2 (KM) in 2004 – 2010;
- Mitsubishi Airtrek 1 (CU) in 2001 – 2008;
- Mitsubishi Diamante 2 (F3) in 1997 – 2005;
- Mitsubishi Eclipse 3 (D5) in 1999 – 2005; Eclipse 4 (DK) in 2005 – 2011;
- Mitsubishi Endeavor 1 (D7) in 2003 – 2011;
- Mitsubishi Grandis 1 (NA) in 2003 – 2011;
- Mitsubishi Galant 8 (EA) in 1996 – 2003; Galant 9 (DJ) in 2003 – 2012;
- Mitsubishi Lancer 8 (CK) in 2000 – 2003; Lancer 9 (CS) in 2002 – 2010;
- Mitsubishi Outlander 1 (CU) in 2003 – 2009;
- Mitsubishi Space Runner 2 (N5) in 1997 – 2002;
- Mitsubishi Space Wagon 3 (UG) in 1997 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi F4A51 gearbox
- The most famous problem of this machine is the destruction of the planetary gears and sun gear, and the reason is the weak needle bearings, they cannot withstand. The debris quickly scatters throughout the system, gets into the oil pump and it jams.
- Even under very heavy loads in an automatic transmission, the differential often fails, and both the destruction of the intermediate gear bearing of the gearbox differential and damage to its housing occur. Repairing the gearbox does not always make sense.
- With rare oil changes, the hydraulic unit here becomes clogged by 100-150 thousand km. First, noticeable shocks appear, then, due to a drop in oil pressure in the gearbox, the friction discs begin to burn and the bushings quickly wear out, especially at the oil pump.
- For electrical purposes, the input-output shaft speed sensors are most often replaced in the gearbox. Oil leaks occur, as well as a drop in pressure due to wear of the Teflon rings in the gearbox cover.
