Jeep Compass, Patriot, Caliber and Lancer CVT problems

If you have an automatic Jeep Compass or Patriot, Dodge Caliber, or Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander or ASX, it most likely has a CVT from the same family Nissan uses: the one parts catalogs call the Jatco JF011E. Here is which years have it in Mexico, what each brand calls it, how to tell it apart, which problems the carmakers document, the codes it sets, the fluid it takes and the TSS parts that get replaced.

One CVT, four names

Chrysler calls it the CVT2: according to its Caliber introduction, it has two V pulleys and a steel push belt, and AutoStick simulates six gears. Mitsubishi calls it CVT 2, with the codes F1CJA (front-wheel drive) and W1CJA (all-wheel drive), and Nissan calls it RE0F10A. Parts catalogs sell it as the Jatco JF011E and note that the same parts fit Mitsubishi's F1CJA; Chrysler, on the other hand, never mentions Jatco.

It isn't a chain: Mitsubishi's parts list does include a chain, but it's the one that drives the oil pump; the ratio is carried by the steel belt. If you have a Nissan with this same CVT, such as the Sentra or X-Trail, read our Nissan CVT guide.

Which Jeep, Dodge and Mitsubishi models have it?

Jeep Mexico's spec sheets show the cutoff: through 2013, the automatic Compass and Patriot are CVTs; from 2014 to 2016 they're 6-speed automatics, Limited 4x4 included, and Chrysler calls that unit the 6F24. In the US, Chrysler also offered the 6F24 from 2014, while the Patriot's Freedom Drive II off-road package kept a CVT with a low range (CVT2L). Mitsubishi Mexico's spec sheets only say CVT: we inferred each year's unit from Mitsubishi's US documents.

How to tell it apart

• Dipstick: Jeeps and Dodges with the CVT have no owner dipstick. According to their manuals, only a technician checks the level, with a special dipstick. Mitsubishis do have a dipstick, with a HOT mark, and the level is checked with the fluid at 70 to 80 °C (158 to 176 °F).
• Pan: according to the TSS catalog, the Jeep, Dodge and Mitsubishi pan is a deep 20-bolt pan; the Nissan pan has 21 bolts.
• Range switch: according to the same catalog, the connector is straight on Jeeps, Dodges and Mitsubishis, and 90 degrees on Nissans.
• Plate: on Mitsubishis, the transaxle model is on a plate on the B-pillar, by the door.

Overheats, the light comes on and it loses power

On Jeeps and Dodges, the manual describes it as a protection: in sustained high-speed driving or towing on hot days, the fluid gets too hot, the overheat light comes on and the vehicle slows down slightly until the transmission cools. If you keep the speed up, it can happen again. When that happens, AutoStick returns to automatic mode until it cools.

If it happens often, check the level with the special dipstick, the cooler and its thermal valve. Sonnax explains that these units' cooler has a thermal element that opens when the fluid reaches about 150 °F (65 °C); once it opens, the air purges and the level drops, and with a low level the belt slips and makes noise on acceleration. That's why the level has to be checked hot after a fluid change.

Whines or clicks with road speed

In the US, Mitsubishi issued a bulletin for the 2008–2010 Lancer and Outlander and the 2011 Outlander Sport: a clicking with a whine that follows vehicle speed, not engine speed, and can't be heard above about 40 mph. The repair is to replace two primary pulley bearings and one secondary pulley bearing, and if the pan magnets show foreign material, to replace the CVT assembly.

Sonnax says bearing failures are widespread in these units and gives a test: at a steady speed, shift to a lower ratio; if the noise rises with engine speed, it's the primary pulley bearing, and if it stays the same, the secondary or final drive bearing. It also notes that a little magnetic fuzz on the magnets is normal with mileage.

Shudders or jerks on acceleration

First, what's normal: the Compass manual explains that the CVT changes ratio continuously and can sometimes feel like it's slipping, but that this is normal. What isn't normal, according to Sonnax, comes from the valve body: secondary pressure regulator wear causes chatter and rpm surge on acceleration, and converter regulator wear causes shudder and overheating.

On 4x4s, Chrysler warns that tires of different sizes can cause shudder and damage the transfer case; it calls for the circumference difference to stay within 1/8 inch (US bulletin). And on 2015 and 2016 Mitsubishis with the CVT 8, a lack of power and vibration on acceleration is exactly what the reprogramming campaign announced by PROFECO addresses.

Revs but won't move

Nissan's manual for this same CVT explains two key codes: P0868, when secondary pressure falls below what the computer commands, and P0730, when the ratio doesn't match the expected one, which Nissan calls belt damage. Sonnax adds that if all pressures are low, the suspect is the pump flow control valve, which wears on most of these units and can also set ratio, pressure sensor or solenoid codes. And if the problem started after a fluid change, check the level first.

Trouble codes

Chrysler doesn't publish its CVT2 code list, so these are the names in Nissan's manual for the same transmission; each brand may use them differently:

For more, Sun Transmissions has an article on the top symptoms of CVT problems, and in transmission solenoids we explain how they're tested.

What fluid does it take?

Jeeps and Dodges take Mopar CVTF+4. Their manual explains that it has additives for the friction between the steel belt and the pulleys, and that another fluid can make the belt slip and cause the transmission to fail completely. Under normal use there's no scheduled change; it's changed if it gets contaminated with water or under severe use (mountains, short trips, traffic, hot climates, towing, taxi), per the warranty terms. Mitsubishis take CVTF-J4, according to their US bulletins, and after a change the fluid degradation counter in the computer has to be reset. It doesn't take Nissan NS-2 or ATF.

Are there recalls?

For the Compass, Patriot and Caliber CVT we found no recalls or warranty extensions in the US and no PROFECO alerts in Mexico. In Mexico, PROFECO published alert 33/2022: Mitsubishi recalled 3,453 units of the 2015 ASX, 2016 Outlander and 2016 Lancer to reprogram the CVT computer, because the wrong software could cause a lack of power and vibration on acceleration. Those years match the CVT 8 in the US.

How it's diagnosed and repaired

• Check the level the way each brand calls for: on Jeeps and Dodges with the special dipstick; on Mitsubishis at the HOT mark with the fluid hot.
• Confirm the fluid: Mopar CVTF+4 on Jeeps and Dodges, CVTF-J4 on Mitsubishis.
• Read the transmission computer's codes, not just P0700.
• On 4x4s, make sure all four tires are the same size.
• Don't condemn the unit for fuzz on the magnets alone, but if there's foreign material, Mitsubishi says to replace the CVT.
• Don't replace the step motor without a diagnosis: GEARS says it's one of the most over-replaced parts.
• After repairing a Mitsubishi, the computer needs initializing, the fluid counter reset and the learning procedure run.
• If it needs towing, the Patriot manual forbids towing it with the drive wheels on the ground.

See TSS parts for the JF011E

TSS parts for the Jeep, Dodge and Mitsubishi CVT

The TSS catalog has parts for this family. For Jeeps, Dodges and Mitsubishis:

• Internal filter and, on units that use one, the cartridge filter.
• Deep 20-bolt pan and its Farpack gasket.
• Range switch with straight connector.
• Pump and axle seals.
• 4-tube and 2-tube coolers, depending on the model.
• Step motor and primary pulley ring.
• Used, verified 12-ring push belt, the one for the 2.4 engines.
• TSS Rojo gasket kit; we explain the difference in TSS Rojo vs Dorado gasket kits.

For the Mirage and Mirage G4, which use a different CVT, see the JF015E parts. In the US, Sun Transmissions has a JF011E collection.

TSS is an aftermarket brand with OEM-comparable quality and quality control on every product. You can buy it from our authorized distributors: in the United States from Sun Transmissions, and in Mexico the full TSS catalog at Transmisiones Veinte 07.

TSS products

Buy in

MexicoUSA

• Filtro Nissan Jeep Transmisión Automática CVT RE0F10A JF011E OEM 5191890AA
• Carter Dodge y Mitsubishi Profundo 2007/UP 20 Agujeros JF011E
• Empaque de Carter Farpack Dodge y Mitsubishi 20 agujeros JF011E
• Switch Parking Neutral Conector Recto Dodge Jeep Mitsubishi JF011E RE0F10A
• Juego de Empaques TSS Rojo Nissan CVT JF011E
• Reten de Flecha JF011E RE0F10A , (Lado Diferencial) RE4F03A RE4F03B RL4F03A RL4F03V 2007/UP
• Banda Usada Verificada CVT 229.4 mm, 12 anillos, 30 mm ancho, JF011E RE0F10A F1CJA hasta 2.5L
• Step Motor RE0F10A JF011E CVT

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