INVECS I-III is an intelligent transmission control system developed by Mitsubishi Motors for traditional automatic and CVT transmissions. It can adapt to the driver's driving style and is also equipped with a clutchless manual gear shift. This technology was introduced in 1992 and the Mitsubishi Galant was the first vehicle equipped with this system. Today the third generation of INVECS gearboxes is used in current models.
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How INVECS I-III works
The first INVECS generation was a complex system that allowed the operation of the transmission, powertrain, steering and suspension to be tuned. In addition, it worked together with a regular automatic transmission equipped with a hydraulic torque converter and with planetary gear sets.
The second generation of the INVECS system was again combined with a regular automatic transmission, but with significantly expanded functions, for example the ability to adapt to an individual driving style and a manual mode with sequential shifting functions.
The third generation of the system is designed to work with a continuously variable transmission that enables particularly smooth shifting and optimal use of engine power. Sport mode for manual operation has 6 simulated gears.
In manual mode, the shift lever is used to operate the INVECS-I-III transmission, while some vehicles are also equipped with paddle shifters.
Known INVECS I-III transmissions
| INVECS Generation | Year of manufacture | Index | Transmission type | Number of gears | Max. Displacement, l | Propulsion type | Applicable models |
| 1992 | F4A33 | Automatic with torque converter | 4 | 3.0 | Front wheel | Mitsubishi Galant; Mitsubishi Diamante | |
| W4A32 | Automatic with torque converter | 4 | 3.0 | 4WD | Mitsubishi Galant; Mitsubishi Diamante | ||
| II | 1994 | F4A42 | Automatic with torque converter | 4 | 2.8 | Front wheel | Mitsubishi Carisma; Mitsubishi Galant; Mitsubishi Space Star; Mitsubishi Lancer |
| F5A5 | Automatic with torque converter | 5 | 3.8 | Front Wheel, 4WD | Mitsubishi Galant; Mitsubishi Eclipse | ||
| III | 2000 | W1CJA (JF011E) | Stepless | – | 2.5 | 4WD | Mitsubishi ASX; Mitsubishi Lancer; Mitsubishi Outlander |
Common defects in INVECS I-III transmissions
| Defects | Transmission |
| Due to wear of the torque converter components, the bushings and seals are damaged, resulting in leaks leads. | F4A33; W4A32 |
| If the friction discs overheat, they will burn out and cause shifting problems. | F4A33; W4A32 |
| The contacts of the solenoid valves got dirty. | F4A33; F4A42; W4A32 |
| The lubricant level drops and the transmission pump fails. | F4A42 |
| The flow control valve from the Transmission pump fails. | W1CJA (JF011E) |
| The bearings of the input and output shafts wear out. | W1CJA (JF011E) |