1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT

3.0L V6 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Automatic

JA3AM44H7WY003941

For the last year or so, it would suddenly downshift to L2 and then back when traveling on the highway. We ran with OD turned off and that stopped the sudden downshifts. I replaced the end clutch and had the valve body serviced and reinstalled.The problem went away for several months after rebuilding the valve body so I assumed the real problem had been a solenoid issue in the valve body.This week, I was driving on highway and it suddenly downshifted all the way to L1 over revving the motor. I was able to drive slowly home in L2. When I stop at light, a rattling noise starts and then goes away when I start moving again. The sudden downshift has obviously damaged something in the transmission most likely the end clutches. I believe the problem is still within the valve body solenoids or in the electronics leading to the transmission. I've owned the car for over 5 years and other than replacing the starter and alternator, no problems. I don't have time anymore to troubleshoot the car and need to move on. I'm pricing this car to sell to someone who wants a 3000GT and will take the time to fix it and use it. I can record video of the motor running and show the car still drives but I want to limit driving as much as possible to avoid further damage. Brand new tires (last 30 days) on the back of car. Front tires are in great shape. Tires that were replaced had good even wear pattern indicating good body alignment. Driver front quarter panel was damaged by another car in the parking lot but it was repaired and the car repainted. Shortly after being repainted, my son bumped a wall when parking the car at school which cracked the finish of the front bumper.You should be able to see the finish in the front bumper close up photo.