Good video. I've done a bunch of these as my family has had a dozen Subarus of which 8 have/had a CVT. It's just a little more complicated than drain/filling the differentials since the fluid has to be in that 95-113F sweet spot to be level.
So your sure you dont have to have a relearn when changing the fluid?? I really want to change my own fluid but was concerned with that. I will have to use jack stands . I really like to do as much as I can on my own. I have another question if you dont mind what I dont understand how come the temp has to be a certain temp?? TO me just saying if you for argument sake take 5 qut out why would it not be logical just put 5 quts back in. I hope you get back to me. Thanks for this vid and you have a super day.
@dog_guy-c8x My workshop manual is not updated to 2024 yet but if the 2024 Crosstrek is still running the TR580 transmission then the drain and fill procedure is pretty much the same as what is shown here. As long as you're filling the transmission in that sweet spot of 95-113 Degrees Farenheit while the car is running you will know when to stop filling because it will seep out of that fill plug. As to why it has to be that temperature, other than making sure that the fluid is being fully cycled through the system - there's most likely a scientific reason behind it like how temperature affects viscosity etc. Honestly I just try to follow workshop manual procedure because it's just best practice. If the engineers say "Do it this way" - I guess that's how I'm going to do it so I don't ruin anything. When in doubt. Consult a local Subaru dealer or a technician that you trust to guide you through.
@@TalkingShop716 I no what your saying in regaurds to the manual To me if you stick your finger in the hole and tran fluid is right there as I said 5 qut. I just for the life of me cant understand if your return that said 5 qut should be good. I no I will fallow what you say I am just trying to find an hounest answer to my question. Thanks for you help.
@@TalkingShop716 Ok when you state the car is running do mean that the tran is ingauged in forward well filling it. Will stop bugging you after this question. Thanks for your help.
@@dog_guy-m6bI put the workshop manual procedure into the description of the video. Hopefully that makes it a little more clear. Final fill will be with the transmission at temperature and with the vehicle in park or neutral.
@rcollins14 According to the maintenance schedule, Subaru recommends checking fluid level every 30,000 miles and doing a fluid exchange every 100,000 miles.
@@michaellasserrefinearts4435 That's the purpose of the "fill plug" When the fill plug is removed, you just keep adding fluid until it trickles out of the fill plug. There is a procedure and temperature necessary for filling the transmission. It is noted in the description of the video.
Why not just remove the cooling lines output line to an empty bucket, return sucking clean cvt fluid. When the output line starts to run clear, shut the car down and do the top off procedure? Shifting gears throughout the whole thing ?
I definitely do not recommend that unless you have a legitimate in line fluid transfer unit. Even if it did work you would have to check and make sure that you have the proper level at temperature or you risk overfilling/underfilling the system.
@TalkingShop716 I've done that procedure on various transmissions, without issue. As far as proper fluid levels, that will be addressed at the end, when the transmission is brought up to the recommended temp and the fill plug is removed. At that point, you either add or allow the fluid to run out until it's just a dribble . It ensures a complete fluid change. I would also drop the pan and replace the filter.
@@berserkerusmc7613 My 2014 Outback filter new, online is $100. Plus, no one I read or watch seems to think it really needs replacing, including the manufacturer. I get wanting to do a complete job, and I am toying with the idea of dropping the pan myself, but it adds a whole new level of complexity and time to the job. And I'm working on my back under the car.
@@jozzio720 That's the "full capacity" of the transmission. If you were to break it down and remove all the components and drain the entire system it would need a higher amount of fluid. For the drain and fill procedure it's only around that 5 quart mark to refill.
@TalkingShop716 voodnto know, i asked Subaru service last time ibwas in and they told me it's like $500 because of the cost of all the fluid but Subaru didn't recommend changing till 125k
@@jozzio720 The fluid is definitely expensive. I err on the side of caution with the 60k mile intervals. That's where the older vehicles recommended and that's where I'm comfortable doing it. Always better to do sooner rather than later in my opinion. Excessive maintenance is better than lack of maintenance. If it's a full system flush and not just a drain and fill $500 seems fair if it's a legitimate dealer doing it.
I did not have to relearn the system. If you replace a valve body/solenoid body or anything like that then you would have to program/relearn the system. For just a fluid exchange it is unnecessary.
It does look like the Forester has the same procedure as the Outback. As long as you follow the routine for refilling the transmission while it's within the specified temperature.
I believe that these transmission do in fact have a filter inside of them. You would have to drop the pan to swap the filter out. Could probably buy a kit that includes a filter and a pan seal for around $100.
@@TalkingShop716 ok thanks for the info. I'm way overdue for a CVT fluid change. So should I change it out or not worry about it since I'm way over the miles of the "lifelong fluid"? I'm at 128,000 miles right now.
@@TalkingShop716 That is not a filter in the pan, it is a strainer/foam separator. The only filter is deep within the housings and has the capacity to last the lifetime of the transmission (really).
@@TalkingShop716 On my 2014 Outback 2.5 there is no CVT pan gasket. Supposed to use (Permatex) RTV. 716 did you ever consider dropping the CVT pan? Why or why not?
@@dap777754 If there is no gasket just make sure that you clean the pan and the transmission off well. Don't surface prep with brake clean because it will eat the RTV and you will get a leak. It doesn't do any harm to drop the pan instead of just pulling the plug. Then you can inspect the magnet in the pan for any debris and clean it all out good. Make sure you get a good RTV that can withstand higher temperatures for re-sealing the pan.
That trans gasket looks horrible. Almost like the person installing it had no clue what they were doing. Always replace crush washers. Why no torque specs? Always try to remove the fill plug 1st just in case if there is an issue, you could take it somewhere with fluid in it..... especially if you are laying on your back trying to do all the work. Do better in your videos. They are good but 99% of the people doing this stuff don’t have lifts.
The trans gasket is factory. The pan has never been off so I guess it's safe to assume that you're pointing poor quality worksmanship toward Subaru? The crush washer was replaced in this video and was recommended to replace. If you can't get the fill plug out you shouldn't be attempting this repair in the first place. We will implement torque specs in our videos moving forward --- and as always these videos are a guide on how to get it done, how much you can save by doing it yourself and what tools you will need to perform the work. If you don't have a lift or are uncomfortable performing these types of services or repairs..... just take it to a garage.... please.
@@TalkingShop716I agree, Subaru has horrible build quality. What I was saying about the fill plug, is you always break that loose first and remove, it insurers that the car is functional if you can’t get it off. If you drain the fluid first, you are screwed with a capital F. I just want you to do things in correct order for a DIY person so if there are issues, they aren’t F’ed. Stop taking offense to proper logic. I’m helping you out.
@@UncleOodoo I will have to agree with you there my friend. Wasn't trying to sound offended. My apologies if it came off that way. Yes, by all means make sure that you can get the fill plugs broke loose before you drain the fluid.
That's crazy. I understand that the fluid is expensive. But that's the equivalent of doubling the cost of the fluid and charging you almost 2 hours labor for a 30-45 minute job....
god if there was a dip stick you could replace the ATF in 15 mins not go through all this nonsense.....Im 64, don't have a life and too old to be crawling under cars....breaks my because I love maintaining my own car.
Unfortunately most manufacturers have a setup very similar to this now. It's making it very hard for people that don't have access to a lift to be able to service and maintain their own vehicles.
Crack loose the fill plug before draining.
Good video. I've done a bunch of these as my family has had a dozen Subarus of which 8 have/had a CVT. It's just a little more complicated than drain/filling the differentials since the fluid has to be in that 95-113F sweet spot to be level.
I'm going to try this myself looks easy peasy. Thanks!
From previous videos anywhere from 5 to 5 1/2 QTs.
So your sure you dont have to have a relearn when changing the fluid?? I really want to change my own fluid but was concerned with that. I will have to use jack stands . I really like to do as much as I can on my own. I have another question if you dont mind what I dont understand how come the temp has to be a certain temp?? TO me just saying if you for argument sake take 5 qut out why would it not be logical just put 5 quts back in. I hope you get back to me. Thanks for this vid and you have a super day.
@dog_guy-c8x My workshop manual is not updated to 2024 yet but if the 2024 Crosstrek is still running the TR580 transmission then the drain and fill procedure is pretty much the same as what is shown here. As long as you're filling the transmission in that sweet spot of 95-113 Degrees Farenheit while the car is running you will know when to stop filling because it will seep out of that fill plug.
As to why it has to be that temperature, other than making sure that the fluid is being fully cycled through the system - there's most likely a scientific reason behind it like how temperature affects viscosity etc. Honestly I just try to follow workshop manual procedure because it's just best practice. If the engineers say "Do it this way" - I guess that's how I'm going to do it so I don't ruin anything.
When in doubt. Consult a local Subaru dealer or a technician that you trust to guide you through.
@@TalkingShop716 I no what your saying in regaurds to the manual To me if you stick your finger in the hole and tran fluid is right there as I said 5 qut. I just for the life of me cant understand if your return that said 5 qut should be good. I no I will fallow what you say I am just trying to find an hounest answer to my question. Thanks for you help.
@@TalkingShop716 Ok when you state the car is running do mean that the tran is ingauged in forward well filling it. Will stop bugging you after this question. Thanks for your help.
@@dog_guy-m6bI put the workshop manual procedure into the description of the video. Hopefully that makes it a little more clear. Final fill will be with the transmission at temperature and with the vehicle in park or neutral.
@@TalkingShop716 Thank you for your help
When is this service required based on mileage, and what would you recommend future service intervals? - thanks in advance
@rcollins14 According to the maintenance schedule, Subaru recommends checking fluid level every 30,000 miles and doing a fluid exchange every 100,000 miles.
@@TalkingShop716so how do I check the level if there is no stick to check? Do you know of a way to check? TIA
@@michaellasserrefinearts4435 That's the purpose of the "fill plug"
When the fill plug is removed, you just keep adding fluid until it trickles out of the fill plug. There is a procedure and temperature necessary for filling the transmission. It is noted in the description of the video.
Why not just remove the cooling lines output line to an empty bucket, return sucking clean cvt fluid. When the output line starts to run clear, shut the car down and do the top off procedure? Shifting gears throughout the whole thing ?
I definitely do not recommend that unless you have a legitimate in line fluid transfer unit. Even if it did work you would have to check and make sure that you have the proper level at temperature or you risk overfilling/underfilling the system.
@TalkingShop716 I've done that procedure on various transmissions, without issue. As far as proper fluid levels, that will be addressed at the end, when the transmission is brought up to the recommended temp and the fill plug is removed. At that point, you either add or allow the fluid to run out until it's just a dribble .
It ensures a complete fluid change. I would also drop the pan and replace the filter.
@@berserkerusmc7613 My 2014 Outback filter new, online is $100. Plus, no one I read or watch seems to think it really needs replacing, including the manufacturer. I get wanting to do a complete job, and I am toying with the idea of dropping the pan myself, but it adds a whole new level of complexity and time to the job. And I'm working on my back under the car.
Do you need to do a CVT relearn?
For just a drain and fill style of a fluid change it is not necessary to perform a CVT re-learn. Although if you did. It wouldn't hurt anything.
Hey, just wondering about how many quarts of fluid did you end up using?
I ended up using just under 5 full quarts.
OK Im. Confused because the cvt capacity says it's 12.4 qts. Why only 5 qts? @@TalkingShop716
@@jozzio720 That's the "full capacity" of the transmission. If you were to break it down and remove all the components and drain the entire system it would need a higher amount of fluid. For the drain and fill procedure it's only around that 5 quart mark to refill.
@TalkingShop716 voodnto know, i asked Subaru service last time ibwas in and they told me it's like $500 because of the cost of all the fluid but Subaru didn't recommend changing till 125k
@@jozzio720 The fluid is definitely expensive. I err on the side of caution with the 60k mile intervals. That's where the older vehicles recommended and that's where I'm comfortable doing it. Always better to do sooner rather than later in my opinion. Excessive maintenance is better than lack of maintenance. If it's a full system flush and not just a drain and fill $500 seems fair if it's a legitimate dealer doing it.
No magnets inside the pan to clean off? Watched a few videos no one’s cleaned magnets. It there any magnets in there?
Yes there is a magnet in there.
Did you have to relearn the system?
I did not have to relearn the system. If you replace a valve body/solenoid body or anything like that then you would have to program/relearn the system. For just a fluid exchange it is unnecessary.
@@TalkingShop716thank you ! Good video
I have a 2016 forester, 2.5 l , is the same procedure for it? Thanks
It does look like the Forester has the same procedure as the Outback. As long as you follow the routine for refilling the transmission while it's within the specified temperature.
Do these transmissions have an oil filter in them?
I believe that these transmission do in fact have a filter inside of them. You would have to drop the pan to swap the filter out. Could probably buy a kit that includes a filter and a pan seal for around $100.
@@TalkingShop716 ok thanks for the info. I'm way overdue for a CVT fluid change. So should I change it out or not worry about it since I'm way over the miles of the "lifelong fluid"? I'm at 128,000 miles right now.
@@TalkingShop716 That is not a filter in the pan, it is a strainer/foam separator. The only filter is deep within the housings and has the capacity to last the lifetime of the transmission (really).
@@TalkingShop716 On my 2014 Outback 2.5 there is no CVT pan gasket. Supposed to use (Permatex) RTV. 716 did you ever consider dropping the CVT pan? Why or why not?
@@dap777754 If there is no gasket just make sure that you clean the pan and the transmission off well. Don't surface prep with brake clean because it will eat the RTV and you will get a leak. It doesn't do any harm to drop the pan instead of just pulling the plug. Then you can inspect the magnet in the pan for any debris and clean it all out good. Make sure you get a good RTV that can withstand higher temperatures for re-sealing the pan.
Vroom vroom
Oh I forgot to tell you I have a 24 cross track.
Go through the gears when you hit temperature, not before.
That trans gasket looks horrible. Almost like the person installing it had no clue what they were doing. Always replace crush washers. Why no torque specs?
Always try to remove the fill plug 1st just in case if there is an issue, you could take it somewhere with fluid in it..... especially if you are laying on your back trying to do all the work.
Do better in your videos. They are good but 99% of the people doing this stuff don’t have lifts.
The trans gasket is factory. The pan has never been off so I guess it's safe to assume that you're pointing poor quality worksmanship toward Subaru? The crush washer was replaced in this video and was recommended to replace. If you can't get the fill plug out you shouldn't be attempting this repair in the first place.
We will implement torque specs in our videos moving forward --- and as always these videos are a guide on how to get it done, how much you can save by doing it yourself and what tools you will need to perform the work. If you don't have a lift or are uncomfortable performing these types of services or repairs..... just take it to a garage.... please.
@@TalkingShop716I agree, Subaru has horrible build quality. What I was saying about the fill plug, is you always break that loose first and remove, it insurers that the car is functional if you can’t get it off. If you drain the fluid first, you are screwed with a capital F. I just want you to do things in correct order for a DIY person so if there are issues, they aren’t F’ed.
Stop taking offense to proper logic. I’m helping you out.
@@UncleOodoo I will have to agree with you there my friend. Wasn't trying to sound offended. My apologies if it came off that way. Yes, by all means make sure that you can get the fill plugs broke loose before you drain the fluid.
That rust is hideous there.
Dealer wants over 500.00 now.
That's crazy. I understand that the fluid is expensive. But that's the equivalent of doubling the cost of the fluid and charging you almost 2 hours labor for a 30-45 minute job....
My dealer is around $375 might be cost of living and the location mabe?
@@blakeweber4962 Prices vary based on region typically. If you get closer to the big cities the prices are generally much higher.
Without a scan tool you have no idea what the fluid temp is.
god if there was a dip stick you could replace the ATF in 15 mins not go through all this nonsense.....Im 64, don't have a life and too old to be crawling under cars....breaks my because I love maintaining my own car.
Unfortunately most manufacturers have a setup very similar to this now. It's making it very hard for people that don't have access to a lift to be able to service and maintain their own vehicles.