We’ve had 5 Subarus with the CVT. No problems at all. I’ve always taken them to the dealer for CVT fluid change every 40k miles though too. Subaru Athens didn’t want to, but Hunter Subaru swears by it & does it now for less than $200.
These videos along with the impressive commonality between Subaru models are incredible for those of us that do our own maintenance. Between the weekend subscriptions to Subaru's TIS website and this kind of content, I haven't had to take my crosstrek to any dealer since 2018! Thank you!
Awesome 2 in a row! You know Subaru's better than SOA as they don't even recognize changing the fluid until 90+ it has to be planned obsolescence to make you trade up or possible issues. JMO Thanks for ALL you do & the education you gave us ALL! Much respect
The sales guy told us that the fluid didn’t need to be changed at all and the owner’s manual reflected that statement. I had my wife take it in over the summer to get it done anyway at 100K. She does no hard driving so hopefully it’s all good.
@@MrSubaru1387after have my local dealer tell me it doesn't need to be changed I found your videos. It was the first time I heard a "lifetime" fluid and something didn't seem right. Did it myself with your help. Thank you!
I have 60k miles on a Outback in Ireland,have asked 4 main dealers about the possibility of changing CVT fluid.None of them want to do it,I am a little nervous of doing it myself as it's our only vehicle.Thanks for great videos
Do it! It's actually easy and just make sure to level the oil on 95-100F and refill on flat. Had a really bad experience with overfilling by other mechs.
One thing I've learned with these fill plugs for the transmission and both the differentials is using the new grip edge hex sockets. Using them, I have yet to worry about stripping the bolt out compared to using the standard style hex bolts. Comes in handy too when techs who worked on them previously tighten the ever living daylights out of them or strip them partially
I have a Forester with 170,000 miles, don't know the service history but it's pretty clean. So glad I found your videos so I can start going through things. Let's get mine to 223,000 too!
If you kept the temp at the correct degree, drained and refilled, then did the PRND and back sequence, would you have to actually use a scan tool or relearn procedure?
If I could afford it I’d buy you a lift! I’m 71 with 3 Outbacks I do most of my own service so not really up for scurrying around on the ground. Really like your videos, thanks!
Mr. Subaru, thanks for all your work and resources. I hope you can post a short video or something similar to show people just like me where are the safe point to jack up the subaru forester by using flooring jack. I have seen too many videos on RU-vid that couldn't explain this right. Again, thanks for your help and knowledge!
I've made do with a 10$ fluid pump from harborfreight for years now, around 6 or 7 times on a couple cars. No need to purchase the myvac units for all you at home mechanics 😊
Hey man I used to work for Subaru in Australia, when the cvt came out, Subaru told us tech that they are sealed unit and not too change fluid. But I don’t believe the fluid does not need to be changed ever.
Which of your videos would best help diagnose a failing valve body vs. torque converter vs. CVT? I tried searching but I'm still unclear how to isolate each point of failure.
That was really great: I have an idea for another episode - how to use the computer to turn off features like stop start tech and begin start up in ‘S’ mode
How important is it to clear the adaptives and learn process? Our 2017 Outback needs a CVT servicing badly and Subaru would never touch it until I recently went up there and mentioned its a shame Subaru of America thinks the fluid is forever which we know there is no such thing. The new service guy said they are scared to touch then when they haven't been touched for a long while as they've had a few not move afterwards LOL.......Sigh 100k on ours and I worry if I dont do the fluid exchange like you just did they are going to hook it up to a machine and blow the internals to bits now that they will all of a sudden service it. But back to the original question it sounds like I'd need a dealer to do the clearing process. Thank You
How much cvt fluid do you generally use when doing a flush and fill? The valve body kit on subarupartsdeals only includes 2 quarts of fluid. Gotta be more than that, right?
Waiting on the Ascent cvt video. Replaced the fluid with the dealer back in June. 64k miles no issues. Dealer said fluid was dark. Carfax showed no info on prior owner. Bought it with 33k on it.
Done my valve body yesterday and will be doing that cvt fluid on Sunday morning..i always enjoy watching all of your vids only difference that i use a XTOOL D8..although this video will be very helpful
I just hit 125k on my 2015 Forester and was curious if I can do a CVT service without the learning process since I don't have access to a tablet like a TOPDON?
Subaru manuals do not call for it. Relearn is only needed for TCM replacement, Disassembly of transmission, CVT replacement, Valve body replacement, or after Clearing AT learning values. Check the subaruforester threads.
I try to do my own maintenance but I took my Forester in to the dealer for an oil change that was included with the purchase of the vehicle. I now remember why I don’t go to the dealer. After I picked up my vehicle it made a loud clunk as I put it in gear, they left the fuel door not fully closed. I got home and did a once over and found my air filter cover not snapped closed. Then I did a long road trip which required an oil change on return. The drain plug was like the plug you had on that car, the oil filter and oil fill cap were also super tight. Then I went to rotate the tires and I needed a 25” breaker bar to get the lugs off. My standard cross bar wouldn’t cut it and I’m a big dude. Apparently the gorilla the dealer hired has never heard of a torque wrench.
We have a 2015 Forester. Subaru issued us a 100,000 mile warranty on the transmission but told us it would void the warranty if we ever changed the fluid! The dealer kept telling us to change the fluid until I showed them the letter stating NOT to change the fluid! I’ve been extremely uneasy about waiting till 100,000 to change the fluid. I do it every 30,000 on my Hondas.
I cannot afford the TOPDON scan tool that you use (currently $4K). Will the TOPDON Artidiag pro do everything needed to change CVT fluid (measure temp, clear adaptives, AT Learn)?
Thanks! I'm about to do this on our '16 Forester at 136k. I see you're using the Phoenix, is there a more affordable topdon tool that can do the relearn?
Can you please do a video on the cvt "filter" replacement or a full service taking the pan off, maybe even changing that solenoid that goes bad, any preventative maintenance to keep these bad boys alive 😂
I love all your videos! I have learned so much from you. I’m hopping you can help me out with a small recommendation. I have a 2016 cross track with 101k on it and I’m getting oil in my radiator. I have been told it’s the dreaded Subaru head gasket issue. What I need is someone reliable in Southern California area that can do the job. Of course I don’t trust the dealers and they are the biggest crooks out there right up with car sales people. lol. But yes someone please! Thx.
Hi, I have a Forester with code p0841, they recommended that I change the oil and the transmission filter along with the transmission oil pressure sensor.. is it recommended to change the filter as well or just the oil?
Hi, I replaced my Subaru outback 2013 2.5 transmission, but now the car start but don't move, I fill the transmission with oil til it was dripping from the 8 MLM Allen screw, I also found that the transmission oil don't get hotter even when the car is on for a long time (40-60 minutes, ) what you think it can be the problem? And thank you for all your videos they are a great source of knowledge
Thank you for the time and commitment to putting these videos out! I have this car with 210K miles and never had a CVT fluid change. I think the CVT is leaking and I’m struggling to find where. I was planning to do the fluid change as a start but I’m don’t know if that’s a good idea since it’s never been serviced. Does anyone have thoughts?
When I did on my Impreza 2016 the first cvtf change I disconnected the exit circuit to warmer/cooler thing..... When I start the engine and in the same time put the new fluid in I observed on the exit the old oil come out. At least 2 liter old oil (I believe old oil resting in tourgue converter. In total I used 13 l of oil . Pan down and change the metalic "filter". Clean the magnet. For leveling I use and obd ho can read CVT temp. In comparison with drain and fill I think I manage to change a much big procentage.... I kindly ask you...why you don't collect the old oil from upper exit hose ? I know you have a good reason but I don't know what is this reason. Thank you. You are an inspiration for me.
It is THIS service (on my 2021 Forester) I would drive south to have you do. Looking at 40,000 km (as recommended for severe service in the manual) and that is probably two years away yet.
I see you doing some kind of partial transmission fluid replacement. In some videos I saw full fluid replacement - they just disconnect one of the tubes from transmission to heat exchanger, then start car for short period of time (to get about 1 quart of old fluid), then add new fluid into the transmission. And do this until you got fresh transmission fluid from tube. + Usually they recommend clean magnet inside transmission and replace the filter. How do you thing is dangerous \ not required or better to do on high milage?
Any recommendation for a more budget friendly OBD tool that can do the same AT configuration & transmission fluid temperature monitoring that you did in this video? Saw some reccs online (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2/Autel AP2500 OBD2) but didn't see anyone with direct experience of using them with a 2015 Subaru Forester - do either of these work or should I find something else? Thank you!
Thanks for another cracking video - saved it before I watched it even :) Have my new to me Forester just arrived from Osaka, 2.0i CVT with Eyesight and approx 44,000 miles on a 2014 plate. Thinking of doing the CVT as I can't see it being done in the history. Quick question is I may? Subaru CVT fluid is ferociously expensive here in Ireland, is it ok to do the flush with other brand CVT Fluid (meeting Subaru specification), drain it, and then do the final fill with Subaru fluid?
My 2011 Legacy is coming up on 200000 miles. The last time the fluid was changed was about 100000 miles ago. It shifts and runs well. Should I leave it as some say or should I go ahead and change it?
Have you ever seen the transmission leak from the torque converter/trans pump cover? It weeps down and drips off the diff drain bolt ,so it looks the diff is leaking. Subaru has a TSB out on this. I had to have my forester done this week. Found to be bad RTV from the factory, The mechanic sad it never cured right . Its a pretty big job the trans needs to come out and the pump cover needs new RTV and seals needs to be replaced.
So I have a 14 forester with 120 k on it. Had dealer do the first cvt at around 60k and a local independent subaru specialist shop do a drain and fill about 500 miles ago. Have been experiencing some shuttering now when accelerating in stop ang traffic. Could that be because they did the relearn process or because they didn't? Or sign of something worse?
Well lovely, that'll be an awkward return visit and not a great first experience with this place. Love your videos btw, you're like the car care nut guy but for subaru. Would hope you make a future video where you can elaborate on the cold start timing chain rattle issue, and when you'd consider it serious enough to warrant the repair cost. Not sure when mine started but in looking through many a subaru forum online it seems like people have had this for many years with their vehicles but just live with it.. And not a lot of folks returning to say it torpedoed their engines years later... So not quite sure how concerned I should be.
Yeah, really wanna give them the benefit of the doubt and hope it's something else, as they're supposed to be a reputable shop with good reviews. Only thing I could add is it's not consistent.. Not even something I can can say for sure I feel everyday.. And pretty sure not when cold. When researching found someone elsewhere with similar issue that described it well... Like trying to take off in a manual in too high a gear.. But doesn't happen from dead stop. Only at times during acceleration in slow moving traffic
Mr Subaru; If I put a little air pressure into fill plug hole, would I be able to force out any add’l old fluid? Maybe make a hose fit tight into fill plug hole and attach to a foot pump like used to inflate air mattresses?
do you have video on the air bleeding procedure of the control valve, after removing and replacing atf on a 2010 forester. or do you feel it is not needed when doing a drain n fill on the auto trans? Cheers!
I was surprised when I called around locally trying to find even an independent Subaru specialty shop willing to do a cvt service on our 14 forester, and they all refused, saying that they’re ‘lifetime.’ This was within the last year. We finally decided to sell the forester earlier this year and bought a newer outback. Hopefully the official word from soa changes in the near future so I can get the transmission serviced within the extended service period. I’m not comfortable not having fluids changed *ever* but also not thrilled about possibly doing it myself.
Mr. Subaru, I have a 2019 Outback Limited. Drained CVT FLUID 4 qts drained BUT after refilling with 4 qts no fluid dribbled out the fill. So I topped it off with a fifth qt. Still no fluid dribbling. I was afraid to put any more fluid so I put the fill plug in and started the car and went through the gears. Well a bunch of lights came on! Eyesight, check engine light, and it is now stuck in “off road mode. I don’t have a scan or code reader, is anything I can do to clear the light or at least get it to come out of “off road mode”. Lastly I did let the car warm up to 95 degrees and checked fill plug and had no fluid dribbling, I intend to put another qt in until it’s dribbles out.
i have a 2018 forester 2.5l premium trim that has about 115k miles and the CVT fluid has never been changed... at this point, because its well over 100k, should I just leave it untouched or ignore all the false Subaru marketing claims of "lifetime fluid" and not ever needing to replace the CVT fluid?
There is a small bump on the side of the transmission. Is there a little cartridge filter in there? It is a small one if it is like the one that other Japanese transmissions sometimes have.
Hey... so I stripped the fill hole 8mm hex bolt.... any ideas? I sprayed it with pb blaster and used a long arm. It wasen't moving at all so i decided to kick it and thats kinda when it stripped...
I was wondering the same. I don't want to mess it up by doing it poorly and I'd like to do it myself, but I don't think I can get that sort of diagnostic tool now. I'm used to the pretty basic drain/fill on older cars.
HELP!! I have a 2013 Impreza. It was throwing a P2764 and a P0700. I replaced the CVT Valve Body. The P2764 went away but I still had the P0700 and the dash warning lights. I then replaced the Transmission Control Module under the dash. No change. I now drained the transmission fluid, replaced the filter (not a filter), and put in new fluid. I cleared the codes. Once I drive it about like 20mph all the dash lights come back on and I get the P0700 code again! I don't know where to go from here? I don't have the Subaru Tool for codes or diagnosis since I'm not doing this for a living. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Help! 2001 forester-occasionally shifts VERY hard going between gears, especially from 1st to 2nd gear.. Shakes the entire car. Had Subaru dealer service the tranny when it started around 154,000, seemed to fix it for a while but is now doing it again. What would you suggest?
Hey im from canada abd im interested in a crosstrek 2024 onyx/sport trim. Is it using the FB25D engine? Are they any relaibility concerns ? Love your vidoes !
I want to see you work on a high mileage rust belt vehicle. "Just gotta take off this dustshield. Take off this bolt. Ahh, head snapped off that one. This bolt...head snapped too. Hmmm. Let's try this one. Snapped. Why did the car just drop? Ah crap, the jackstand went through the rocker." I feel like 75% of Subaru owners are in snow states and it's hilariously frustrating to watch you take apart a high mileage car with zero resistance whatsoever lol
Hi Mr Subaru I always watch your videos you're doing i great job.I have a big problem with my g4 and I think the mechanics are just riping me off and making things worst
I need that and more to our 2014 Forester with 267K+ on the clock. I'm also chasing a vibration around 70mph. How far are you from Richmond, VA? I'll drive down.
So I sent an E-mail to Subaru USA about changing CVT fluid. They said to contact your dealer. It makes sense to change the fluid does Subaru now recommend fluid changes for CVT? TY
Here's the issue, SoA has been iffy depending, but Subaru as a whole yes, Japan they change theirs every 35k miles I believe. This is why we have so many issue sover here they should be fixing stuff for free at this point with their oh the fluid lasts forever BS.
Whenever I ask my dealer about this service, they just say "the fluid lasts the life of the vehicle." That's it. I'm at 80k on my '16 Forester xt, should I definitely get it done? I only do 8-10k miles a year and might sell this around 100k anyway though as the warranty will be up.
hi. i have: subaru xv 2017 1,600, and hyundai i 30 2010, 1,600. do you have recommended scanner/computer for amateurs users? can i connect my private laptop somehow?
