Subaru CVT - To Service or Not To Service
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2019
- Please Like, Comment, and Share. Be sure to subscribe for future videos.
Subaru Specialty Tools - www.amazon.com/shop/mrsubaru1...
Subaru OEM Parts - www.amazon.com/shop/mrsubaru1...
Must Have Tools - www.amazon.com/shop/mrsubaru1...
StoreFront - www.amazon.com/shop/mrsubaru1387
If you like the vids and want to help make more: paypal.me/MrSubaru1387
----I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. I recommend safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself.---- 
Авто/Мото
Lifetime means until the warranty ends!
My Outback failed at 80,000 Miles, locking and stalling the engine..
Yup. And original warranty was 60,000 miles. So fluid need replaced every 60m. Not that complicated lol.
Quite a few years ago myself and my mechanically inclined friend did my 2012 Impreza at around 80,000 miles. The fluid was blacker than night. All fluids need to be changed at some point. Subaru's lies are what will destroy your transmission. Preventative maintenance is key to the long survival of any vehicle.
From what I've heard CVTs need more servicing than regular transmisions. I get mine serviced every 40k ish miles (I live in canada so thats an estimate). I used to get it serviced at my local subaru dealer, they had no issue with that schedule.
Why would it have a drain and a fill on it if it wasn't supposed to be serviced
What I had heard (not confirmed0 is that when a manufacturer says 'lifetime" they only mean the warranty period. I believe they were forced to admit this in court. But I can't find the specific case. So yes, change the fluids if you're buying a high mileage past warranty. Thats just my opinion though. @@kelpking4484
You have convince me not to buy a cvt car now.
I get my CVT fluid flushed every 60K miles. Got 135K on my 2015 Outback and no issues with the CVT whatsoever. I had the fluid tested and it was showing signs of fluid breakdown. No way in hell these units should be “lifetime”
I’ve got 250000 on a 2011 outback and the cvt has never been serviced or replaced and still working good.
My brother's 2011 Outback 2.5i Limited CVT is currently at 186k mile, factory sealed, no service. Glad to know they'll take that kind of mileage.
Life time meaning 10 years 100K miles.
@@mrtee3477 Subaru rates timing chains as lifetime. That lifetime is definited as 300,000 miles. Where are you getting the 100k mile/10 year figure?
@@MrSubaru1387 There are more parts in Jatco CVT than just the chain Mr.
I change my fluid every 20-30k , it's a cheap insurance. Fluids are cheap - transmissions not .
How much did it cost
@@MrAirtyme just the cost of transmission fluid - fill drain 3x
@@MrAirtyme I assume you are asking what it costs at a shop. CVT flush at a shop is 200-300 bucks. Mine was $220 for a 15 Altima
Never do flush, drain & refill use manufacturers oil and procedures on CVT's these are NOT old school Automatics. Counts majority of DIY out.
@@NoName-gv6nm altima have junk CVTS transmission, so u need to service Nissan transmissions every 30,000 or one year. If u do this u will have no problems.
By their own definition, EVERY Subaru is seeing extreme service.
LMFAO
My local subaru dealer in Singapore change my 2015 Outback CVT fluid every 40,000km. Now at 120K Km , the outback running well.
My 1990 AWD 2-door Justy (only 7 of this configuration sold in Canada), had an "ECVT" which was the first iteration a a modern CVT trans in any vehicle. I loved it. Back then no phony shift points. The speedo pointer went up as the tach needle went down...cool! The ECVT failed at 106k km. The case-hardening on a cone failed and a groove was worn into the cone by the belt. The belt would hang up in the groove then fall with a great jar to the system. I made a point that the failure was a manufacturing defect not a warranty item. I had the 100k km extended coverage and so Subaru blinked and came to the table. They'd supply a new trans if I paid the labour. After 10 years and 237k km I traded for a new 2001 Impreza. I loved that little car!
Thanks for the video and your opinion, there are definitely some inconsistencies in Subaru's reasoning.
I pulled the trigger on my 2011 Outback 2.5 CVT. Went to 104K and did a drain and fill. She was purchased new, cherished, and never, never abused. She has done mostly in-town, stop and go, some 100+ mile trips, and a few longer trips, and no towing. I've done a bit of maintenance on her already. From wheel bearings to shocks, brakes, to valve cover gaskets, throttle body cleaning, etc. Oil changed every 3-4 k miles with synthetic.
My drain and fill process was completely DIY. With no "special tools" I put her front wheels on ramps and lifted her rear while making sure the trans pan was level.
I was anticipating dirty fluid and while I believe this 104K fluid retained some viscosity, it was due to be changed. The consistency was still thinner but murky and what I deem contaminated. I find it amazing that Subaru claims it's a lifetime fluid (within reason). Like you explained, however pretty much all driving conditions would deem the original fluid not lifetime and require changing.
Like you also mentioned this process was not DIY friendly. Matter of fact it was a PIA to get the approx 5.5 qts I drained, back in the trans case.
The first 4 qts went in just fine but the last 1.5 qts were not so easy. I cycled through the gears, brought the trans up to temp, but she would not swallow anything additional.
I turned her off, let her cool down, turned her back on, cycled through the gears again, and BAM, she allowed me to give her another 1.5 qts. A true exercise in patience.
Now, as it relates to a "clean environment" you refer to when doing a drain and fill unless you're outside in a sandstorm while doing this job, and if you're reasonably careful, there should be no "contamination." With that said, I tend to error on the side of caution so, my conditions were super clean.
In closing, she had a bit of a jerk, pre-drain going from high to low gears and that is now more or less gone. But I'm also one of those guys that notice and obsess over every little noise and nuance. Long story short, I recommend anyone, with a little mechanical inclination to try this job as it will extend the life of your Subie, for sure.
Thanks Mr. Subaru!
Did you change your filter too did you just change the fluid? Was it done by a professional? How many miles do you have now?
@@DreyTheGamer, as mentioned above this was done in my garage, by me, not a professional. Filter? There is no filter change in a "drain and fill". She's reaching the 107K mark
@@DreyTheGamer exactly what I was wondering. I asked a shop to drain and fill and replace torque converter and they whined so much like they don't make money off anything but brakes or something.
Just read your message and thanks God you left such a valuable instruction. I'm going to do mine, and never once YOutube people mentioned about the tran might not want to seep another in after 4qts. and let the car to cool down and retry works. Thank you.
Thanks for this reply, So I was at my stealership getting a $120 OIL CHANGE, and they were about TRY and steal $440 for a cvt flush, but I know I can do this myself! These places are getting outrageous!
Your absolutely right on how we need to know our service intervals and that this fluid as "lifetime" is a complete lie. From my own experience, I have the 2015 fxt and do offroading videos with it. I have had problems with my cvt almost every 30k miles. First time around 34K, I had a severe trans leak near the engine and transmission connection. So I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed it as a main seal leak and replaced fluids and the main seal. I continued to believe subaru and that they fluid and trans are lifetime. However, other FXT and CVT WRX were having issues with their cvts as well. Majority of them have had complete failures before 100K miles. I still had warranty so I kept the car as is and continued to drive it in severe conditions. At 74k I started to notice another oil leak similar to the prior leak at 34k. I took it to the dealer and they claimed it was coming from the transmission and so they said they needed to take it off the car and have it inspected. They found that the CVT chain was near failure and I needed my entire CVT replaced. I asked them how much it would cost if I did not have warranty and they said it would be $8000. Now I am about 20K away from the end of subaru's warranty and unfortunately instead of installing a transmission cooler, I am going to sell the car. It wouldn't be financially sound to have a car still loaned for about 18k and then have to replace a transmission for 8k.
If I had the knowledge that I have now, I would have done the CVT fluid changes every 15-20k miles based off my severe driving. I would have definitely offroaded the car a bit differently and would have installed a transmission cooler from the start. Note that the new ascent and upcoming model of outback have transmission coolers added to them.
Others, have added transmission coolers to their cvts and are getting around 200k miles now.
Thanks for the vid. This is the most confusing and misunderstood maintenance issue with Subaru. A call to Subaru USA was on the way until I came across this vid. Thanks again!✌🏾
You're welcome.
My brother changed his CVT fluid at 40,000 in an Impreza. The third party technician said his fluid was nearly clean, so I agree with the 60,000-80,000 mile guideline for most.
agree. I'd say before hitting 100k miles (for any transmissions out there). I usually do it around 90k no matter what the "official" manual says. I've seen cars with transmission problems around 120-140k miles with those "lifetime fluids".
@@Laphoot Unless you plow snow with your Subaru Crosstrek like I do then you may want to change it before 100k
Thank you for this VERY informative video!!
Subaru is very cryptic when it comes to the CVT and associated challenging questions. They are losing touch with their customer base!.
I experienced the same news from SOA "Lifetime sealed unit" I told them they were nuts, that oil breaks down. Even if not aggressive, in the hot summers, it's going to get hot carrying four over-sized adults plus luggage.
They are using our vehicles as their test beds.
Let us "hope" the filter is lifetime!
My stepson has a 2014 legacy sedan. We changed his when he had 110000 km on it. Periodically the trans temp light would come on which is why they extended the warranty. They replaced the valve body under warranty after we changed the fluid. To change the fluid we put it up on all 4 corners, drained it, refilled it but the last bit had to be put in while the wheels were turning. Used a small plastic hand pump he got from Subaru. Fluid was 25$ Canadian per litre and it took 6. Seems to work ok considering the way it is driven
This guy is terrific! Subaru issue?? He has the answer!! Just bought a used Legacy and Mr. Subaru I'm sure, has all the answers for any issues. 👍
Thank you for the comment about Subaru owners. It's a fact, take care of a car and it'll take care of you. I just wish that Subaru would acknowledge us as a major contributor to the reputation of their cars. That being said, yes by all means Subaru needs to get the story straight on CVT maintenance. We want to know.
Incredibly helpful! Thanks for doing the digging and finding the information.
Couldn't agree more. Follow the servicing manual until you're out of warranty, wait another 20k miles then change the CVT fluid. No matter what they say, as the belt slides over the Variator, small metal fragments will be produced. Especially under peak torque. The fluid will need to be changed at some point to maintain some hope of longevity (that's if the belt doesn't break). It will be interesting to see how the Levorg/WRX CVT fluid and transmission hold out over time.
It sounds like subaru has engineered it as a lifetime sealed unit, where the lifetime is the warranty period, and then after that they can sell you a replacement transmission as it starts to wear.
Great point!
I have a 2017 Forester. CVT is working fine. Got 95K on it now and will follow your recommendation and continue to 100K and likely not do anything to CVT until 120K. No leaks and no malfunctions so far. Thanks for the video help. Agree that Subaru needs to get it together on their CVT suggestions.
Mine was black at 90k i would do it sooner
2014 forester here, it seems like I'm having the CVT whining sound. and systems like when came to stop and put to park the car jerked, put into reverse the car didnt' want to fudge unless gave some gas. I did the transmission fluid drain and refill. The symptoms gone, but the whining stay. In short, do the service as early as possible if you passed the warranty period. The symptoms seem to show up right after my 100k miles. My car now has 120k miles.
Yea you deff should have done it sooner. Idk why Subaru says don't change it. Ill change mine again at 140,000 miles. @@nuttietrendchannel4265
My 2015 Subaru Outback is nearing 100,000 miles. Thanks for the explanation!
*Everything you said my service advisor said word for word. So I feel like I'm at least getting good info from my dealer. I have a 2014 XT Forester with 65K on it. Videos of it on my channel.*
The dealership in my area is trustworthy in my opinion, and they recommended changing the fluid every 60k in a long-winter area like ours.
How long is your winter? I’m in NJ and with cold snowy winters, dealership’s advice is do not touch CVT before 100k miles.
@@michaelfredmon4748 Our winter can start in October and last until May if it's a doozy. We also get 300 inches of snow annually so the AWD gets a workout.
Super informative, I appreciate you making this, I think more people need to hear this.
Just bought a 'used' new 2021 Legacy LTD with 5k miles. Found you in my research. You are my new 'go to' Subaru guy. Thanks for your forthrightness, humor and great eyebrows! LOL
Thank you for doing this video, I was the one pestering you about this. Still the AWD clutch is within the CVT as it is in the 4EAT/5EAT, so I would think you'd get wear particles from those discs into the CVT. Also the F/R/N clutch again I would think you would get some wear particles into the CVT, probably minor here. Also the torque converter would produce wear particles. Not to mention transmission oil cooking while off roading/towing, etc. But I guess thats why they say 25k.... for that scenario. Just weird to me that they don't call out a service interval for normal use in the manual. Yet I totally agree with you I'm running it and will tell my service person at the Subaru Dealer my driving style that is not mountainous, not stop and go, not towing much, and if they say change at 120k or never, that's what I'll do and see if I get a new tranny when and if it goes out and taking my lifetime powertrain contract into consideration here. If I didn't have that I'd do what you say change at 120k. It seems like you say we early adopter CVT'ers are the Guinea Pigs for the CVT.
I live in Wisconsin and work for a dealership we recommend replacing the cvt fluid every 100,000 miles. That being said usually when we change the fluid the particularly in the vehicles that use cvtf2 it is no longer the blue green color it turns to more of a honey color smells slightly different and feels thinner. I am a firm believer that at the very least it should be replaced every 100,000 miles. As oils thin out the pump has to work harder to build the same pressures to overcome the incresed fluid volume demands
Would you recommend a change and fill or a complete flash?
Thank you. I was told its a sealed systom and being a DIY oil change guy this just didn't sit right with me. My Ranger got 400,000 before it died and I like to keep my cars going as long as I can. I change fliud as a hobbie. This is now my go to vid.
i got 250k on my LR3...basic maintenance...original engine trans tcase and diffs.
the best subaru gearbox must have been around year 2000, external filter and very easy serviced and
NO problems( compared with the manual one )
I don't know where you heard about problems with the manuals, but they're fine.
Comprehensive video. I wanted to change my transmission oil at 60,000 miles but after watching this I might just wait till the warranty is up.
Check with your dealer. Some will service them and honor warranty, some won't.
FYI. I have 2017 Subaru Forester at 34k miles. I recently changed gear(differential) oil and transmission fluid from non-Subaru dealer mechanics becasue I started to hear and feel noise and stiffness when I drive my Subaru. People (some mechanics, forum, etc) usually recommend getting the services done at about 30k miles intervals or every 2years (just rough estimation).
My Palm Springs Subaru dealership also says lifetime transmission, never service. However, they did explain that there is a very small dipstick deep down beside the transmission for checking fluid level. They recommended that I not touch it. They occasionally check it just to make sure that it’s not running low on fluid or appears contaminated. My 2015 Impreza Sport Limited currently has 163,000 miles and still going strong. Our driving conditions are approximately 70% open highway and 30% city in high Southwest desert heat. We love it so much that we bought a 2019 Crosstrek Limited as our new go to long distance vehicle and drive the Impreza closer to home. Happy Subaru owner. Absolutely will buy again.
Thank you for this video! I've been running around in circles trying to figure out what to do with my 2015 Forester. I've always heard not to touch the transmission, but it goes against everything I've ever learned!... I guess I leave it alone until I reach the 100,000 mile mark.
I have a 2015 diesel foz. My Subaru specialist mechanic (not a dealer) tells me the fluid should be changed at 100k kms
100k on the same fluid is no bueno.
Excellent info thank you for this video.
You've done a wonderful job here with this video, hitting on the major points well. I'm at 72k, and it's honestly on the back of my mind all the time once this thing hits 100k.
I wouldnt wait.
Your videos are greatly appreciated thank you
Great content keep them coming. You are doing great job Sir.
Thanks!
Like most car companies, Subaru has changed. First and foremost, they are all in the business to sell cars. Why do I get the feeling that most auto manufacturers, (including Subaru ) are hoping that when your vehicle hits 100,000 miles, you will be ready to trade it in for a new one. Manufacturers are using "Lifetime fluid" on on automatic transmissions and CVT's as a selling point to try to show the customer that the transmission service is one less thing to worry about if you buy their car.
Also,I talked to a Subaru tech that has done some CVT jobs on newer Subarus and he told me that he always advises owners to try to avoid jack rabbit starts when pulling out with a CVT transmission. Pull out easy, get the car moving, then lay into it if you have to. Punching it off the line is really hard on CVT units. He also, said that if you INSIST on getting your CVT transmission serviced and it DOES NOT fall under the Subaru extended warranty, at least use factory recommended Subaru CVT fluid. Not all bad news though, I've been told that he's seen countless CVT transmissions well over 100,000 miles and never a problem. But these transmissions were NOT ABUSED.
True. My brother's 2011 Outback 2.5i Limited CVT is currently at 186k mile, factory sealed.
I changed mine at 60k; right or wrong. The oil was still good, but breaking down "visually". Did not feel any grit, so hopefully filter lasts.
I have 53,000 miles on my 2019 forester. I will go with the 120,000 mile recommendation. It's all a guess somewhat but your advice is very helpful and thank you!
Very comprehensive Mr Subaru....thank you...😁👍
I own a 2015 Legacy 3.6, and the dealership serviced my CVT and then it failed. Thank goodness they replaced it at no cost to me. So far I haven’t had any issues with the CVT. It’s been a great car. It’s now at 198,400 miles, I’ve maintained it well, I hope it’ll keep going past 300,000!
Same experience I had 3 weeks ago with my 2015 forester XT everything that you mentioned was the same experience I had thank goodness Subaru dealership replaced it for $0 charge or I would have been out of 8k dollars
How many miles was you at? I just got a valve body put on my legacy with 154k
@@KryptoKiddi 83k miles was on it before it needed to be replaced
@@marvinthomas5633 it needed a whole new transmission?
@@KryptoKiddi yes really seems like the trans can’t be serviced because one I had mines serviced it started leaking oil than the pump went out in it took it back to Subaru they replaced the whole transmission thank god I was still under 100k mileage to get the warranty replacement the next Subie I buy will be a manual transmission
I had a 2015 Outback, and I drive a LOT of miles every year. Because of the CVT I will not buy another Subaru. Mine went out at 186K miles, which some will think is pretty good, but again, I need to get more miles out of a car than that. Since the CVT replacement was basically a $10K repair, I figured it made more sense to scrap the car, partly because it had several other nagging/hard to diagnose problems. I switched back to Toyota, every one of which I have owned went way beyond 186K miles. I strongly believe no car company can compare with Toyota/Lexus for long trouble-free life.
Got 215,000 out of my legacy and it is totally shot I feel your pain
I'm at 265k on my 2015 outback
Isn't 186K miles the distance to the moon?
@@TucsonDude Lol....isn't the speed of light 186K miles per second?
Great info. Your level headed advice is much appreciated.
Great info, I was just about to have mine flushed. You saved me my friend
The start had me thinking about Hamlet lol “To be, or not to be that is the question” when you started 😂🤣 “should I service, or not service that is the question” lol
The best way to service a belt-type CVT is to drive it to the nearest Toyota or Mazda dealer and trade it in.
They are chain, not belt.
@@MrSubaru1387 An actual chain? The JATCO CVTs (which I know are not being used in Subarus now) are basically steel belts with thousands of little metal clips, and those ones suck. Actually, JATCO sucks in general.
@@MrSubaru1387 www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/CVT-Chains.jpg
This one, right? The one on the left is a Nissan belt, while the one on the right is a Subaru chain?
Would love to know where the failure is in the CVT
Awesome video! You my friend are extremely knowledgeable. I have a 2015 Impreza 2.0i and trying to figure out what’s needed for a 60k tune up. Guess I will not touch my CVT. Thank you brother!
i learned my lesson from a VW jetta, "lifetime sealed transmission". started not engaging, found the fluid was black. I'd just pay attention to it, feel it in shifting and keep it clean. my subaru is older and has a dipstick, I change it when the fluid starts to lose its bright pinkish red color, usually every 60-70k. If the fluid keeps its color and shifts smooth then your doing something right.
The dealer had me change my CVT at 90000. I told them the CVT had a 100000 warranty on it. They said Subaru would look at how I maintain it to honor warranty.
That will just give them an out to replacing your failed CVT
FYI I've been a subaru technician for 5 years, a auto technician for 23 years in total plus also a machinist for 7 years. I'm 40 years old now and every single customer of mine I tell them to change the fluid every 15-20k miles CVT transmission aren't bullet proof just like any other transmission. You don't have extended warranty then change it every 15-20k miles.
Exactly thank you that’s what I’ve been screaming I’ve been fighting with my brother about changing his and his wife’s transmission fluid and now one of them has a transmission problem I’ve been a mechanic for 50 years professional mechanic for 20 and I don’t care what kind of flu it is and what kind of filter needs changed it does not have the lubricity in the separating qualities that it should
Thanks for this video. We are a Sabura family. We to believe in proactive maintenance.
Thank you very much. I think dealerships that recommend frequent fluid changes are ones who know the “learning tool” thing and they’re shielding their customers from it. Thank you. I guess I’ll take my CVT to the dealership. It’s a hell of a bill but my Subie deserves the best.
Some of GM’s tiny cars with CVTs have an odd procedure for service, they literally tell techs to squirt this syringe of additive into the unit, not change the fluid. The crazy thing is it works instantly. I guess replenishing the oil’s additive package is what’s important. I’ve had them come in shuddering, shifting erratically, setting pressure DTCs, etc and one little ounce of schmoo fixes all the symptoms.
Very helpful. The Zeus beard works well for you.
Thanks! 😂
I had a really rare Subaru. A 1980 GL1800 wagon with an automatic. Furthermore, it was only 2 wheel drive. I had to search high and low to find an automatic Subaru for my wife, since she can't drive a stick (except a broom, haha). I had an 82 GL wagon with stick, Both lo and high 4 wheel drive. There was a hidden headlight right in the middle of the grill for off road. Had that wagon on some very steep jeep trails in Colorado in low 4wd and it climbed them easy with basic all weather tires. Also had a 90 GL wagon with hill holder clutch. Just came back to Subaru with a 17 Outback with 130k miles on it. Hope to get well over 200k out of it. Just hope the CVT doesn't fail. Wish I could get this in a stick.
I drive a 2012 Outback, 147000 miles. I bought it in 2015 with 30000 miles. I change oil with a 5 w 30 blend every 4 or so thousand miles. Most miles are city.
Ever since owning the car I have been very aware of oil burning problems with some Subarus so I check the oil level at least every other fuel fill up.
I have never had to add oil between oil changes. I love the car. JF
At our dealership we recommend every 90k to change out the CVT fluid. We are in Texas so we deal with extreme heat a good portion of the year, that and all the traffic we have been getting. It's about as severe it can be for driving conditions.
Funny here in IL bet 50k to 60k sub dealer said
Severe driving conditions?? Y’all don’t even have extreme weather or mountains😂
@@MrXManQ look up extreme driving conditions in the owners manual of your vehicle, it will tell you what the manufacturers consider extreme...
@Christian Hernandez extreme conditions means towing, off roading, hauling heavy loads, or taxi services. Hot weather isn't extreme. Modern vehicles aren't affecting by weather much.
So on my 5EATI changed about every 20 to 30 K and I’m still running the OEM Subaru idemitsu hp stuff Actually I think my car from the factory came with low transmission fluid because for the first 10,000 miles on a hot day driving from 40 miles an hour coasting slowly to a stop the transmission would sort of buck back into first, I went to the dealer and they said everything was normal so when I actually did the actual checking, ride drove it around the city in 90° weather and did everything that the manual said I was actually pretty low once I filled it to the right level everything went away and it worked smoothly! I’m sick and tired of these loser dealers.
This video answers all the questions that I had on the other video......I guess if Subaru is going to cover that transmission I'll leave it alone, but every mechanical nerve in my body is saying 'this ain't right!'
Thanks for this. I've been wondering about this topic I have a 2017 Forester that I drive in the mountains pretty extensively coming up on 50k miles. Will change it then.
been looking for a good subaru channel .Subbed.Please do some videos on the FA20Dit please!
If I can get my hands on one.
@@MrSubaru1387 I'd personally like to see a playlist regarding the FB20 since I have that in my 2012 Subaru Impreza Hatchback non-WRX 😁
I work at a Subaru dealership in Canada and we do service CVT transmission. 🙂
@Janoy cresva Here is my opinion. I would recommend leaving the CVT "Sealed" until the manufactures warranty has expired. Once that expires, I would recommend doing a drain and fill. Be aware, the drain and fill will not fully flush out the CVT. Best of luck!!
I inherited my 2016 Outback 3.6 from my mother, and it had 16,000 miles on it after 5 years. Spent most of it's life in a parking garage. I was advised that maybe I should do both differentials just ... because...
I have the oil sitting on the shelf in my garage. Car has 30,000 miles on it now, after almost a year in my possession.
Sort of sitting on whether or not to do it; the dealership said "yes" - - but they thought they were going to get paid for it - -
the car has no problems, no sign of anything amiss, so I think the advice to change it so early might be unwarranted. Thought I'd keep snooping around the forums and see what I could learn. Your pages look like a place I can gain much insight from. Thanks for your posts, they are useful, informative, and wonderfully absent of so much of the other noise.
Diff service is not that expensive or hard to do. I changed mine at 5000 miles and it was noticeably darker than new with iron dust on the drain plug magnet. I'd do it if you plan on keeping the car.
My mechanic ( formerly 20+ years working for Subaru service ) told me that, if the gear box has no level indicator for the fluid it is supposed to be lifetime. Makes sense. ( Chile )
I suggest people who love manuals to grab one while they are still available and put one in the garage.. Its a joy to roll thru the gears and really control the car. Not the car telling you which gear u should be doing!
Ok mr racer!
I agree and cost of replacing a clutch is a fraction of the price of a new cvt transmission
If you could get the 2.5L engine with a manual, I'd own TWO. Otherwise, nah.
I work for a Honda dealership, and our CVT's still require a regular fluid change interval, as with a conventional automatic. In fact, it's very easy to change the CVT fluid on a Honda. I will even go as far as to say that when we change the CVT fluid, especially if it's been a particularly long time since it's been serviced (or if it hasn't been serviced at all), there is definitely a noticeable difference in the color and smell of the CVT fluid. Fresh CVT fluid smells like, well, a farm, and looks similar to brake fluid (clear, with a slightly yellow tint to it); whereas old CVT fluid has a more acrid smell of "farm" and burnt plastic, and looks a much darker yellow/gold, bordering on brown, looking similar to fresh engine oil.
I won't say Subaru is wrong to say that the fluid shouldn't be changed. You are also correct in that CVT fluid doesn't get contaminated in the same way that ATF does. However, it still follows basic physics, in which "work" is being put into the fluid (in the same way that gear oil in a differential gets worn). Not to mention the fact that the fluid still lubricates the steel band in the transmission. These are the reasons that I personally believe CVT fluid should still be serviced. However, I do understand Subaru's reasoning behind the 100k mile warranty and not wanting the transmissions to be tampered with.
Oh, I'd definitely feel better about Subaru saying replace it every 30k - 40k miles just like the old conventional automatics.
I serviced mine at 90,000 miles. Fluid was black. Drove like a dream after the change. I probably wont change it again though, takes a lot of fluid. I think one and done for the fluid. Id say go for it.
Thank you for the work on this issue. You rock
4eat has external oil filter. If you dont change oil you can at least change filter. There you go Subaru. Learn from your 4eat and make at least outer oil filter so that people can change it without opening transmision.
Just bought a 2014 Forester with 45k original. Already planning an external HD trans cooler, full fluid flush and a dash mount trans temp gauge. Why? Because everything listed as severe duty is called normal life.
I appreciate your time and research!
Finally a verdict. Thank you 🙏
I always thought the CVT was service somewhere around the 110k mark like the coolant, But I just looked at Subaru's technical information site, and there is not a single blurb about replacing or checking the CVT fluid.
Look at the maintenance book that came with your car. It has all schedule maintenance from 6-120K miles or Km. And it tells the owners whatsapp to be done.
I"ll stick with the 5EAT
in south east asia, the standard maintenance is transmission fluid change every 40,000 km interval.
Great. through coverage of Subaru CVT's. Have long experience with Japanese senior management. They fail to understand that rest of world operates differently. Getting answers to simple question on fluid change is good example.
My 2014 Forester CVT had major warranty work at 96K. All wheel bearings and axels were replaced few months ago. New York suburban roads can be brutal. Now at 134K sense a power train issue. Was debating $400 fluid change at Subaru dealer. After watching this will go for it. Thanks.
The cvt situation scares me. I love Subaru but for a family member I recommended the Mazda CX-5 with traditional automatic. Subaru needs to start making quality cars instead of quantity before they lose customers.
They are excellent quality, and newer cars have the CVT as a maintenance item. I own a 2015 Forester CVT since new and have not had any major problems with it with about 96,000 miles on it. The whole CVT issue is really over blown
Subaru CVTs are fine. They go to 200k or more without issue, even if you don't change the fluid. Most Subaru's rust away long before you need to worry about transmission issues. If you live where there is no road salt. Can you really complain if you need a new transmission at +300k?
Already has happened. A few years ago, I did not purchase a Subaru because it had CVT in it. Went with the RAV4 instead.
40k miles (~60k km) is recommended for cvt fluid change here in the EU . This is especially true if one makes lots of city traffic miles.
The 40k miles / 60k km interval for CVT oil change in Subaru Outback is valid for regular use. However if the car is equiped with a towing device then the interval is cut to 2/3 or 40k km (circa 25k miles) that were mentioned early in the video.
Also woth mentioning that CVT oil change policy has changed over the time as the first CVTs in Outback BR had a "lifetime" oil. But anything that moves must be lubricated and the oil gets old and dirty over the time not doing its job.
Thanks for another video that just saved me a few hundred dollars :)
I accidentally drained the CVT when I was doing an oil change on my wife’s forester. It ended up being pretty straightforward to change both the oil and CVT fluid.
It’s a job that someone with basic maintenance experience can definitely handle, but the official process requires an ECU reader (the cheap Bluetooth ones work fine) to ensure the right level at a given temperature. You’ll also want a decent hand pump to get the fluid in.
My advice: buy the tools, spend $20 on new fluid and stop worrying.
The Owners Manual on my 2016 CVT FA20 says to replace the CVT at 100 Thousand Khms
My dealership suggests getting any CVT serviced at 60k or 30k for severe driving conditions. By a qualified, subaru trained tech, with the correct fluid, of course. I'm a new tech, but I've personally done dozens of CVT fluid services. This does seem to be a very new thing.
The service is very simple. Drain, fill to the bottom of the fill plug so a little bit dribbles out, start the car to fill the torque converter, get the fluid up to operating temp of 95-113 degrees F(check with a scan tool), top off the fluid until it dribbles out again WITH THE CAR STILL RUNNING, then button it up and verify operation with a short test drive.
They are also now allowing dealership techs to rebuild CVTs in house. I am currently recasing a CVT out of a 14 Impreza due to heavy corrosion that caused the fill plug threads to completely break off. We have all of the instructions and parts available to us at this point to do any CVT repair.
I guess Subaru has learned what they needed to know with their straight replacement policy. It's no longer a sealed magical black box. ;)
@@emiliog.4432 Because the fluid itself is $400. Another reason not to buy a CVT. :)
I think the price is one of the reasons Subaru was making wild claims about it being a "lifetime fluid". Just like they tell people that running 87 octane in a turbocharged vehicle is fine. Cost of ownership counts for a lot at the point of sale.
I'm just going by what I've been told. The stuff is expensive and you have to use the fluid specific to your vehicle model (there are 3 different fluids) or you will damage the cvt. They have people by the balls and can charge what they want. 🤷♂️
That's the damn truth. At this point, I just keep telling people to not buy a CVT car.
@@drahkas8526 parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__/Genuine-Subaru-Certified-CVTF-II--1-Quart-Bottle-1-Quart-Bottle/60032875/SOA427V1660.html maximum 15$ per 1 Quart
I asked at the Subaru dealer in my area what lubricant the CVT used and what interval it should be changed. The reply I received was that it used a blue grease which they called smurf grease and it should be inspected at 100,000 miles. They would pull an inspection cover and if it was not discolored it was good to go, that threw a red flag of course. Checked out your video's and ordered up the correct fluid and changed the CVT fluid and differentials on our Crosstrek with 50,000 miles, big thanks for the info.
Great explanation, even given the vagaries coming from Subaru. Thanks!
Hi Mr. Subaru, Great video. Recently, I went to a nationwide tire and lube company for a simple oil change. Instead of draining my oil, they drained my CVT transmission fluid (2018 Forester with 37k miles). Rather than tell me, they put me out on the road in it. (In hindsight I should have known something was up because for the first time ever they didn’t try to sell me wiper blade, tires, tire alignments or any other product or maintenance.) I didn’t make it far, my car was shaking and felt like it was going to die. They immediately claimed it wasn’t something they did but later admitted to draining the fluid accidentally. Per the local Subaru dealership, it still had 2 quarts in it when it was towed to them. They said there were not metal shavings when they drained it. Do CVTs get pieces of metal in the fluid? Subaru just drained the rest, filled it back up and “reprogrammed it.” Is there something else I should have them do to check for damage? The transmission seems ok at the moment, but how worried should I be that I lost my 100k warranty on the CVT? Any advice would be appreciated. I’m a little lost. Thanks, Amber
Sue the oil change place. Demand a new transmission!
The cvt should be dump an fill with a spin on filter make it simple to change and hopefully the units will last
Really hate that Subaru did away with spin on transmission filters.
@@MrSubaru1387 what do you think the reasoning behind that decision?
@@gemboy4307ful because techs were removing them mistaking them for oil filters. Heard it many times.
Yea, like honda. I hate that my car has a cvt but at least I can service it myself.
Mitsubishi used to have spin on filters on the trans too. Did away with that 20 years ago.
Thanks for a very informative video.
Thanks for a thoughtful video. My car is a 2015 Legacy 3.6R CVT bought new. Owner's manual says to check, not change. 108,000 miles so far, no problems. No severe duty, gently driven in level country. I want to keep the car long term. I'm thinking I'll change the fluid at 120K miles at the Subaru dealer. Seems a reasonable middle ground. Much appreciated.
Hi Jeff,
Mines done almost 100,xxxkms.
Your cvt still going well?
I'm wery of CVT and thought about changing the car.
Also got the 2015 3.6R, and this thing is a beast and great to drive.
@@darkforcextc Hi John, I had the CVT fluid changed and the car’s driving very well. Agree - great to drive. Thanks.
I’ve noticed my CVT has been making this weird clinking sound upon accelerating. This started around 110k miles. Subaru’s warranty only extends to 100k. Great!
Trade it before it's too late! 110k is what it is.
It’s your axles. If you had any sense of mechanics you’d know. 🙄
Yeah it's not ur trans. My clunking on 2018 was my front joints.
@@irbeast69 back-handed advice much appreciated
Thanks for the video. I have been wondering about this CVT issue for some time as well. I have 2, 2011 outbacks (mine, wife), one at 118k the other at 75k. Frankly, it is still clear as mud now as before hearing your explanation. Just makes you go...mmm.
Also, don't quite get why the fluid temp would matter. If you drain 4.5 quarts (or whatever amount) of cold fluid and replace the same amount of cold fluid, you haven't made any net change in fluid volume in the transmission. Or is it because there is no way to check if the fluid volume is low to begin with? I can also appreciate the contamination point, but more contaminants will come out with the old fluid than might go in with the new.
I don't know. The tech I talked to at the local dealer said they were going to be getting a new machine this month that will make the CVT fluid change much better/simpler, so maybe Subaru is leaning in the direction of regular changes rather than "lifetime" fluid status.
Thanks, again. I really enjoy your videos, even the ones that I know I would never dream of trying.
The Subaru CVT (at least on my 2015 Forester XT) has a lower drain hole and an upper fill hole. The only way to tell when it's full is to fill it until it starts leaking out of the fill hole. And that needs to be done while it's at operating temperature and with the engine running.
Thank you Sit for this informative video
So I just scheduled my 2012 Impreza Sport for valve body replacement since the car threw two sets of P0700 and P2764 error codes, with CEL, ABS, Traction Control, Cruise Control and Low AT Oil Pressure lights on and/or blinking. The dealer also recommended CVT fluid service be performed (the tech told me Subaru does not recommend this but he does in light of the above and the car being at 126k miles). So this video seems spot on. Any thoughts?
I accidentally drained my wifes transmission fluid the first time I went to do an oil change at about 40k ( dealer did the first 2 years of changes). Embarrassing but on the forester forums I saw other made same mistake. Just had to buy a few quarts of Honda CVT fluid and a pump and tubing attachment from auto parts store. The fill hole was on the top (drivers?) side and I just filled it up until it spilled over, had wife start it warm it up, shift around to each gear slowly to move fluid around and then I topped it off again. Guess I voided my warranty but that was several years ago no issues since then. Kinda glad I did it now I'm not scared to do it again.
Lots of people have made that mistake
Lol, technically you probably did void your warranty but only if they find out. Almost impossible for them to discover that you made the fluid change or not
So glad I came across this channel, much appreciated! I own a 2013 Subaru Impreza Limited (5-door). Just had my CVT drained/filled at 60,000 miles. was running well before and feels great now. Had my mechanic use 5.5. qt's of Pentosin CVT fluid. QUESTION: What does Subaru regard as "lifetime"? I purchase my vehicles and keep cars for 10-15 years. This car sees ~10,000 miles/year.
I don't know what they consider mileage/age wise as lifetime. Why did you not use the OE Subaru CVTF? Your extended warranty is void on the CVT now. Well, if Subaru can determine it's not the OE fluid, that is.
@@MrSubaru1387 SO if you use the OE Subaru CVTF and have it changed at a dealer at 60,000 miles, the Subaru extended CVT warranty is not void? i.e. "It is okay to change the trans fluid in a 2017 Outback"
I worked at a Subaru dealer. What we recommend is changing the fluid every 30k miles with filter. We never recommend a flush because we did one on a 130k mile Subaru Forester and it cleaned the system so well that it gummed up the valves and caused failure. Constant changes will prevent building up of contaminants and debris. Honestly for my personal vehicle every 50k which is where i do my differential oil changes. Never had an issue. Fluid comes out clean. I am at 180k on my 2015 Subaru legacy running just fine. It is starting to have trouble shifting into Drive. It takes 2 secs to switch before that was instanttly but i mean all vehicles get some wear and tear.
I love my new Forester and want to care for it properly. Thank you for your advice about Subaru products. I routinely down shift while rolling to a stop, but not enough to push engine RPM above about 2000. Is this stressful on its CVT? Also, I don't see transmission oil cooling lines at the base of the radiator, or easily see their route. The CVT does have cooling?
sounds like leasing is the way to go on these newer ones. Unless servicing can be done more easily. I'd want it done every 25k
Or buy low mileage, certified used 100k powertrain warranty and sell before it expires.
You’re going to get a lot of hits on this video to buddy, uncle has one in the last XTs
I am so glad I came across this. I brought my car to the dealership due to the fact they had an amazing price to do a synthetic oil change for only five dollars. They also did a full inspection I & with the car having only 83,000 miles on it, they recommended that I do a fuel injector cleaning, change the fluids in the CVT, and change the fluid in the rear differential. I am always using Lucas fuel injector cleaner so I don’t have to worry about that. The only thing I have to look into now is when I should do the rear differential. Thanks to you though I will wait till the vehicle has about 110,000 miles before I worry about doing anything to the transmission.
Diffs are 36k mile interval drain and refill.
MrSubaru1387 thank you for the reply. Is this an easy thing to do or does the balance of the car matter like the CVT? & if it is a diy, any suggestions?
@@paul62462 car needs to be level. I have several videos on servicing the differentials on the channel.
@@MrSubaru1387 im home now so ill be looking for them. Again Thanks
@@MrSubaru1387 is the differental fluid in cvt a special type or regular Motul Gear 300 75w90 100 Percent Synthetic Gear Oil 1 Liter work?
You are right. Dealer said it has to be done at fifty K miles. And the book tells you something else. But the fact is what is the right thing to do. As you said we want the car to last at least about ten to fifteen years ,but if they can no make up their mind and the transmission fails people are going to stop trusting the brand. Subaru has to make up their mind.
the weird number is most likely kilometers to miles conversion