Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 10:38 am
subaru cvt fluid specification
if you are looking for Subaru CVT fluid specifications for your vehicle and some of the top recommended Subaru CVT transmission fluids then this post is for you. You cannot downplay the efficacy of lubricants in machine parts! A Subaru CVT transmission fluid is vital in the CVT mechanism and I am sure that is why you are reading knowing the importance of CVT Fluid for Subaru or other cars.
The CVT transmission fluid supplies lubrication in the transmission to avoid heat dissipation.
Overview of Subaru cvt fluid specification
Regarding this favor of the transmission fluid, the CVT system doesn’t wear or show any sign of rust, creating the highest degree of functionality speed level. Do remember that CVT transmission fluids of three types, namely;
- OEM Transmission Fluid – this fluid is versatile; that is, it is primarily compatible with CVT vehicles. For this reason, it is an easy pick!
- Universal Transmission Fluid – widely comes at a lower price than the other two and is readily available.
- Specific Fluid CVT- consists of specific additives that will operate on particular CVT systems. In essence, specific CVT fluid is costly and also rare to find.
In like manner, this post will educate you on the following; when to change your CVT transmission fluid Subaru, how much fluid does a Subaru CVT transmission hold, how to check Subaru CVT fluid, the best CVT transmission fluid Subaru, Subaru CVT change, are Subaru CVT good, what color is Subaru CVT fluid and much more. Do relax and explore this post!
Read Also: Lifted Subaru Forester Guide (Lifting A Subaru Forester)
When to Change CVT Transmission Fluid Subaru
The time required for you to change your vehicle’s CVT transmission is approximately 30,000 miles. The CVT transmission fluid changes are essential to creating an amiable and lubricated transmission system in your car. In essence, if you don’t change the fluids timely at the 30,000 miles, your might find that your transmission will slip. Moreover, this slip might result in shaking, shuddering, or even jerking your vehicle. Always check your manufacturer’s guide/instruction regarding definite intervals in which your car needs the fluid changed.
How Much Fluid Does a Subaru CVT Transmission Hold?
A Subaru CVT transmission holds approximately 11 quarts in its transmission system. In essence, these 11-quarts are distributed evenly to the entire CVT system. If any need arises to change the CVT fluid, 4-quarts out of these 11-quarts drained away, while the rest stays in order parts of the CVT system.
How to Check Subaru CVT Fluid (Subaru Impreza Transmission Fluid Check)
This is how to check your Subaru Impreza’s transmission fluid. So here’s how to check subaru CVT fluid on Impreza and other Subaru models.
- First, start by Warming up your engine a little bit.
- Now Park your vehicle on a level surface.
- Keep the Subaru engine running while you shift the car gears through all gears.
- With the engine on, go to the Subaru burnet or hood and open it up
- Now take out the CVT dipstick and wipe it clean. Then, put the dipstick back in and bring it. There are 3 level holes on the dipstick
- The dipstick should have a level that is equal to the top last hole.
- If the CVT level is below the 3 holes, use a funnel with a long hose to add transmission fluid.
- Now put back the Dipstick and tighten it as before and you are done.
You may have to watch this video for an easy visual guide
7 Best CVT Transmission Fluid Subaru (CVT Fluid Subaru)
Here are my recommended CVT Fluid Subaru, and they are the best CVT transmission fluid Subaru which can be used for many models of Subaru vehicles.
1. Lubegard 68115 CVT Fluid, 1.25 Gallon
Lubegard 68115 Complete Universal CVT Fluid protects CVT Fluid Subaru, has a minimum friction rate between belts & pulleys and it defends against fatigue, provides anti-shudder performance, remains fluid at low temperature, and prevents sludge and varnish build-up. It is rated highly and I do recommend this to you. Click here to buy!
2. Triax CVT Transmission Fluid
Triax CVT transmission fluid out-performances most OEM fluids for chain and belt CVT transmissions. It is compatible with some other vehicles, and it is excellent in cold and hot temperatures, controls shuddering, has good drive-ability, is not harmful to rubber seals, has superb protection against rusting and corrosion, has good anti-foaming agents, has a high viscosity, and very high oxidation stability. Do visit Amazon.com
3. Lubegard 67010 CVT Recharge & Protect 10 ft. oz
Lubegard 67010 CVT is a universal CVT fluid that reduces noise in transmission systems and protects belts, pulleys, and other components from wear and tear; it also corrects & prevents warn-out problems, hence providing anti-shudder durability to transmission systems. This product is at a lower price on Amazon.com.
4. Subaru 75W90 Extra S Gear & Transmission Fluid
The Subaru 75W90 made it suits all Subaru models; it is used as a transmission and differential fluid, available in single quart bottles, while 5-speed open rear differentials need 0.8 quarts of the liquid, 1.1 for a 6-speed rear differential. Similarly, 5-speed transmission requires 3.7 quarts and 6-speed 4.3 quarts of fluids. Subaru 75W90 is also specially made for manual transmissions. Please get it here!
5. Lucas Oil Synthetic CVT Transmission Fluid
Lucas Oil is a premium fluid that protects against sludge, varnish formations, tear, wear, and corrosion, has superb oxidation resistance and is thermally stable. Lucas Oil has a low coefficient of friction between steel and clutch materials to eliminate shudder. It also provides superior cooling and excellent low-temperature fluidity for smoother operation in cold weather. Do get this on Amazon.com.
6. Subaru Genuine CVTF-II CVT Transmission Fluid (6 Quarts)- SOA427V1660 OEM AUTO
Genuine Subaru CVTF-II is compatible with almost all Subarus and their hybrid. This CVT fluid has green color, is a suitable good lubricating fluid, and an anti-rusting and non-corrosive liquid that is not harmful to synthetic rubber, and protects the CVT against sludging and shuddering. Buy it here
7. Idemitsu CVT Transmission Fluid Type SB2-1qt CVTF II
Idemitsu CVT is proper for both ATF and MTF. It has high lubrication, reduces friction, prevents jerking, anti-wear, and protects gears & pullies with high viscosity. This CVT is compatible with the Subaru TR580 transmission.
You can get it on Amazon.com.
Subaru cvt fluid change
1. Drain the Transmission Fluid
First, drain all fluid from the transmission. You can do this by lifting the car’s front. This can be done with a floorjack, jack stands or a lift.
Next, locate and remove the transmission oil dipstick. It can be found on the passenger side, depending on which Subaru model you are using. It could be under the intercooler, near the turbo.
Once the dipstick has been removed, locate the transmission drain plug. You will usually find it at the bottom. The drain pan is located under your vehicle. The drain plug can be found at the bottom or the drain pan.
Place a container under the drain plug. The drain plug should be removed. To remove the drain plug, you may need a hex wrench. You will see the transmission fluid come out of the container.
2. Clean the Drain Plug and Drain Hole
Use a clean cloth to wipe the:
Drain plug
The surface around the drain hole
This will ensure that the threads remain clean and unaffected.
3. Replace the transmission fluid with fresh transmission fluid
Turn the drain plug in. These plugs should be specified in the owner’s manual. To avoid damaging the plug, it is important to adhere to the torque specifications.
To fill the dipstick hole, you’ll need a funnel or a bendy tub that can reach to the bottom of your transmission. Attach the funnel to one end by sticking the bent tube in the dipstick hole. The transmission fluid should be carefully poured in. You should not overfill the transmission.
You should consult the owner’s manual to determine how much transmission fluid you should use in your vehicle. As you fill up your vehicle with transmission fluid, make sure to check the level.
How often Should Subaru CVT Fluid be Changed?
It would help if you changed Subaru CVT fluid every 30,000 miles. Indeed, it is the Subaru factory’s recommendation for most Subaru vehicles. To ensure that your Subaru lasts as long as you desire, it’s best to adhere sincerely to the necessary recommendations. Additionally, when Subaru is exhibiting some obvious symptoms like the ones here then you might start considering the fluid.
Where is Transmission Fluid in Subaru Outback?
The transmission fluid is located at the driver’s side, usually a bit below/underneath the engine and usually under the dashboard area. Although created with a yellow dipstick; hence, the transmission and differential are combined or housed in one unit called the ‘transaxle.’ So far, the transaxle is directly connected with the engine to form the drivetrain under the Subaru vehicles’ front hood.
Are Subaru CVTs Good?
Yes, Subaru CVTs are good because their benefits/pros are much more than cons. Subaru has continued to use CVTs to better manage power from the boxer engine to the all-wheel-drive system in their vehicles. The essential use of CVTs is to add smoothness and responsive acceleration. As it may be, CVT transmissions are more compact and more straightforward in design, unlike other traditional CVTs with complex structures that make them have more weight when compared to Subaru CVTs. Subaru CVTs have the following advantages over conventional CVTs: better fuel economy, good responsiveness, reliability, less wearing, and less tearing. Despite all these outstanding advantages, Subaru still retains some downsides, which are pressing issues in the community of Subaru vehicle owners like you and me. However, these downsides will not bar you and me from encouraging friends to get Subaru vehicles.
When Should I Replace My CVT Fluid Subaru?
It would be best if you replaced your Subaru CVT according to your manufacturer’s instructions or at each covered distance of 30,000 miles. Does it stop at that? No, there are other standard warnings that your CVT has issues; when these signs occur, you should change your CVT fluid.
These common signs include;
- Subaru transmission warning sign.
- Transmission leakage is uncommon; hence, your transmission needs to change or thoroughly flush when it happens.
- Strange smells of burning inside the components.
- Odd noise or grinding sound when you change gears.
- The shift in the delay of transmission gears.
What Color is Subaru CVT Fluid?
The color of the Subaru CVT is primarily red or sometimes green, depending on the product, but have it at heart that colors don’t indicate the quality or application of the product. Hence following your owner’s manual is necessary for better fluid requirements.
FAQ
Can I use Traditional Fluid in a CVT Transmission?
The simple answer is no because the traditional fluid wears out the CVT transmission parts and eventually might damage your transmission in a short while.
Can I Mix Traditional Fluid and CVT Transmission Fluid?
No, never you try such, as a result, might lead to the death of the transmission system and will cause you a total replacement of the CVT system. So far, I wouldn’t advise you to do that!
Conclusion
Subaru CVT transmission fluid is so important that you and I shouldn’t fail to check on it every 30,000 miles or at necessary intervals and you also make sure you are using the right Subaru CVT fluid specification while you take note when common signs like shuddering, sludging, wearing, and noisy sounds occur.
To this effect, routine maintenance, such as checking the CVT fluid, locating the dipstick, checking the fluid level if low or high, checking the liquid condition, and proffering solutions to these routines.
So far, I recommend you choose the best Subaru CVT transmission fluid that is compatible with your vehicle. Finally, like any machine, CVT needs proper care and maintenance to work as intended by the manufacturer. As I would say, take complete care of your CVT transmission, and it will take care of you!
We have discussed the Subaru Impreza transmission fluid check, and I have shown you some of my tops recommended best CVT transmission fluid Subaru. We have also seen Subaru CVT fluid change steps. You may love reading this post on Subaru With CVT Transmission Problems or this other one. Subaru Transmission Problems Symptoms. I hope you find this article to be helpful. Please share if you like this on CVT Fluid Subaru cars.
Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
