How to change CVT fluid in a Subaru?
For the second drain and fill I used the Motiv power bleeder rig (that i also have a video on) to fill the CVT and found it much easier than using the manual pump I used in the video to add the 5.5 quarts of CVT fluid. This is using the cold drain/cold fill method to add the exact amount of fluid removed.
How often do I need to change the CVT transmission fluid?
You cannot go buy “el-cheapo-brand” ATF at $5/quart and put it in a Subaru CVT. If you think about how often you may need to do a transmission fluid change-out (let’s say, every 40-60,000 miles) then for a car that you would own until it reaches retirement age you may change the fluid 3-4 times.
How many gallons of CVT fluid do I Need?
If you set a standard and said “to be less than 10% old fluid” you would need to do the 5 quart drain and fill 4-5 times before you diluted the old stuff down. That comes out to around 5 gallons of transmission fluid.. that is very expensive.
Is there torque converter between CVT and engine?
Click to expand… Yes, there is a torque converter between the engine and the CVT transmission. It will also contain a large amount of transmission fluid and you will not be able to drain that without heroic measures.
How much CVT fluid do I need to change?
Replace drain plug and you will be able to add about 4.5 quarts into the fill hold before it begins to spill out of the fill hole.
How much does CVT fluid cost in Subaru?
When I called the dealership at the time (it was on a Tiptronic transmission so you can figure out the brand) the person on the phone said “oh, you need the liquid gold”. At the price that was about right. The Subaru CVT stuff is about $12/quart, still a little high. You cannot go buy “el-cheapo-brand” ATF at $5/quart and put it in a Subaru CVT.
Click to expand… Yes, there is a torque converter between the engine and the CVT transmission. It will also contain a large amount of transmission fluid and you will not be able to drain that without heroic measures.