Going in for oil change soon, some videos REALLY recommend CVT fluid swap. Makes sense to me. Not sure if I trust the stealership to do it, but...what does the group think and how much have you had to pay? Thx. Clear Lake Sub in TX is our dealer.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek 41K. Change CVT fluid?
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It's one of the very few things (besides recalls) I'll go to the dealer for. As long as it's a dealer using the OE fluid, some of the ones around me upcharge for the privilege of using universal BG crap. If they're not giving you the per-quart price with the job, they'll only sell you the 5 gallon pail (at least for HT-CVT) and so it's not even worth trying to DIY except with aftermarket fluid, which I don't touch.
Yes, you should change the CVT fluid!
2020 Crosstrek takes CVTF-III blue which is available in quarts for about 15$ each.
CVTF-LV -amber/clear which is what most 2020+ Turbo subarus use is only available in 5 gallon buckets ;\ or from overpriced rebottlers at 40$/qt
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It makes more sense on the vehicles with quarts available around 15$ such as the OP's
For a turbo subaru such as mine.. 500$ for the bucket or 350 for them to change it might be a different $$$ calculation
the process isn't that difficult, but make sure you have a copy of the service manual and not just a youtube video. if you can get the fluid affordably I would absolutely do it yourself, it's not much different than a normal drivetrain fluid service, just with a couple more steps to make sure the level is set at the proper temp.
I requested the full fluid exchange and it was around 12-13 quarts. Make sure you tell them no flush solvents or additives.
depends on the service. full drain including a new pan/filter could be up to 13 quarts depending on the car. most dealers I called just do a drain and fill, which is 6-8. I asked for the "full" fluid service which was just a drain and fill twice, which means I'd still have a decent amount of old fluid left. figured I'd just do it twice as often rather than pay for all the fluid just to have 25% of the original fluid still hanging around.
Change it soon for sure.
DIY is always best IMO because you have full control of what’s going on. It you can change the oil, you can perform a drain and fill on this thing. And if you have it since brand new and the CVT was never serviced, you can safely drain and put the same amount back in. No need to mess with the official procedure.
DIY is always best IMO because you have full control of what’s going on. It you can change the oil, you can perform a drain and fill on this thing. And if you have it since brand new and the CVT was never serviced, you can safely drain and put the same amount back in. No need to mess with the official procedure.