Subaru CVT-3 Blue Fluid

[Nuclear_42]

Performed the service today. 2021 Outback 2.5L. I used about 4.5 quarts total. My CVT has phrase “CVT-3” embossed onto the housing. However, the fluid was green color when drained. Anyone else have a similar experience? I’m assuming the blue fluid over time with oxidation/ heat will fade in color. I find it hard to believe the factory used CVT-2 green fluid. Anyways the car was butter smooth after test ride so I’m not too worried about it. It’s always shifted fine however lately it would notice some slight hesitation or slightly firm shifting behavior. It has 37k miles now. I’ll prob stick to 25-30k drainage and fills. A fluid sample was retrieved for possible old and virgin sample. New fluid has Idemitsu logo.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Either oxidation like you mention, or possibly a mid-year change

You should've taken a picture of the blue fluid

 

[Nuclear_42]

Either oxidation like you mention, or possibly a mid-year change

You should've taken a picture of the blue fluid

The CVt-3 was as blue as a Subaru logo. The old fluid I’d say was a green/ turquoise.

 

[Joeescape63]

Performed the service today. 2021 Outback 2.5L. I used about 4.5 quarts total. My CVT has phrase “CVT-3” embossed onto the housing. However, the fluid was green color when drained. Anyone else have a similar experience? I’m assuming the blue fluid over time with oxidation/ heat will fade in color. I find it hard to believe the factory used CVT-2 green fluid. Anyways the car was butter smooth after test ride so I’m not too worried about it. It’s always shifted fine however lately it would notice some slight hesitation or slightly firm shifting behavior. It has 37k miles now. I’ll prob stick to 25-30k drainage and fills. A fluid sample was retrieved for possible old and virgin sample. New fluid has Idemitsu logo.
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View attachment 246909

I’m glad you changed.Its
definitely is not a lifetime fluid.

 

[Nuclear_42]

I’m glad you changed.Its
definitely is not a lifetime fluid.

I agree! Not really a fan of dirty fluids on a chain system.

 

[MolaKule]

...However, the fluid was green color when drained. Anyone else have a similar experience? I’m assuming the blue fluid over time with oxidation/ heat will fade in color. I find it hard to believe the factory used CVT-2 green fluid...

Oil dyes are used to differentiate lubricants as to product type or viscosity and has no other useful property.

Dyes do fade and the fluid color will change over time.

 

[Nuclear_42]

Oil dyes are used to differentiate lubricants as to product type or viscosity and has no other useful property.

Dyes do fade and the fluid color will change over time.

I found this post about a shop doing a CVT-3. Confirms in pics the fluid tuns teal after use.

https://carbankin.com/case/atf-cvtf/forester2211/

 

[Etek]

Went to do the CVT 100K Km/60K mile maintenance in our nelwy acquired 2021 X-trek. Called the local Subaru stealership, who said they only sell the apparenlty platinum-infused, Mars procured, ultra-grade, Subby-only CVT3 fluid in 20L/5gal pails in Canada. How much? ALL OF IT. $795.00, for me.
So I said OK, how much to have you do it? $500 he said. So I told 'em: I didn't want MY fluid changed, I wanted the cars fluid changed.
So he pulls me aside and wispered (as if we were trading state secrets) that I could TRY buying Subaru CVT fluid in the qt online, or that (looking around to see if anyone was listening), there might be "off-brands' that could work. But I didn't hear that from him.
SO, after much research, including calling and emailing the TECH departments at both Subby Canada and AMSIOIL (715) 399-8324 (TECH), I dit it myself....and you'll NEVER guess how much it cost - and how long it took me.
Take a gander at this - and learn ALL the SECRETS.


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