I have a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with 29600 miles on her.Love the car and I’m going to buy her after lease ends.The Subaru service for this cvt is to inspect every 30k.How an inspection can determine anything is strande.I’m thinking of changing the fluid every 60k.Even at 120k the fluid might be changed but that might open a bucket of problems.I really think there should be a factory service interval for this cvt that requires a fluid change every 60k.Also a dipstick/external filter would be good to have on the cvt.
Subaru cvt fluid change
- Thread starter Joeescape63
- Start date
Just changed the cvt fluid on my 17 Corolla with 250K. Don't know if the first time it's been done, but the filter was dated 2017. Old fluid was nice and clear but not red anymore. Changed it 3 times with 15 quarts at $8.50 each. At the last drain it looked great.
I personally recommend changing CVT fluid every 35-40,000 miles.
The reason Subaru doesn't have any recommendation if my memory is serving correctly is because Subaru claims it is "lifetime" fluid which is complete BS unless you consider lifetime to be around 100,000 miles when the CVT takes a dump due to not being serviced, but hey you will be long out of warranty before then so the manufacturers don't really care.
The reason Subaru doesn't have any recommendation if my memory is serving correctly is because Subaru claims it is "lifetime" fluid which is complete BS unless you consider lifetime to be around 100,000 miles when the CVT takes a dump due to not being serviced, but hey you will be long out of warranty before then so the manufacturers don't really care.
You need a flat surface and a scan tool to do the job. You will need either a lift or 4 jack stands. The good news is that the fluid isn't that expensive. Cam2 and Transtar make CVT fluid in the correct green color for your Subaru.
Is that a substantive characteristic or a joke?
Is it fair (advisable?) to judge a CVT fluid by its color?
It doesn't matter that much, but some people only want to use the same color as OE, so I provide that information
mrsubaru1387 on youtube covers all known issues, repairs, and maintenance.
Early this year I owned a high mileage 2011 Outback from 160k-170k until I flipped it. The maintenance records had the valve body replaced the previous year. During my ownership it still had a shudder under hard acceleration, but otherwise was very reliable. I would consider 60k drain/fill for assurance and that is close to a severe duty cycle anyway.
Early this year I owned a high mileage 2011 Outback from 160k-170k until I flipped it. The maintenance records had the valve body replaced the previous year. During my ownership it still had a shudder under hard acceleration, but otherwise was very reliable. I would consider 60k drain/fill for assurance and that is close to a severe duty cycle anyway.
So as you know, there's no flush with these CVT's, only drop and fills. I follow a couple Subaru techs and they hate that Subaru of America doesn't really recommend CVT fluid changes. The gist of it is change the fluid every 30k miles. If I remember correctly, I believe you're only getting out 25-30% of the fluid. A few years ago, we got a 2015 Outback that had all the other fluids and maintenance done like clockwork but not the CVT. I knew the car wasn't used for towing and that the older couple who had it took great care of it (they were parents of my wife's best friend). I had the first CVT fluid change at 108k miles and the second one at 140k miles. It runs great, doesn't use oil and "shifts" perfectly. I gave it to my son and I bought a new Legacy. I'll follow the same CVT schedule of 30k miles with it. It's like everything else, change the fluids, fluids are cheaper than metal.
I've always wanted to know what the manufacturer means by"inspect transmission fluid"...does that mean send a sample to Blackstone or wipe the dipstick on a piece of paper towel?
LOL no kidding. Our Subarus only have the drain hole and overfill hole. No clue how to "inspect" it other than remove the bolt from the overfill hole and stick your finger in there to make sure the fluid level is acceptable?
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2023
- Messages
- 35
I did a drain and fill on my wife's '19 Crosstrek at 40k miles and the fluid looked absolutely perfect. I believe it took about 4.5 quarts and I bought the correct fluid from the dealer. It's relatively expensive but I don't believe a CVT is the place to be mixing fluids.
Specialty tools you'll need are some type of scan tool to read trans temp (I bought an OBD link bluetooth tool) and I'd recommend a fluid pump (Mityvac MVA6851 worked perfect for me).
I'll be sticking to the 40k interval.
Specialty tools you'll need are some type of scan tool to read trans temp (I bought an OBD link bluetooth tool) and I'd recommend a fluid pump (Mityvac MVA6851 worked perfect for me).
I'll be sticking to the 40k interval.
I have 2018 Subaru Forester with tr580 tranny
I'm planning to do fluid change on this. The shop I use is using 881056 valvoline cvt transmission fluid, not the OEM subaru one. Is it ok to mix? I know drain and flush will not get all the fluid out. Some people on forums claiming I should do it at the dealer but the dealer wants $150 more.
I have used this shop for more than 15 years with no issues. It is not one of those express oil change places. It is a full mechanical shop. Any thoughts?
I'm planning to do fluid change on this. The shop I use is using 881056 valvoline cvt transmission fluid, not the OEM subaru one. Is it ok to mix? I know drain and flush will not get all the fluid out. Some people on forums claiming I should do it at the dealer but the dealer wants $150 more.
I have used this shop for more than 15 years with no issues. It is not one of those express oil change places. It is a full mechanical shop. Any thoughts?
Is the temperature needed to get the level of the fill correct? Can’t you just measure what you remove, and add the same volume of new fluid?
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2024
- Messages
- 88
There is, every country but USA says change at 60k miles.
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2024
- Messages
- 88
Actually up to 2020 used the green CVTF - II
2021 and newer requires the CVTF - III
You can read about this here:
Applies to All Model Years - CVT Fluid...
www.subaruxvforum.com
And the correct CVTF-III can be purchased here: https://www.subarupartsdeals.com/oem-parts/subaru-cvtf-iii-5-gallon-soa427v2600
I recently shared this info with another user inquiring about their 2018 forester with a TR580 CVT :
“Your transmission holds 12qts of CVTF. When you drain only about 6qts will come out. Flushing is not recommended as it can break free particulates and debris that clog actuators and valve bodies and cause a variety of issues. A repeated drain and fill can be done to ensure that more than half the total fluid content has been replaced. Otherwise, a normal drain and refill will provide half new and half used fluid which is very acceptable if doing 30k mile intervals.
Your Subaru TR580 is the same transmission I have in my Crosstrek and same as is in the Imprezas as well.
The Subaru CVTs are very particular about fluid. Yes, generic high quality CVT fluid will allow them to function, but it is not ideal nor properly spec’d for these transmissions. It has been proven that they run and last best when filled with OEM fluid. For your model year I believe Subaru CVT-F II is called for, it is made by Idemitsu, the premier oil and lubricant manufacturer in Japan.
The Subaru bottled part number is:
SOA427V1660
The Idemitsu bottled and identical (and Subaru approved) fluid is the Idemitsu SB2 and it is available on Amazon much cheaper than the Subaru bottled variant.
https://a.co/d/3xneyab
Please be sure your mechanic is familiar with the proper procedure for TR580 fluid drain and refill! It must be done following some precise steps to ensure proper level at a certain temperature so that cavitation of the system does not occur. I would highly suggest having a dealership do this, maybe shop dealerships for the best price. My dealership does a CVT drain and fill for $238 which is a very very good price.”
Last edited:
Actually up to 2020 used the green CVTF - II
2021 and newer requires the CVTF - III
You can read about this here:
Applies to All Model Years - CVT Fluid...
And the correct CVTF-III can be purchased here: https://www.subarupartsdeals.com/oem-parts/subaru-cvtf-iii-5-gallon-soa427v2600
Yikes, only sold by the 5-gallon bucket
I found another post on that same forum that seems to like Eneos
Either the Eneos or Idemitsu should be good for people who are afraid to use more universal fluids like Valvoline and Cam2.
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2024
- Messages
- 88
The Eneos is well spoken of, I can’t deny that… I’m not willing to make my $27,000 car a guinea pig thoughYikes, only sold by the 5-gallon bucket
I found another post on that same forum that seems to like Eneos
Either the Eneos or Idemitsu should be good for people who are afraid to use more universal fluids like Valvoline and Cam2.
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2023
- Messages
- 35
Theoretically you could measure and refill with the same amount. The car does need to be running to get it all in though.
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2024
- Messages
- 88
Temperature is needed - between 95-110F if I recall correctly, because fluid mass expands and contracts based on temperature and you want to fill to the correct level at the correct temperature to avoid issues.