Subaru CVT Low Temp fluid

[FNChampignon]

Hearing lots of differing opinions on brands of fluid to use in Subaru CVTs. Looking for some input on a recommended fluid that would operate well in low temps. New to CVTs so any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The most important thing is changing it regularly. Cam2 CVT fluid is a good choice.

 

[CarbonToast]

The TR580 has a fluid cooler tied into the engine coolant loop. You might find that your fluid warms up quick because of this. Have you measured your operating temperature with a scan tool to see if it's actually low?

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Subaru has more than one fluid, so a recommendation is difficult without knowing what yours uses originally.

 

[D1dad]

What kind of temps? My Nissans won’t shift for the 1st 3 miles when it gets like it was today, -2. Nissans uses a fluid warmer but negative degrees is beyond what it can do until the whole thing heats up. I just don’t rev over 2500 till it shifts. My fluids changed annually so it is what it is.

 

[#18FAN]

What kind of temps? My Nissans won’t shift for the 1st 3 miles when it gets like it was today, -2. Nissans uses a fluid warmer but negative degrees is beyond what it can do until the whole thing heats up. I just don’t rev over 2500 till it shifts. My fluids changed annually so it is what it is.

Mine absolutely hates below 0F -5F today morning start up i let it run 10min before I took off and don't dare go over 50 mph it's bad till about 140F on oil temp.

 

[IveBeenRued]

Hearing lots of differing opinions on brands of fluid to use in Subaru CVTs. Looking for some input on a recommended fluid that would operate well in low temps. New to CVTs so any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

How low are you looking? I’ve driven my Subaru Impreza in -38 F weather. I have the AMSOIL CVT fluid in it; it did fine.

 

[D1dad]

Mine absolutely hates below 0F -5F today morning start up i let it run 10min before I took off and don't dare go over 50 mph it's bad till about 140F on oil temp.

Yep. Even new they’re like that.

 

[FNChampignon]

How low are you looking? I’ve driven my Subaru Impreza in -38 F weather. I have the AMSOIL CVT fluid in it; it did fine.

Same temperature, going with AMSOIL I think.

 

[martinq]

Mine absolutely hates below 0F -5F today morning start up i let it run 10min before I took off and don't dare go over 50 mph it's bad till about 140F on oil temp.

Which fluid are you using?

 

[IveBeenRued]

Same temperature, going with AMSOIL I think.

Smart move. AMSOIL CVT fluid has a pour point down to -49 F so you have some buffer there.

 

[#18FAN]

Which fluid are you using?

OEM

 

[mt23]

Switched dads 180,000 mile 2016 Forester TR580 cvt to HPL cvt fluid. Noted right away the smooth cold temperature improvement, even compared to genuine subaru fluid changes prior. Went back and did another HPL fluid drain and fill on it after a couple miles.

 

[Glenda W.]

Switched dads 180,000 mile 2016 Forester TR580 cvt to HPL cvt fluid. Noted right away the smooth cold temperature improvement, even compared to genuine subaru fluid changes prior. Went back and did another HPL fluid drain and fill on it after a couple miles.

At my next spill and fill I’ll be going to HPL.

 

[Glenda W.]

Mine absolutely hates below 0F -5F today morning start up i let it run 10min before I took off and don't dare go over 50 mph it's bad till about 140F on oil temp.

I had one of those mornings today…

 

[#18FAN]

I had one of those mornings today…

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