Last week, I performed a 30K service on a 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek where I recommended a CVT Fluid Drain and Refill. The owner agreed. So, I took some pictures to document the process. I have noticed that a number of folks on this site own Subarus so they may find this information to be helpful.
First, I recommend performing the fluid change when the vehicle is cold (sitting for at least 6 hours). You will see why.
For the CrossTrek, the specified fluid is now Genuine Subaru CVTF-II, part #SOA427V1660 (pics 1 and 2). MSRP is $14.50/qt. You will need 6 quarts, but I recommend picking up 7 quarts just in case.
Loosen the fill plug before removing the drain plug. IIRC it takes a 8mm hex bit socket. Remove the drain plug and allow the fluid to drain. You should remove about 5.5 quarts (pic 3). Install a new drain plug gasket (803916010) and re-install plug, torque to spec if desired.
Re-fill the fluid with a driveline filler, but be sure to dedicate a unit just for CVT Fluid. I have been told that any contamination with non-CVT transmission fluids can be problematic. So, I purchased a new one, an Assenmacher #ATFBasic. The angled adapter works fine. Add 4 quarts thru the fill hole with the engine off. Then, start the engine, add an additional 2 quarts and finger-tighten the fill plug. Note: I added 6 quarts to the tool and was able to pump in about ~5.75 quarts (pic 4).
With the engine running, move the gear selector from P->R->N->D and back to P. It is important to start with a cold engine because the fluid level check must be performed when the CVT fluid is between 95F and 113F. A scan tool that is capable of reading the transmission temp is highly recommended. I prefer to perform my level check at 95F to have more fluid in the transmission. However, you should start with a cold transmission because the engine idle speed takes a while to drop to a normal level (during the warm-up process), and an excessively high idle speed will impact your fluid level. This vehicle sat for 6 hours prior to the transmission service and the fluid temp was still at 84F. (pic 5)
Continue to shift thru each gear selector position until the transmission fluid temp reaches 95F. At this point, return to the "P" position and remove the fill plug. If you pumped in ~5.75 quarts like I did, about 4-6 ounces should drain out. When the fluid draining out becomes a very, very thin stream, re-install the fill plug and you are done!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQnGh0UFfks
I hope this helps folks who are considering a transmission service on their Subaru CVT.
First, I recommend performing the fluid change when the vehicle is cold (sitting for at least 6 hours). You will see why.
For the CrossTrek, the specified fluid is now Genuine Subaru CVTF-II, part #SOA427V1660 (pics 1 and 2). MSRP is $14.50/qt. You will need 6 quarts, but I recommend picking up 7 quarts just in case.
Loosen the fill plug before removing the drain plug. IIRC it takes a 8mm hex bit socket. Remove the drain plug and allow the fluid to drain. You should remove about 5.5 quarts (pic 3). Install a new drain plug gasket (803916010) and re-install plug, torque to spec if desired.
Re-fill the fluid with a driveline filler, but be sure to dedicate a unit just for CVT Fluid. I have been told that any contamination with non-CVT transmission fluids can be problematic. So, I purchased a new one, an Assenmacher #ATFBasic. The angled adapter works fine. Add 4 quarts thru the fill hole with the engine off. Then, start the engine, add an additional 2 quarts and finger-tighten the fill plug. Note: I added 6 quarts to the tool and was able to pump in about ~5.75 quarts (pic 4).
With the engine running, move the gear selector from P->R->N->D and back to P. It is important to start with a cold engine because the fluid level check must be performed when the CVT fluid is between 95F and 113F. A scan tool that is capable of reading the transmission temp is highly recommended. I prefer to perform my level check at 95F to have more fluid in the transmission. However, you should start with a cold transmission because the engine idle speed takes a while to drop to a normal level (during the warm-up process), and an excessively high idle speed will impact your fluid level. This vehicle sat for 6 hours prior to the transmission service and the fluid temp was still at 84F. (pic 5)
Continue to shift thru each gear selector position until the transmission fluid temp reaches 95F. At this point, return to the "P" position and remove the fill plug. If you pumped in ~5.75 quarts like I did, about 4-6 ounces should drain out. When the fluid draining out becomes a very, very thin stream, re-install the fill plug and you are done!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQnGh0UFfks
I hope this helps folks who are considering a transmission service on their Subaru CVT.
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