Subaru CVT Transmission Fluid Change & Flush Procedure | 2015 Forester Replacement-Fill-Level Check
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How to: My process of changing the CVT automatic transmission fluid on our 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited that has 100k miles on it. (4th Gen 2014-2018) CVT Fluid/Oil Flush Fill and Final Level Check.
Check my other video on the BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner I used paired with the Subaru Active OBDII App for monitoring CVT temperature.
This CVT oil change procedure will be very similar to other Subaru Models (i.e. Outback, Legacy, Impreza, or Crosstreck) and Various Years of those models. Make sure you use the correct process and materials by talking to your Subaru dealer.
My fluid deterioration read 6.29%
/ @mtsubfly
The Subaru dealer will charge about $250 to change ONLY the fluid that drains from the pan (5 quarts-ish). You could do that for under $150 (buy a OBDII reader & garden sprayer) I chose to attempt to flush out as much fluid as possible which ended up running my cost up to around $250... but I trust my work before a dealers work, I've had to much done wrong in the past.
Keep in mind this is an aid to performing the general process, you are responsible for undertaking this task and performing all steps correctly. Torques, fluid requirements (materials), processes and procedures could change by the manufacturer. So do your best to do it right! For the ultimate accuracy follow the latest revision of the Service Manual published by the manufacturer. If you are not mechanically inclined, it's not recommended you attempt this.
Check out my other videos on how to change the front & rear differential fluid as well.
Subaru Active OBD App:
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
BAFX OBDII Bluetooth reader:
bafxpro.com/products/obdreader
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my latest video: th-cam.com/video/G4t8rmrm08A/w-d-xo.html
with the amount of fluid required, probably same effect as changing the CVT oil via normal process every 10,000 miles instead of waiting to 100,000 miles. probably better for the transmission not to have all that wear. that's what i do anyway, every second service = CVT oil change. i think that's about 2/3 of the fluid changed each time.
man you were thorough as hell, good job, coming from a toyota technician
I did this method with a 2015 impreza i bought for my son at an auction. It worked great and really helped both my son and i learn together. Really appreciate the time you took to make the video.
That's amazing. Super thankful for showing that the home depot sprayer worked without introducing air bubbles!!!!
Fantastic video -- "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say. Love the attention to detail, including bits that I have not seen anywhere else. THANK YOU !
Thank you for your patience in explaining everything in such detail.
One of the best instructional videos on TH-cam and I’ve WATCHED A LOT of them.
Update: prior to doing the CVTF change, I had the opportunity to take a 280 mile round trip in the vehicle in about 85 degree weather. I took the OBDII reader and the app. The highest temperature recorded for the CVT was 230 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fast forward two weeks and CVTF replacement later the same trip with the same conditions is repeated.
The maximum temperature this time did not exceed 196 degrees Fahrenheit.
While we can debate back and forth that the fluid may or may not replacement even after my 97k miles, but this I know: the CVT is now operating at a temperature that is 30 or so degree lower with the new fluid.
That to me is justification enough to do the replacement.
Now if I can only figure out how to reset the CVT fluid deterioration rate to something like .8% (given that the purge never really cleans out the oil)....it is at the 7.59% from prior to change.....
Nice to see you repressing Oregon. I appreciate the details you provide. Now I need to change my Impreza CVT fluid. Great video
Representing
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. You do an outstanding job on all of your videos. I think that it's interesting that your Suburu dealer took the easy way out. Even more reason to do it yourself, using your method. Thanks again! George in FL.
Thank you sir!
Wow! Excellent video. Best so far that I've seen for a newer model Forester. Thanks for your thoroughness. I'll be doing my 2014 Forester this summer.
Agreed.
i usually measure what comes out and put the same amount back in but i get the importance of checking leval when done👍great flushjob
Thank you for this! Just swapped my brothers crosstrek transmission and used this to flush all the lines.
I have a 2015 Forester as well. Very helpful thank you for guiding thru the steps and get to know my vehicle a little more.
Thanks you! Glad I could be of help! 😄
Great video with an AMAZING breakdown of the process involved, THANK YOU! I'll let you know how it goes!
Great lighting, camera angles and very informative. Thank you.
Excellent video. Detailed and specific, which makes for great content. Thank you!
Great video. Your explanation during the video was super helpful. My dealer just quoted me $295 to change and flush. I’m going to call him to verify they will flush for that price and have him explain the process to make sure he tells me the temperatures and shifting thru the gears.
watched a bunch of videos before doing this, and your method is for sure the best method to make sure your getting everything out before putting in the new fluid. I am surprised you didn't take off the pan and change out the filter.
This was a great informative video, thank you for taking the time to detail so much.
As a past Subaru mechanic I went to cvt schooling in the mid 80's because the 3 cylinder justy model used it.
I've also done a few 2013-2017 cvt services and I strongly recommend dropping the pan to clean the magnets ( yes 2 magnets)!!
Cvt's she'd more metal than a normal trans and one 2013 cvt service I performed for the first time at 90,000 miles both magnets were full and on the verge of not being able to retain any more metal. Nice video!
What did you use to reseal the pan? And did you have to let the adhesive dry or fully cure before adding the new fluid?
Don’t forget the filter
that is good idea, you should make a video
Do you think it needs to replace gasket when take of the pan?
Можно прилепить ниодимовые магниты снаружи на поддон
Outstanding video! Best I've seen on this subject.
Thank you!
I always had the Stealer do this expensive service, being I knew there was a fluid temp for proper fill level. No more Stealer doing this service for me. Thank you for your time and quality in this vid. Same as your other vids too.
Great Video. Super helpful and precise. You helped me changed my CVT fluid. It would be helpful for another viewer to explain that the crush washer is against the pan. I really appreciate the time you took to make this video! PS. Enjoy the coffee!!!!
Thank you for the kind feedback, and coffee! It will be a treat! Thank you much!
This and another video helped me install an oil cooler.
Great video!
Hello, greetings from Spain, my name is David and I have a Subaru Forester 2.0 diesel sj from 2016, I want to congratulate you for the great video you have about subaru cvt oil change, here in Spain and Europe the official dealers have no idea of change the cvt oil, besides that the spare parts are very expensive. Thanks to the great video of him saved the lives of many European Subaru CVTs, thank you very much again, if it weren't for people like you, our Subaru would end up damaged by the useless mechanics of Subaru Spain.
Wow, a nice , thorough well thought out job! 👍🏻
I did mine drain and fill about month ago with 135000km on the car, even just one drain and fill makes the transmission run much smoother.
Thanks a lot. I just used your videos to do the 60k service on my 2016 Impreza. Did the front and rear diff fluid, CVT fluid, brake fluid, spark plugs, and air filter. 😅 Wow it was a lot of work but the local dealer wanted over $2k. I think it cost me about $250 in parts/fluids and took most of the day to complete. Worth it not to get raked over the coals. Next I need to service my 2017 Outback. Should be able to do it a bit quicker now that I know what I’m doing! 👍🏼 Only things I might have the dealer do for me around 130k miles is the fuel filter and coolant flush. Thanks again.
Thank you for all the information I learned a lot , it makes you appreciative of what it takes to do it right .
Great video with clear explanations. I own a Subaru Outback 2020 and will certainly change CVT fluid myself as recommended by you and Mr Subaru 1387, 3 years / 36,000 miles regardless of what my dealer tells me. I use Veepeak and Car Scanner to get CVT oil temp. Keep doing superb videos.
So glad I watched this as this has been bothering me on my purchase, as the dealer wants $700 plus to do full flush, as I can figure the oil runs about @22 a quart, so after the oil cost that means they are charging like $500 labor, well that's too fuc'n much, so thanks, I've seen several of these trans. service videos and they just drain once and refill, so thanks for going the extra mile to show us how easy it is...Javi G.
Nice! Loved the samples at the end 👍
In my opinion, as long as you do a 5 qt drain and fill to freshen the fluid every 20,000 miles or so, that will be more than adequate to protect the CVT for the life of the vehicle. Of course there is nothing wrong with doing a full flush, but that's way too much work for me lol.
Good comment
Interesting, my '16 Crosstrek has 159,000 miles on it and I am thinking about changing the fluid in the CVT.
@@todd1hd If it's never been changed, you may not want to do a full flush. I've seen cases where a CVT with high mileage and original fluid started acting up after flushing it. Apparently, the debris in the old fluid can add a little friction during operation and when you remove that debris the CVT can start to slip. Given your mileage, I'd just do a 5qt drain and fill and see how that goes.
One of the best video & instructions . Thank you
guaranteed, you went above and beyond what any Subaru dealer service center or other auto shop would ever do. Great work.
At 60000 I got a new CTV transmission because the dealer service center cracked the case following replacement of a line that blew out.
You are extremely precise and detailed.
The thoroughness of your job and presentation is outstanding.
Even the factory may not take as much care in assembling the car as you do in the maintenance!
Since the CVT uses friction to push the belt between squeezing pulleys the frictional coefficient of fluid is critical and as you know that can only be maintained through fluid renewal.
Thank you!
You stated the reason for changing the fluid very well.
Very informative step by step DIY. Thanks!
awesome job man. looking forward to more videos
Thanks for highlighting severe conditions.
Severe conditions only apply to the transmission if there is repeated trailer towing.
Awesome! Informative and great detail!
Fabulous work my friend, excellent video work and communication
skills
Wow... great video, very informative. I'm the original.owner of my 2015 Legacy and I know nothing other than doing an oil change. Your videos are gonna save me some money (hopefully) I am at 110,00 miles and have not done anything to my car yet. I better get some tools and get to work. You mentioned Lithia Subaru in the description, good to know Oregonians (Milwaukie here) still help each other out. Again, great videos.
Do yourself a favor and sell it. My '13 legacy just ate the CVT at 131k. $7650+tax from the dealer to replace. First and last Subaru for me.
Fantastic job, very much appreciated
Thanks for sharing.
I would've started at the heat exchanger. Disconnect the return line, use an inline connector and attach it to a clear line and place that into the container holding your clean fluid, I'd prime that line and add a couple more quarts to avoid sucking air into the system. Now, the port in the heat exchanger that the return line was attached to, run another clear line to an empty 5 gal bucket and start the car, shifting through the gears. The transmission will suck in nice clean cool transmission fluid, go through the heat exchanger into the empty bucket. When you see clean fluid running into the waste bucket, shut it down and put the input line back on the heat exchanger. Then go through a final fill procedure like you did at the end.
Doing it this way will flush out the cvt, torque converter, and heat exchanger.
I used to do this all the time in "normal" transmissions.
I know a cvt is a different animal. But, it has a pump and a tongue converter and a heat exchanger. It'll work and you'll have 100% brand new fluid in it.
Your way of connecting fluid lines is what I do when flushing tranny fluids on my Toyotas - let the tranny suck new fluid and blow out old fluid from the radiator tranny cooler line until it is bright red. But this is only good if the CVT “In” port (return port) also ‘sucks’ otherwise his method will suffice.
@bygonebob His method works, no doubt. CVT's have a pump as well, it has too. I used the procedure I mentioned last month. I wish I would've made a video showing that procedure.
This is amazing thank you!
Great job on this video! Super helpful
Top video indeed...Thanks a million for such a good one.
G
ood video.... concise.. good camera work. Bravo!
Awesome! Thank you for sharing your video.👍
What a pain, huh?! But love that you take such good care of your Subaru! 😎 #SubaruAmbassador
Your recommendation to use HD hand garden sprayer pump is ingenious. Compared with the other automotive pumps that I price out, it is a steal! Since I heard dealer charge $250+ for a drain and fill. I will diy it for the first time on my two subies. Can’t thank you enough. I recommend water test the HD pump first to make sure you got a good one.
Great video, you earned a sub!
Great video! Even Identifix doesn't explain the process Thanks
Great video! Awesome!
Thank you so much for this wonderful, thorough, informative video!!! We were totally in a panic after accidentally removing the CVT plug not the oil plug during an oil change and this video allowed us to deal with the self-created emergency. THANK YOU!
That's no fun!! Hope it went well, and thank you! I really appreciate those that find my videos helpful! Thanks!
My son made the same mistake!
I am literally in the same situation right now. Got the transmission cover removed and need to get an 8mm allen to start this pump process. I'm still pretty stressed but grateful to see I'm not the only one who's made the oil plug/transmission plug mistake and that add fluid using this method will help me recover.
Thank you.
Good content quality
Great video really appreciate you attention to details.
Well done!
Very well done video! Very infornative!
Amazing job. Makes it look easy. Greetings from Jamaica 🇯🇲. I have a Subaru Impreza g4 2017 limited edition (JAPANESE model) but I think it's the same procedure. Definitely gonna subscribe to this channel.
Big up I got a g4 2.0L limited edition too
Thank you. Great quality and easy to follow
Would you be able provide the part number for the fill plug?
Great video! This was the best one I found while searching. Did my 2017 Outback 2.5i today, just did a drain and fill for the first time at 110,000km. I actually ended up using Eneos CVT Model S which is specific to Subaru transmissions that require CVTF II. Stuff is even green like the OEM Subaru CVTF II.
Awesome bro! Cheers!
@@MTsubfly how many quarts of Enoes should I buy? instead of the method you used, can i do it without the full flush and just do this procedure like twice or three times in a 6 month period? If I just do the 5 quart swap out, do i still have to do the 100 degree thing and have the car running through all the gears? just seems scary to have it running and up on jack-stands and all of that. what about the cost of the dealership doing it, how much do they charge? I'm in Indiana, USA
@@dabneyoffermein595 after doing the flush myself, I would say just start with draining and refilling the pan. (6qts ish) and yes you need to set the level at specified temperature. It's really not hard, and if you have quality Jack's appropriately rated you will be fine. Note, it is way easier as shown in the video to start With a cold transmission (below 90 degrees f).
Drain the pan, full the pan, start car and refill the pan, insert plug by hand. Now wait for the temp to raise into the appropriate temp range, remove the plug and let the excess run out. So easy. (This is a generalized explanation)
@@MTsubfly excellent, thanks!! that makes me feel much better about it. i have jack stands and I usually back them up with a floor jack in case they give way. they are not the best and not the worst but are old.. perhaps i could even put the car on ramps because since I'm not doing a full flush, i suppose it wouldn't hurt to have it angled and then drain and fill ? temp check, rinse , repeat. Darn, i have to find that cheap ODB II i bought on the internet, thing works like a charm with an android app. Time to dig it up.
Awesome video!! I am about to perform this service along with front and rear diff change on my 2017 Outback 2.5i Limited. Thanks a ton for all of this info!!
Thanks! You may have already, but check my videos on the front/rear diffs. Process should be similar. Good luck!
@@MTsubfly I actually just watched that vid too! Quick question, what are your thoughts on replacing the strainer inside the transmission pan? I only have 60,000 miles on my '17 Outback, so I probably wouldn't even consider it until well over 100,000 miles. Just was curious if that's something that needs to be replaced at some point. Of course, there isn't a service interval for this. All I can find is that it doesn't need to be replaced unless it is damaged. Thanks for the help!
@@jnepute good question. My opinion is for the average DIYer it risks contaminating the internals, and really isn't needed. Changing the fluid removes the bulk of the finest debris, and refreshes the properties of the wearing fluid. I bet that screen is for larger debris (20 micron maybe?) There is an actual filter in the transmission but requires splitting the case to change (huge job). If you do it, make sure to replace the gaskets, its not going to hurt doing it, just not likely needed. Usually anything with an oil pump has a pick-up screen to protect the pump, maybe thats its purpose? Hope this helps, just my thoughts...
@@MTsubfly Appreciate the response! I agree. Thanks again!
You’re a fucking legend for this. My transmission fluid has just started looking a tad gross, more or less in the first stages. This is mighty helpful, thank you xx
Good job man, super pro (compared to the dealer lol)
Thanks for sharing this video, interesting information.
amazing job
Brilliant videos. Congratulations
Awesome video Sir! (Owner of a 2015 Subaru forester xt!)
I like what you did. I am getting ready to do this on my Crosstrek. I have done this on other AT vehicles I have owned. What I did was remove the return line from the cooler and just "pumped" out fluid there. I pumped the old fluid out and you don't have to use any compressed air to blow anything out. Just another way to accomplish the same thing and you don't need compressed air.
curious what you used to pump the oil out ?thanks
@@tdizzle2179 I guess I wasn't clear on my comment. Sorry. I didn't use an actual pump. I disconnected the line from the cooler (heat exchanger) that returns transmission fluid back to the transmission. It is labeled in the video (4:33). I took it off at the transmission and not the cooler. Although, it really doesn't matter a whole lot and you could take it off at the cooler; however, this would make your hoses/connectors a little different. I connected a hose to extend the line using a double barbed fitting you can get at a hardware store or Lowes/Home Depot. (Sorry, I don't remember the size.) I put the hose into a container I could measure the amount. My wife got in the car and started it up. With the car running the transmission fluid does "pump" out of the transmission to the cooler. I would "pump" a quart out and then add a quart. I did this until the fluid looked clean/new. If you are using this method, it does take 2 people and make sure you have the person turn off the car a little before you reach the amount you want to pump out as it does flow a little while the car is shutting off. I have used this method on other vehicles to get the remaining used/old fluid out of the system. I hope this helps and clarifies.
This is a great video, I really like the part where you use the spray bottle. I have a small electric pump that I use but the spray bottle is a good idea.
Good instructional video
Superb video!
Great job
You are awesome. very nice and informative video. Thanks
Thank you for this vid it is very helpful. I had the same issue with my Honda Civic transmission. The dealership said that they should never be power flushed so they recommended draining, replacing, driving the vehicle through all the gears until it’s fully warmed up and then draining again replacing, driving through all the gears until thoroughly warmed up again and then draining and replacing and you would get over 90% of the old fluid
seems like a hot job and that you could get burned by the hot surfaces, WOW!!! crazy how hard this job is, I'm stunned.
@@dabneyoffermein595 Since heat rises and you’re laying under the vehicle to do the drain, it’s really not a hot job. You just wear thick rubber gloves and you’re good to go.
Nice and simple
Woah thats is a tad complex. Well done dude I could never attempt that. It will be off to Subaru workshop. Impressive 👍
Garden sprayer is genius!
Very nice video, thank you 🙏
I accidently drained my cvt fluid so now I'm here
Same, and this seems like a nightmare
DUDE... THANK YOU! Now I can confidently flush the fluid from my Forester XT CVT
2017 Outback transmission #TR580SHACA. Thank you for the great instruction in this video. It was all very helpful (except for the background music). My transmission has the side rear port assembled with a metal tube and I did not want to disturb it, so I did not flush the lines but simply jumped to flushing the transmission with the vinyl tubing step. I flushed 3 times and had the shift lever moved during the 2nd and 3rd flushes. My BAFX OBD2 and ActiveOBD app worked great and that was the most excellent direction you provided since not many units or apps provide trans. fluid temp info., certainly not the FIXD scanner.
I did not remove the pan but likely will next time just to check for metal dust. The filter will likely never be changed since it is only a metal screen and not a fine mesh.
PARTS:
Fluid: Subaru CVTF-2 (green)
drain plug crush washers 803916010 (same as oil drain plug) flat portion faces bolt head
fill port gasket/seal 803918060
Tips:
I applied very wide strong tape below the fill port, long enough to go past the pan to guide the flow and prevent a mess.
I covered the catalytic converter and the rubber axle boot below the side port heavily to avoid dripping on them.
A Sharpie body will fit into the trans. hose to prevent dripping after it had emptied itself. Push the Sharpie in only 1/2".
A few V-8 juice bottles worked great for catching the flushed fluid.
I used my two-post lift :)
I have thought about the tape drip guide too but you beat me to it. That 2-post lift tip is very expensive though.
Very well done
Well done. I like how you used the garden sprayer. I have not seen that before.
Thanks!
I have a general purpose hand pump that works great and fills it very fast that I used
Hey there. Just wanted to thank you for your videos on CVTF and Front Diff oil replacement . I did these on a 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5L, and let me tell everyone it’s exactly the same.
Even the Front Diff Fill Plug located on top of the front right drive shaft was over tightened and took a major push to break.
So thanks again, other than an oil spill (my fault) in the engine compartment, it went rather smoothly. The back and forth underneath to fill the CVTF was annoying but that is what is required.......
I used an OBD II reader and the free ActiveOBD app and it was a cinch.
Excellent work!
I'm about to have my CVT change. Where did u purchase ur cvt oil aside from d subaru dealership.
@@elizabethpaguio8175 I am sure you can get it anywhere. The prices were the same so I went to the dealer. Bought extra, just in case something went wrong, and returned the extra after I was done. But this was awhile ago. I don’t know what the pricing is today.
It was $17.34/qt at the dealership in TF Idaho today.
Excellent video with nice and clear instructions. I own an Outback 2020 and it uses CVTF-III oil and Subaru doesn’t sell this oil in quart or gallon. One way of stopping DIY and force you to have it done at dealer...$$$$$.
don't do it , type II should be fine. It's a hustle is all, just a hustle. here's the link to VERY affordable exact type II replacement fluid www.rallysportdirect.com/part/transmission-fluid/3074-300-eneos-cvt-fluid-model-s-1qt?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9O6HBhCrARIsADx5qCRjUSr0kPm3ttpSO9OKCuhhpRy0T9Rq6Nj0gdYkqsN2OtMJZK79BZ4aAtquEALw_wcB
Awesome. saving 6k on new transmission... i am doing it for my Outback 2014 100k miles.
i have 135K , should i do it? (2016 - 4 cyl. outback)
Gr8 Vid thx
Great video!!! from Philippines :-)
Thanks, could not have been better explained. Ditto to Randy Fitz below. Keep em comming.
Good information. Very professional. Tks
Thanks that help me 😀
amazing video. i used your steps exactly.
Thanks Rick!
Much appreciated. Out Suby is still doing great! Hope the same for you
@@MTsubfly so far no explosions LOL
Good video you can also drain fill run for a week then drain and fill
I did a Lexus Transmission. non CVT. Didn't have special tools. I drained all I could and put back exactly the same amount. No issues.
Finally got around to doing this on my wife's '14 Forester Premium 2.5 cvt engine, today. Pretty level on jack stands. COLD engine. When I removed the fill plug, I got a surprise! Plenty of cvt fluid came gushing out (est. 1/2 to 1 qt). Wasn't expecting that. But, after everything was done, I had the same amount of old fluid from the pan as you did, about 5 1/2 qts. Closer to 5 1/4 qts, actually. I used my bbq meat thermometer to read the fluid temperature (103º F) instead of your phone app and device. Just pan drain and refill. I'll do this every other year or so. Thanks for your video!
Was your engine running when you got the suprise of fluid removing the fill plug?
Glad it went well for ya!
@@MTsubfly No, it was off.
@@carlrasmussen3267 gotcha, that would be why. I think i actually drained my pan first, then pulled the fill plug, but once I edited the footage it shows removing the fill plug first, but no fluid comes out. Thats a my bad for editing, not a big deal though.
@@MTsubfly What I don't get is if the engine is cold, the fluid hasn't expanded. Yet, when the new fluid has been pumped in, we heated it up to within specs and it should just trickle out of the fill hole at the end of the procedure. Weird. Was the factory cvt fluid overfilled? Or, does the fluid naturally expand over time, hot or cold? I don't know. Nonetheless, your video is the best I've seen on this. Thanks again, MT.
Thanks so much.
Great video man. Really in detail but simply and straight forward. I have a 2013 Crosstrek and I'm sure it's a very similar process. I have been researching and watching videos and you're the only 1 that took off the hoses and blew out all the old fluid in the lines. I didn't see anybody else flushing it like you did either. You used 13 quarts but said next time you'll only do 2 flushes so how many quarts do you estimate that would be? Thanks again for this video. I found it to be the best one I've come across.
I am looking video clip for crosstrek 2016 fluid change too,