There is a spin on filter for the transmission, but I have been told repeatedly by different dealers and Subaru shops to NOT change it and also to NEVER do a transmission FLUSH. SO far, at 151,000+ it has only had a drain and fill every 30k or so.

 

@Johnnu take a look at this thread:

('01-'02) - 2001 - 30k mile service - no trans...

I decided to bite the bullet and get the entire 30k mile service done at the dealer (mainly becuase I just got the car and am not familiar with it yet AND it is too COLD here in Chicago for me to go outside and wrench :icon_razz:) Being the anal-retentive guy I am, when I picked up the car, I...

www.subaruforester.org

Specifically, this post in that thread.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]

 

If you're under the vehicle, the transmission filter is quite visible.

The transmission filter looks just like an oil filter. However, it's different. It's a pricey dealer part - ~$40. The oil and transmission filters are not interchangeable.

I'm not sure why there would be a caution to not change this transmission filter. It doesn't need frequent changing, but maybe every 100,000 miles or so, or when you do the timing belt. Transmission fluid doesn't get charged with carbon particle blow-by from the combustion process, as does the engine oil. OTOH, tranny fluid does get dirty and 'burnt'. So, the transmission filter is probably catching something.

 

trans filter

Well, I've been under my '09 many times and unless I'm really going blind, there is no 'spin-on' trans filter on it. And, I do know what it should look like because I've owned many Subies in the old days that had one. FYI, on my older Subies, I always changed the spin-on trans filter and always bought the right one (for +$35). Anyway, just for fun, I will take another look (in the Spring time) but I can pretty much guarantee you that there is no external, spin-on filter on my '09. Was really just asking if there was an INTERNAL filter inside the trans. pan... (?) In the meantime, it's been 'flushed' and still running well.... p.s. what I call 'flushed' is simply putting it on one of those professional shop machines that pumps out the old trans fluid and simultaneously pumps in the new stuff.
THANKS.
John

 

The external transmission filter was there in the 2007 MY, but gone in the 2008 MY.
My Forester, built in July 2007 as a 2008, has a blank plate bolted where the filter used to be.
By 2009, the bolted plate was gone and the transmission case has a flat cast area there.

 

transmission filter

AMEN Vintage42..... thought I was going blind. So, I guess the question still persists... i.e. Is there an INTERNAL transmission filter (inside the trans pan like the old old days) on my 2009 Subie Forester....?
John ))

 

you must have some x-ray vision....

31728AA130 - Transmission Filter. Oil Strainer Transmission. Strainer OILTM. M / - Genuine Subaru Part

Genuine Subaru Part # 31728AA130 (31728AA091) - Transmission Filter. Oil Strainer Transmission. Strainer OILTM. M / #4374122. Fits Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX

parts.subaru.com

 

my 2008 had it

 

@adc if you're referring to the "external" ATF filter, they started deleting those late in the '08 model year, take a look at this post. Gone in the '09+ model years.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]

 

Does anyone know the change interval for the Internal Filter or “control valve strainer”?
Part # 31728AA130
Thanks

 

@Scbsnx Never had it done on m y '08..235K miles. Do a drain and fill every 10 to 15 K miles.