[ForesterBill]

When I look at the official Subaru maintenance schedule, it also says "inspect" rather than "replace" CVT fluid every 30 months or 30,000 miles. Thanks.

Read Subaru's definition of "I" at the bottom of the maintenance chart. "I" can also mean replace.

 

[Theseus161]

I will change my cvtf every 30k miles. The dealership did it for $235 so it’s well worth it. I considered buying the cvtf, pump, gaskets and OBD scanner for iPhone. I just didn’t know which scanner/software to buy that would work with my 2015 Forester.

If you change your 4eat atf, why not change your cvtf? CVTF is not a magic transmission oil. It doesn’t last a lifetime. Heat breaks it down. It will accumulate small metal particles.

 

[macman33]

Would you like to try to find and buy a new CVTF ? It will only cost you 3 or 4 grand if you are really lucky. Somehow, I prefer to change all the drivetrain fluids every 30,000 miles, I am not interested in replacing major parts of the drivetrain. But different strokes for different people. This inspect statement from Subaru is only to keep them from having to pay for changing fluids under the warranty.

 

[Theseus161]

It’s another Subaru mystery. Like the HGs debacle. Why did they wait so long?
Best to look at Japan website for information.
SOA has different thoughts.

 

[MGator]

I’m at 65k and plan to do a drain/fill. Local dealership does drain/fill for $350. I specifically asked for a flush and they said they only do the drain/fill.
Are there any online shops you trust to buy CVT fluid and gaskets?

also:('14-'18) - 2016 - Observations on my first...

 

[badman9]

I’m at 65k and plan to do a drain/fill. Local dealership does drain/fill for $350. I specifically asked for a flush and they said they only do the drain/fill.
Are there any online shops you trust to buy CVT fluid and gaskets?

also:('14-'18) - 2016 - Observations on my first...

Drain/fill is what you want anyway. Even better if you do it twice so most of the fluid will get changed out.

 

[8675309]

I'm doing mine at 60,000 regardless of what the manual says. If you let it go to say 100,000 at that point it's best NOT to do it at all. ( per savage scotty )...

 

[Muiruri]

Replaced my sons CVT fluid at 25k and plan to do it again at 50k, cost us $90 for 6 quarts of genuine CVT fluid and 2 gaskets from the dealer and about 2 - 3 hours of time on a Saturday. Longest time was spent getting the car on 4 jack stands and leveled out as best as possible, the drain and fill took no time at all with a HF hand transfer pump to fill made it easy. I used my OBDlink to check the CVT temp and followed the Service manual procedure with a little help from the many YouTube videos. I would place this on the no more difficult to do than an engine oil change just with a different set of tools, the biggest part is overcoming the fear to try it have fun .

True - very doable. Did mine in November last year. Took me about 3 hours since I was alone.
In Kenya, the dealer recommend a change every 60k Kms and they charge USD 220. Occasionally you will see ads reminding owners of the importance of CVT service.

 

[Theseus161]

Everywhere else but the USA it’s recommended that the cvtf be changed early and often. Lifetime is a crock.

 

[IARider]

Just had a drain and fill on my 2014 Outback at 100K but that was after conflicting responses on questions about this at my dealer. At first it was, "it's a sealed system designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle" (or words to the effect). But now they recommend every 60K. What stuns me is that no one seems to get a straight answer on such a simple question from Subaru. It's like they can't make up there mind about it. Kind of absurd IMHO. Maybe they use a magic 8 ball each time someone asks this question? In any case, I'm in the camp that says no fluid is "lifetime" unless you define lifetime as 100K or something like that. All fluids degrade. What worries me is why Subaru is so conflicted about this. What's wrong with the CVT design, the fluid, whatever that makes this a difficult question? Doesn't exactly inspire confidence and I personally really like CVTs although my other big beef with Subaru is making us suffer the simulated shifting. I'd pay real money to be able to disable that.

 

[Theseus161]

Disregard SOA and their lifetime BS. I’m going by Subaru of Japan and changing my cvtf every 30k miles or so. Just like my engine oil, I use a 3k mile OCI. Works for me and my car.

 

[PiggyUT]

I have 2019 Forester Base Model as 2021 June it has 55k miles. I changed my CVT fluid anyway.

I drained CVT 4.5 qts came out, put back same amount.

I used 12V electric pump intended for sucking oil through dip stick

more pictures , need IPv6 to access
http://ag6ju-01.dynv6.net:5950/data-store/subaru/forester_2019/2019_forester_cvt_fluid_change.html

 

[Theseus161]

Putting back what you took out is not the most accurate way to drain/fill cvtf. Cvtf temperature is the best way since you could be over or under filled due to oil expansion and circulation. 96 degrees F is a good baseline temp.

My dealership was able to drain over 6 quarts.

 

[DJ Trance]

Just did my first drain and refill yesterday; drained only about 4.7L; the fluid still looks fairly dark green; anyway this was a great experience!!

 

[ForesterBill]

subaru US says its a lifetime fluid

Where does SOA say that?

 

[FelineFreddie]

Read post #12 on the link below…

('14-'18) - 2018 - Tranny Warranty?

Would I violate the Subaru extended warranty on the CVT if I got the tranny drained and filled by a non-Subaru mechanic? They would do a great job for half the price. 400.00 by Subaru vs. 200.00 by my private transmission specialist private mechanic. If it's the same as doing an oil change by...

www.subaruforester.org

Lifetime isn’t specifically stated, although most would find the implication clear enough to understand…

The term “unserviceable” pretty much defines the term “lifetime”.

 

[Kean]

.....and the FSM in several places makes this same notation when discussing inspection and replacement of the CVTF:

"When there is no severe conditions or intrusion of water, etc., replacement of CVTF is unnecessary."

Again, no mention of "lifetime fluid" but call it what you will as it is essentially the same. Having said that, again, I'm not advocating that people should not change their fluid, etc. Do what you think is right.

I personally think there is warranted skepticism over SOAs recommendation given SOC has a scheduled replacement of the fluid for what is essentially the exact same unit.

 

[ForesterBill]

Read post #12 on the link below…

Also read post #13 where the SOA rep states:
"The CVT is in a closed case so the CVT fluid does not have to be replaced for the life of the vehicle, unless it becomes dirty or contaminated."

Is there anybody here that believes that CVT fluid will never become "dirty or contaminated"?

 

[orgwizard]

I also found recently, when I was going through old stock of motor oil that I have in the garage, Apparently, at least with amsoil, they recommend it's shelf life to be only 5 years. So I'm going with the logic that's if oil in an unopened bottle can expire so can the oil in an actively used transmission. I had mine changed at 65 or 70 and plan to Have it done again around 120

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[FelineFreddie]

Also read post #13 where the SOA rep states:
"The CVT is in a closed case so the CVT fluid does not have to be replaced for the life of the vehicle, unless it becomes dirty or contaminated."

Is there anybody here that believes that CVT fluid will never become "dirty or contaminated"?

Dirty? Definitely…

Contaminated? Usually that term is defined as the addition of some element(s) from an external source.

IMO, it becomes nothing more than semantics.

I don’t think there’s any such thing as a lifetime fluid, because everything has a lifespan (of effectiveness, at a minimum). Having said that, a fluid may be considered to have a lifetime if the component it’s intended to lubricate wears out or fails… For example, very few folks would transfer the motor oil from an engine with a thrown rod into a new engine, even if it was changed a day earlier and re-filtered before adding to the new engine.

As I’ve often posted, it would be much better if SOA gave specific, consistent instructions on CVT maintenance. My suspicion is that SOA has evaluated the servicing of the CVT fluid .vs. the act of leaving the CVT case sealed, and determined that it’s better for the average CVT to be left alone rather that tampered with. It’s not as simple as an oil/filter change, and there are lots of examples on this forum about how easily a “simple” CVT fluid change can easily become anything but simple very rapidly.

In the end, folks should service (or not) their vehicle using their own preferences.

Change the fluid… or don’t…