[cartertronic]

Hey all,

I've just replaced the radiator in my 2.5L NA 2008 Gen 2 Forrester, which involved swapping over 2 oil lines that run through the bottom of the radiator.

I lost some oil in the changeover that I'd like to top back up, but I've no idea whether it is running from the front diff or the automatic transmission.

Help!

 

[OldGoat38]

It would be the AT.

There are dipsticks for both the AT and the Diff. Check them both to see which is low.

 

[adc]

Tranny Dipstick is on the driver side. It needs to be checked with the engine hot and running. Make sure you make up approximately what was lost before running.

 

[DragonSubie7]

@adc - I think you confused the diff with the trans - the AT dipstick is on the drivers side and needs to be measured with a warm engine while running.
The Differential dipstick is on the passenger side and does not need a running engine to get an accurate reading like the AT.

 

[adc]

@adc - I think you confused the diff with the trans - the AT dipstick is on the drivers side and needs to be measured with a warm engine while running.
The Differential dipstick is on the passenger side and does not need a running engine to get an accurate reading like the AT.

Wow..I need another coffee. Yes pleas avoid reading my retarded/wrong post- Thanks
I'll correct in anyways. :cheers:

 

[Kevin]

@adc @DragonSubie7

I agree that it's certainly ATF however as we don't yet know the location of the OP it's probably safer to say that the trans dipstick is on the left-hand side of the vehicle. ;-)

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[cartertronic]

Thanks all!

To add to the drivers vs passenger side confusion, I'm in Australia... so opposite side and upside down :grin2:

Will double check the manual and fill up the AT :thumbsup:

 

[Kevin]

Well no wonder we lose oil - we're upside down! :wink2:

 

[DragonSubie7]

I agree that it's certainly ATF however as we don't yet know the location of the OP it's probably safer to say that the trans dipstick is on the left-hand side of the vehicle. ;-)

Kevin, After re-read I realized the reference on location was driver / passenger using a US bias.
I guess in general it's safer to use left and right for component locations.. Those ARE the same in OZ??? …
In any case, I think you made a great point regarding geographic location differences that I'll keep in mind.
Thanks

:thumbsup:

 

[Kevin]

Those ARE the same in OZ??? …

Yep, same LHS, RHS - as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

Sometimes we use "near side" (NS) or "off side" (OS) meaning kerb side or away from the kerb.

 

[jocko]

Hey all,

I've no idea whether it is running from the front diff or the automatic transmission.

Help!

It's tranny fluid. If you have some of the stuff you spilled it should be a reddish maroon color ...depending on how old it is.

The tranny cooler lives in one of the radiator tanks ...pretty standard for any car/truck with a slush box.

The 4EAT holds about 10 qts so I'm guessing what you lost was probably less than a quart. Read the instructions on checking and servicing the tranny in owners manual. Check the dipstick 'cause it may have a bunch of markings on it. *Tranny*, ideally, needs to be at normal operating temp ...which happens later than engine reaching normal operating temp. When it gets time to add the fluid do it a *little* at a time; you don't want to overfill the tranny.

I've never seen a vehicle where gear oil (differential oil) is run through a cooler; there's nothing to push it through a cooler and it's too viscous to flow all that well.