Transmission Fluid Change

Saad_ahm3d · 2025-10-12T11:36:20-0400

Hello!
So I recently bought a 2015 Forester XT from Japan at 43k miles. Been doing small services to it, serpentine belt, air/oil filter and just did the spark plugs yesterday.
I wanted to get the more serious services like the transmission now. Currently where I stay I can only find Total and Puma CVT oil (pictures attached). On the back it does say that it's Subaru manufacturer approved but wanted to find out from you guys if infact I can use them for a drain and fill on the car.

Thank you

TTiimm · 2025-10-12T11:59:22-0400

2014 - 2018 Forester XT takes High Torque CVT fluid.

Some call it HTCVTF or CVTFHT.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2025/MC-11016205-0001.pdf

I don't see anything about "High Torque" on that container.

Saad_ahm3d · 2025-10-12T12:24:43-0400

Thank you for the link! Really helpful stuff. Appreciate it man!

j3rf · 2025-10-12T12:09:03-0400

Those are only compatible for CVT II (2) in the TR580 non-turbo Subaru CVT. @TTiimm is correct, you need Subaru High Torque. Also avoid aftermarket CVT fluid that claims compatibility with both CVT II AND High Torque as those are different specifications and not compatible.

Saad_ahm3d · 2025-10-12T12:24:14-0400

Oh snap. Well I live in the middle of nowhere Africa, so that should be a fun mission to try and export CVT fluid all the way from the states hahaha

j3rf · 2025-10-12T12:41:35-0400

Ouch, that 5 gallon bucket isn't gonna be cheap...

Saad_ahm3d · 2025-10-12T12:53:54-0400

Any alternatives you can think of?? I can't find anyway to get ti down here

I had already checked

j3rf · 2025-10-12T12:58:09-0400

I don't know of any aftermarket fluid that claims compatibility with HT only.

eelnod · 2025-10-12T13:32:53-0400

I would stick with oem HTCVT fluid. So perhaps just hang on until you get the Subaru fluid. Over here, they sell as 4Gal drum.

whobodym · 2025-10-15T18:04:04-0400

Only for reassurance to you, and not to start a debate, I can tell you that for Subaru in the USA - where there are probably about 5,000,000 CVT-equipped Subarus in use today - the only condition listed in my owners manual that gives a direct requirement to change the CVT fluid, is if the car has done significant trailer towing. My car has, and I did have the fluid replaced at a dealer (expensive), and the car has been fine before during and after the towing trip. I bought my car new. The trailer trip was between 35,000 and 45,000 miles, and I'm past 120,000 miles today.

Echo Papa · 2025-10-15T19:04:26-0400

The Subaru product is very good however the AMSOIL CVT Fluid is the best way to go! I would not go with any other aftermarket fluids at all. Great product with great reviews!

j3rf · 2025-10-15T19:37:58-0400

Amsoil CVT fluid is one of those aftermarket fluids that can not be compatible with both the High Torque spec and the Lineartronic II spec.

Echo Papa · 2025-10-15T19:47:31-0400

We can all have our opinions, however here is a copy and paste direct from the AMSOIL Product Information (technical info, not glossy brochure) ...
APPLICATIONS
AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid is recommended for belt- and chain-type continuously variable transmissions requiring the following:

Subaru e-CVTF, i-CVTF, Lineartronic® CVTF, K0425Y0710, CV-30, “Certified CVTF-II (SOA427V1660), High Torque CVTF

I do trust what AMSOIL says as it's well tested before they put the label on. In my experience it's always over performed to the spec they are building their products to.

ralliharri · 2025-10-15T20:31:04-0400

43k miles or 43k Km? Either way I wouldn't change the CVT fluid yet, especially at your location and circumstances.

Transmission Fluid Change

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