Subaru Forester Owners Forum banner
  • The "Garage" feature is for images of YOUR VEHICLE/S only - no blanks or other unrelated images please, thanks

Tuning and CVT issues

67K views 153 replies 37 participants last post by  ForcedInduction  
#1 · (Edited)
So yea I have some cvt issues going on now, not sure if I blew the tranny or something is funky on the tune.


Anyone get any weird shuddering when the accelerate?

It seems I get an abrupt hit in the cvt and then the car continues on reving/ downshifts.
There aren't any signs of slipping, just like surges of power.

:crying:
 
#8 ·
I had cobb OTS for 4 days, launched it twice. Second launch didn't feel very good. I've heard rumors about the viscous coupler being prone to failure when wheels spin at higher/slightly different speeds. Like dyno, or the one I did a lot of, hooning in the snow.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Interesting stuff. No real signs of problems in your logs but logs wouldn't really show a CVT issue anyways. Jeff have you launched the car at all since being tuned?

*edit*


Just saw you post
lcrazyaznl said:
I guessing I have the same problems too... leaking fluid out of the side and weird shifts around 3k rpms.
Maybe you lost enough fluid to cause issues? I mean i've seen the videos you've posted about you having fun hooning, you aren't easy on the CVT. Do you know how long you've had that leak? I don't think you toasted the CVT, see if you can capture any of this issue on video because it's kinda hard to understand what's going on exactly.
 
#28 ·
Interesting stuff. No real signs of problems in your logs but logs wouldn't really show a CVT issue anyways. Jeff have you launched the car at all since being tuned?

.
I see it in the logs. Look at the rpm line, shoots up and back down halfway through the pull, like its slipping and then grabbing again. Hope you find an easy resolution for this...
 
Save
#14 ·
These new models are very temperamental almost like they were never intended for anything more than stock. Its prob the weakest model Subbie have made or the CVT/200kw combo anyway.
To the point i won't be keeping mine to much longer it just feels like a time bomb waiting to go off.

Mine slips slightly under load around 1/4 throttle & has always had that rubber band feel when accelerating in 2nd & 3rd.

Interested to see the break down of the tranny in the new STI model if its CVT
 
#16 ·
Can you elaborate a little further about the slippage you're experiencing? Are you tuned?

This is the whole reason why I decided not to go the tuning route...didn't think the headache of potential broken parts and associated warranty issues was worth the modest bump in power at the wheels....the 2.0 DIT is plenty fast as it is from the factory.....
 
Save
#33 ·
I haven't done any launches (maybe I won't now). Seems fine so far, knock wood. Maybe this weekend when I install my new Fumoto valve I'll remove the covers and check for leaks.

Hope you work it out Jeff. You'll have to remove j-pipe before you go back to dealer though.
 
Save
#35 ·
The legacy started to use the Lineartronic back in 2010 and there were reported problems with the torque converter that was redesigned from 2013. It could be unrelated to the CVT issues occurring in our XT's.
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthre...s/showthread.php/many-miles-your-cvti-issuesi-215157p5.html?highlight=cvt+stall

There is also a forward clutch positioned after the variable pulleys in the transmission box. According to Subaru, the forward/reverse clutches "helps protect the gear box from the torque feedback from the wheels". There is no understanding how strong these components are and I would definitely like to find more before indulging in a tune...
 
#36 · (Edited)
CVT Fluid is a very controversial issue since the user manual has no time frame to replace it, it just says INSPECT every 30K (no way to "inspect" it), however under severe driving (which I know I fall under) the manual for the 14+ FXT says to refer to #14 if a severe driving situation. NOTE ** The CVT fluid can only be replaced by a mechanic using a scantool to monitor the fluid temp since it needs to be a certain level at a certain temp** Take care of your FXT and it will take care of you =)

Severe driving is
> Repeated short trips, stop-and-go, extensive idling (basically any urban driving)
> Rough, muddy, dusty, wet, humid, cold, mountainous, salty conditions (basically any coast, country, or winter driving)
> Frequently towing a trailer.
> Racing

#14 CVT oil should be replaced under severe driving at 24,855 miles
 
#38 ·
Severe driving is
> Repeated short trips, stop-and-go, extensive idling (basically any urban driving)
> Rough, muddy, dusty, wet, humid, cold, mountainous, salty conditions (basically any coast, country, or winter driving)
> Frequently towing a trailer.
> Racing

#14 CVT oil should be replaced under severe driving at 24,855 miles
Dam i fall under every single one of those...
 
#37 ·
I actually always felt like my torque converter was slipping when I was on the stock tune. The CVT has a mind of it's own and is very advanced, especially with the ECU constantly telling it what to do under every situation. Once I loaded the COBB AP OTS map and especially started with BrenTuning, I did not have that slipping feel happen again.
 
#41 ·
DO NOT FOLLOW THIS. There is currently NO substitute for the Subaru HT CVT fluid, including anything made by Amsoil and they will say that, so please contact them if you have any questions. Redline will say theirs will work, but you are definitely rolling the dice on that one.

From the Amsoil site (chopped up)

Automatic Transmission,TR690......VTF [2]
No AMSOIL Product Recommendation
[2] Subaru High Torque CVT oil for Lineartronic P/N K0421Y0700.
 
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.