WRX CVT Transmission Cooler Upgrade: Everything You Should Know

Everything you should know about adding CVT Transmission cooler to your WRX (or any other car for that matter). I answer the following questions: Is a CVT cooler necessary? Why does the car not come with one? How does the stock cooler work? What are the different install configurations and benefits of each? Will this void my warranty?
In this video I focus on the role the CVT fluid plays and talk about the different options you have to reduce transmission temperatures. I use the words "cooler" and "warmer" interchangeably when referring to the stock setup throughout the video.
Mishimoto Cooler Shown: amzn.to/2MptQMk
Thermostat Shown: amzn.to/2sBw55S
Thermostat Bracket: amzn.to/2DlBwvV
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Installation Video: • Mishimoto CVT Cooler I...
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A special thanks to my friends over at the Facebook CVT Owners group. A better group of CVT enthusiasts you will not find.
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CVT Transmission Photo: Qurren (talk), with IXY Digital 10 compact digital camera. [GFDL (www.gnu.org/cop...) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (creativecommon...)], from Wikimedia Commons

[@Hesho1962]

Finally, I found someone who really makes me understand how CVT cooler works , the thermostat option will be the one I will go with .., Thanks a lot Bro.

[@erickmarte5294]

This video need like 10 million views like a year ago. The importance of this video is not to be taken lightly. Imagine how many people would be happy car owners if they knew about this. Cvts wouldn’t get so much crap as they used to, and currently do. Thanks for making this video bro. Definitely a very important topic that a lot of people should learn about if they want to keep their cvt car running far longer than what it on paper.

[@elasticyoonphile]

Thanks for the great overview and I'll look forward to see the thermostat controlled config installation in the next video!

[@MidnightGreen4649]

I'm glad that stuff like this is out there. Subaru has coolers on the WRX S4 and now the new VB. I'd like to run a thermostat controlled setup, since I can get the benefit of a quick warm up as well as cooling when the trans fluid really needs it.

[@KazimirPashkevich]

This was super informative and very clearly answered my question in the last video you talked about the CVT cooler! That thermostat idea is honestly genius and I don't know how I haven't seen anyone else mention that idea before (only seen mentions of in-line or bypass configs before). I seriously think that would completely solve the issue if you live in a climate that can get to some freezing temps but also want to ensure the benefit of extra cooling is actually avaialble for the summer seasons. I actually had another idea sometime back to basically have a manual 2-way valve install for the extra cooler that I would switch from what I would call "winter" and "summer" mode. Basically the "summer" mode I would simply open the valve in one direction to allow the CVTF to flow through the extra cooler where as in "winter" mode I would switch the value in another direction that bypassed the aftermarket cooler. More manual work in this case but it was just an idea I was considering at one point. But knowing that we have these completely functional thermostats for such cases is just brilliant and basically completely automates my valve idea so seriously thank you for bringing that up and I'm really looking forward to your installation video. If it truly ends up being successful for you then I have no doubt in my mind I'll have no further hesitation having the same setup installed for myself. Once again, thank you for your superb detailed videos and best of luck on the install! :)

[@Idtelos]

The last setup is also great for towing/offroad activities in vehicles like the Crosstrek, Outback and Forester.

[@mspeir]

The older model Subaru CVT's (I cannot remember the exact model number now) had a small clutch who's sole purpose was to heat the oil. It was a tiny thing with clutch plates measuring around 3" in diameter, and oddly, there was no friction material. It was just steel plates. It engaged to heat the oil and then disengaged. Very clever design, now that I think about it.

[@SteedDigital1]

Never realized that about CVT temps but maybe that's why mine has lasted 182k miles in my impreza without any issues and just normal fluid changes. I always wait for the blue temp light to go off even if it takes several minutes in the winter. good to know.

[@trytubeniceok]

Thanks for another great video. CVT fluid in general, including Subaru's HTCVT spec fluid achieves peak characteristics between apprx 175f-215f or 80c-100c. The fluid will reach flashpoint (vapors that can ignite) closer to 400f in which case something is very wrong. Your Subaru may throw a temp light above 240f in which case you can let your engine idle until the fluid temp returns to slightly less than engine oil temp, which is a design element of the factory cooler / warmer and control module. Temperatures above 240f will increase fluid degradation and strain other internal gasket materials. In order to reach temps of 220f in the Subaru CVT, you are probably driving aggressively up hills / mountains for 20 plus miles or desert rally driving in high heat or real track driving or towing / hauling extra load. I have no concerns about anything under 215f and have never pushed the car much over 200f driving aggressively. CVT transmissions operate under high psi (fluid pressures and chain pressures) so fluid quality and level is very important. Unless I start tracking or rally racing this car, I won't install a cooler but I will spend a few hundred dollars on fluid changes every 25-30k miles just to keep it fresh and new.

[@sigmazerofive]

Excellent video! It helped a ton as my first CVT car. I had two questions you may be able to answer. 1. I have always put my auto transmissions in Neutral when I get to a light. It’s a habit I had from driving manuals most my life. In a CVT is this a good habit or a bad habit? How does it affect the wear a tear of the transmission? 2. What OBD app do you recommend that gets transmission temperature on a 2024 Subaru? In the past many of the apps and including Scan Gauge didn’t. Thanks so much for making these videos.

[@MidnightGreen4649]

leave the car in gear at a stoplight. this goes for any automatic... they have a torque converter that has the same function as a clutch that will keep the car from stalling.

[@aIJay]

Great video summarizing alot of info that is all over the place. My request is to please cover which of the hard lines on the transmission are the fluid out and fluid return as well on your installation video!

[@bachshl]

I love you videos! It’s seems as you changed your mind twice, once for going stage 2, second for going for transmission cooler. Regardless, your videos are very cool!

[@luisrodriguez3411]

Another great video borther...CVT is the way to go in my case. Thanks for your knowledge.

[@pf465]

Great video series. I appreciate your attention to detail and the effort you are putting into this CVT series. You helped me make my concrete decision, because once I install the system I don't want to have to crack it back open to make changes or additions. I live in California and I am choosing to use the thermostat in line configuration. The reason being that I want to be sure the fluid is running at "Optimal temperature" rather than just blanket cooling the system. If the thermostat rarely opens due to not being necessary, I'm okay with that. Weather I go to the high desert off road driving "rock crawling" in Summer, (110 degrees) or if I'm up snow boarding in the winter months in 0-20 degrees, I will feel more confident that the CVT fluid is in it's engineered operating range and only using the cooler when needed. Thank you.

[@TomtheDilettante]

Great video man! Thank you for putting it together. I was contemplating a thermostatically controlled setup myself but a spooked by the possibility of having a warranty claim denied. If I did the mod, I'd of course want to put that on my own channel and if I removed it prior to taking it in for a claim, it'd be just my luck they pull up my video to use as evidence against me LOL. Still, a lot of good stuff to think about and this was super helpful. Thanks again!

[@vincentkosik403]

Fantastic information! Learned a lot about the CVT fluid. Have a Nissan Sentra and this will help avoid failure and costing me $5,000!!!!

[@mohfslm]

Have you installed it for Sentara? If yes, how's it going so far? Thanks in advance

[@Moatasem995]

‏Greetings to you and thank you very much for this wonderful video that I was looking for this type of video ‏I have a question why is the CVT Transmission Oil Cooler quad is used instead of cancelling and direct connection?? I hope your reply and thank you very much

[@valneissignorjunior3852]

Very useful information and well done job explain in details how it works. Thanks a lot for sharing this to the Subaru community.

[@paulbriant2067]

Fantastic video. Your explanation of the stock cooler is outstanding and so usefull

[@restoresciencehealthsupple2890]

I followed the flow diagram over the weekend in this video to decide which hose to disconnect to do a CVT flush on a 2016 Legacy. The car was exactly the opposite with the fluid coming from the transmission into the stock cooler (heat exchanger) going into the side and coming out the middle. The fluid was not as dark as I thought it would be at 110k (i just bought the car) so maybe a flush has already been done and they accidentally switched the hoses. I left the hoses connected as they were.

[@rslutsker]

Great video! Thank you! Picture with in and out pipes is really helpful. What is the working temperature of cvt oil? When should I consider cooler? When I add cooler should i compensate oil volume stored in pipes? What is the " right" color of fluid red or green? Thanks

[@joelnrs]

This video is great. Excellent information and very informative.

[@restoresciencehealthsupple2890]

Just found your site and love it! With both Subaru CVT transmissions having the filter only serviceable by removing the transmission (I am talking about the real filter, not the screen in the pan) has anyone ever mounted a remote filter, like aftermarket they use for automatic transmissions, to extend the life of the CVT? It seems like it would be a big improvement and extend the life of the whole trans including the valve body, which seems to be the most affected by dirty fluid. Would not be that hard to plumb it in at the cooler hose, but one question I have is with CVT fluid having friction additives, which ATF does not, what kind of spin-on filter would I need so the filter would not suck the friction additives out? I can't find where any CVT factory or aftermarket trans uses a spin on the filter, just the exposed media. Any thoughts about any of this?

[@wyvern3525]

Amazing vid keep em coming also no where in South Florida has high torque CVT fluid 😫

[@WolfKingJS54]

So I have a 2016 Crosstrek and I wanted to add a CVT cooler only because I have a camper and wanted to do it for towing reasons

[@jayssckayakfishing1]

So I have a 21 forester and I live in south Carolina and do alot of off roading so I was thinking about adding a cooler because I feel the transition slips not allowing the tires to spin on some trails

[@elijahelie7545]

How do I do this if the cooler for my transmission is bolted on directly There aren't any hoses for the oil Only for the coolant There are 2 holes at the back of the cooler

[@bamsr9051]

Can connect the cooler hoses from OEM water-cooler directly? Delete the OEM

[@elsocio666]

I am considering it for my Subaru but I am concerned about the pressure drop due to the length of the transmission lines.

[@allthefoolssailedaway]

I live in the desert southwest so I need a CVT cooler on my small car.

[@onffxiimanon]

Another great video, I look forward to the install! :)

[@akmasn9429]

Hi everyone.. what is the alternative cvt fluid for the gm acedelco hpcvt ?? Please

[@ankeshswami7282]

Whats your suggestion on mitsubishi outlander 2.4ltr cvt tranny I have warning for slow down basically transmission is hot, but its not always only in hot temperatures or on long journeys. I have replaced both trans filter and it already has a trans cooler from the company

[@mastman2315]

In bypass config you only show the trans oil lines removed and capped what do you do with radiator coolant lines remove them to be safe from leak into trans oils? I love your videos thanks

[@Rhonda858]

Will one of these work on a 2016 Jeep patriot latitude 2.0?

[@HB-yq8gy]

I'm not 100% must confirm on our 2011 Cube the bee-hive left trans cooler line might be the output? I believe it's lower that the right trans line? Just trying to get 2 more years we live NJ the heat is bad during the Summer. Never again a CVT. I'm out $3500 for rebuild CVT now at 60,000 miles trying to save my wallet!

[@chicomfbean5752]

I heard these are compatible with the 7th gen maximas ?

[@davidmorales60535]

Damn i was going to hate on you for having a CVT WRX but you know your stuff and this video is so good i can't talk shit. Good work 👍

[@richiewrx1549]

I need to get one I hate myself for putting in manual mode going hard which overheats

[@aureliosalazar1033]

Will this one work for my 2014 Forester. We have gone through 2 transmission since owning it for only 2 years. The transmissions installed after the first one that came with the Forester were used from LKQ but thats what the warranty company had them install.

[@savedby_grace6110]

Very professional. Thank you!

[@akqjtn]

Thanks for watching!

[@coltzyz3242]

What the difference between regular cvt fluid and high torque cvt fluid? When should I run high torque fluid?

[@diongee5361]

Can I use this in my 2012 Nissan Maxima

[@noahhulsey5505]

The issue I’m having is I swapped a engine from a manual into my 2013 auto Crosstrek, there are no ports on the engine for the coolant lines to go to the OEM cooler. Is it okay to run trans cooler lines through a thermostat control, then to a internal radiator trans cooler? And just get rid of the OEM system all together?

[@crossbreedperformance]

how much hp and torque can a cvt handle are there any upgrades?

[@mohdalamri6271]

Is altima 19 and above need trans cooler or not ?

[@ellynbraun517]

Excellent video, thank you very much!

[@sarwanmajed1125]

Please someone tell me . Does 2021 altima SR has cooler transmission?

[@lucasgregorio801]

Hi bro, i have a lancer cvt 2012. This version hasn’t cvt cooler. So, i’d like to know if this model that you showed it is fitable in my Car. If yes, where can i buy this Brand? I live in Brazil.Thanks!

[@billstanis8803]

In your opinion what trans cooler would you recommend for a 2015 non-turbo forester for an overland build in Sothern California

[@applesnotoranges]

Why not run fluid from cvt to cooler and then into stock? This way it is cooled better, then kept at the optimal temp by the stock?

[@iykeemeka726]

can I use this cooler on a 2017 nissan murano?

[@c4prlm4st3r]

If am using bypass setup, can i baypass the coolant line instead cvt fluid? Because te warmer unit have a filter which i still want to use it. Yes, i saw before cvt warmer crack and mix to coolant causing overheat. Btw, am not driving subaru.

[@stevedagreat82]

Can I use atf cooler such as hayden 677 for cvt cooler?

[@aaronburela432]

What do you think about buying a used subaru with 90k miles with cvt? Too much of a gamble or bad investment?

[@danielmacias48]

What should you get or add too monitor your CVT temp. 🤔

[@Carlos-jh5tb]

what do you use to monitor your transmission temperature?

[@elsocio666]

What would happen if in the installation mode of the in-line cooler I put the heater in the return line?

[@unnique6953]

Hi I just changed my transmission fluid with High torque CVt FLUID just few weeks back as car's at 93K in the Odo. however now im just about to get my mods done. Catback, jpipe, ETS intake and an oil catch can((with a tune). I was thinking of a CVT cooler too after seeing your review. Do i have to buy the HT fluid again while i install this? I live in the middleeeast where it becomes extreme hot temps most of the year. So i was thinking of the 2nd option you were saying. Whats your suggestion?

[@nightjourney5757]

Lots of info about the cvt tc! Thank you for this! About the thermostat, what brand did you use or plan on using? Scary when it does not function properly.

[@nightjourney5757]

Boost & Shutter Thanks! I guess this is the set up that I prefer to use. I’m happy with cvt and this vid helps what I could to maintain mine.

[@baderansari8836]

I live in a very hot country.. my engine oil temp reaches 100c “212F” during the day, and 85c “190F” during the night, should i install a cooler? Im planing to tune my wrx and i am afraid that the cvt would not handle the power.

[@994gian]

Hi, big fan and part of the CVT Group on fb. I just bought the cooler and waiting for it to arrive. Just wondering, do I need to tune the car when I install the cooler? Or would it be ok to keep the car stock with this on? I’m planning on getting a Perrin intake as well and the website says that we can install it and run stock. So having both of them on a stock tune, would that be alright?

[@994gian]

Boost & Shutter ah ok ok thanks man. Lastly, about the Perrin intake that I’m planning on getting soon as well, can I just put that on without a tune? I know people say that it’s best to have it tuned but I’m more concerned on “would it be safe if not?”. What do you think? I asked the group but there’s many different answers and I just felt a bit overwhelmed with the info. 😅

[@ezimm81]

Such good video and nice shout out to us at the CVT Group. I personally have a forester XT i feel like adding some power to down the line and still dono if i wana go full bypass or inline with existing. dont plan on tracking or anything mostly just want a little more power. Still confused what to do and been thinking about this for a few months now. whaats your opinion i live in NJ btw

[@ezimm81]

Boost & Shutter thanks for the response. Do you have an install on your setup with the thermostat? I have a Hayden 679 cooler which i know many do use but may try to fabricate a bracket for it i do not like using wire ties. Wanted to go Mishimoto but looks small

[@ezimm81]

Boost & Shutter and in my fxt i was looking to do maybe stage 2 tune so maybe intake. Possibly intercooler jpipe and cat back with the tgv and egr deletes with boost controller and proctune at the most but only time i ever push the care is to have some fun other then that that’s it. It’s an suv just wana make sure this will be good enough without damaging the cvt

[@ezimm81]

Boost & Shutter and pretty much it’ll be a bolt on the fxt like the wrx since they only sell it for the wrx

[@jasondelacruz4486]

Do a bypass system, this is the most effective set up and less prone to malfunction.

[@craighanzi1039]

Thank you, I just purchased a 2014nissan quest, I want to install a cooler, but is it really that important to use Nissan tranny fluid? Hope you can point me in the right direction, thanks again for your knowledge and help

[@teekay8134]

Craig I have a Nissan Quest also...my ??? did you get the cooler installed if so which one did you use and did it help ...??? Thanks

[@bishwoshrestha2130]

Thanks for your amazing helpful great video. I am just interested in by pass configuration installation. I have Nissan Sentra 2013, 10200km run already, purchased from first owner. I noticed that the part shown in this video in my car with 2 bigger ports are open and below one is always with wet oil. Remaining 2 smaller ports are connected. I have a leak every night around 1 drop underneath my car. I doubt this oil coming from this open pipe since I saw it wet. I 've asked garage technician why these two are not connected, he replied it is old cooling routes and not required. Plz tell me is it correct that these two bigger ports are not necessary to be connected? and how the oil slowly dripping from this pipe if it is not essential? I am frustrated with this issue in my car. Please suggest and help.

[@bishwoshrestha2130]

Thanks for your reply. I am also planning to cap it or put hose looped in these two holes but doubt maybe because I don't block some air vent system. I have some curiosity about this cooler, if you have time plz reply, as this cooler has 4 pipes, I believe 2 bigger pipes and smaller pipes have separate routes inside and I saw in videos that 2 holes in the rear of the cooler which is attached to the engine with O ring. All these have separate routes for different liquids to flow, then how is the oil coming out of this bigger pipes? and what is that oil(odorless, slightly yellowish).

[@bishwoshrestha2130]

I noticed the fluid color after collecting few drops it is redish, and I have capped it in below pipe, now garage technician told me if it over flows from upper pipe then there is need of changing cooler unit, else it is minor. Since there is only 1 drop in a night it may take very long to overflow. hope it is minor issue, rest of the system in car is normal as the technician checked using ODT and he checked any issues in transmission and other engine related issues. I also feel rest are working normally. I will sent photos in Fb messenger.

[@jessebracero6817]

Where is the oil plug applied to a CVT in a 2015 Subaru Wrx?

[@jessebracero6817]

I need to add oil in the transmission and I don't know where’s the plug.

[@e4James]

I was told the hoses that come with this kit are trash and end up leaking

[@NeutronX101]

Why is the thermostat so expensive?

[@514aam]

Best config IMO Is inline but the cooler before the warmer, will heat up a bit faster and temps will keep in range when cooler weather comes.

[@Luckyu2c]

Will this fit on a 2017 Forester XT?

[@mauriciogarcia114]

Can you give me a diagram of how to install a cVT transmission oil cooler for a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer pleases

[@STR675]

if i buy this mishimoto cvt cooler, can i just use any type of cvt fluid or do i need a specific one? im kinda new here so would appreciate the help!

[@akqjtn]

I would HIGHLY recommend buying the Subaru high torque fluid, if you can't find it AMSOIL has an equivalent that people swear by, although personally I never used it.

[@STR675]

thank you for your respond! im a huge fan! appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@thegamerstx1267]

Will this fit a 09 mitsubishi lancer gts?

[@Deat6624]

Should recommend, you get BG CVT Plus for your transmission. If your changing your fluid before 50k, it's advised you add this fluid. I also have a 2016 Subaru WRX CVT and I live in Rockland County, NY and plan on doing the CVT fluid change with the BG CVT Plus and the tranny cooler. Heard you move to NY, we should meet up sometime. :) Link: www.bgprod.com/catalog/transmission/bg-universal-synthetic-cvt-fluid-conditioner/ You can find them on eBay. The reasoning behind why you use BG fluids is this: www.bgprod.com/programs/lifetime-bg-protection-plan/ I know the coverage works, used BG every 25k in my previous 2008 Pontiac G6 that ended up having over 330,000 miles on it, when the original tranny died at 175,000 miles, BG covered the entire cost of the transmission. I called up Subaru of America and it is allowed to be used in the CVT it's just not marketed because BG is technically the stuff dealership put into car and tell you it's a '50k tune up' and they charge you over $100. The cans cost $17.

[@RennieAG]

The water line on the stock CVT cooler already has another Thermostat

[@baigadil]

for ascent or outback I understand, but why WRX??? why not just get a manual ?

[@paulverstraete9157]

were I to run on the track id have bought a manual.....look like a good product though....

[@andygonzales9469]

Your a GOD

[@Hallowsaw]

Why are you not towing with your car? I do It with my legacy all the time.

[@Rob81818]

I'm not sure if this has been asked yet, I have a 2019 Forester and take it off roading, but afraid of CVT failure due to high temp, will i benefit from this cooler and will it fit?

[@techissimple1050]

If you do offroading, absolutely look at a CVT cooler. As mentioned, by its nature the CVT generates more heat than a traditional transmission and is the common failure point on these vehicles. Make sure to check mfg websites, but I know for mine (2014 Forester XT) I was able to get away with a rather large one, maybe even a little bigger than needed in retrospect, lol

[@richiewrx1549]

This mod is just a bolt on I have my dealer are cool with and lot of sti and wrx comes in mod and worker cars are modded too.

[@UndisputedDelta267]

Anyone ever installed this on a 2016 3.6r?

[@akmasn9429]

وردة

[@marshmower]

These factory sandwich "coolers" fail when used as high pressure oil coolers on nearly every vehicle. I don't know the pressure on a transmission, but the engine coolant can be whatever people dump in there. The two fluids can mix and make a wonderful froth that mimics a head gasket failure and I can only imagine the damage it could do to a transmission. I don't trust them

[@USUCKER1990]

So your pretty much saying don’t buy a cvt again not even Honda or Toyota? I already change a valve body to my 08 Altima shit sucks now worst thing I ever bought in my life I still owe $5 on the car son stuck wt it

[@kindregardless]

What is the vehicles top speed?

[@Hallowsaw]

Jokes on you, i am towing with my legacy 3.6r

[@stevecameron85]

Ill go with the hayden bypass cooler for 50 bucks

[@MeGBillG]

Funny How subaru 2022 WRX Add The CVT Cooler.

[@blackericdenice]

Hot atf is not the problem. The belts are not strong enough. Cooling the fluid will not help the belts.

[@kindregardless]

What did you like about this vehicle? Seems not a lot.. judging from the constant changes. Maybe you should talk to Subaru about all the problems and how you can fix them.

[@isidroayala123]

Throw the cvt away😂

[@openhonestminds8808]

really?!! cvt in a wrx. what happened to subbie

[@vincentkosik403]

Fantastic information! Learned a lot about the CVT fluid. Have a Nissan Sentra and this will help avoid failure and costing me $5,000!!!!

[@tfboss7124]

Can i use this coolant for my lancer es?

[@vincentkosik403]

@@tfboss7124 don't know...you need to contact the manufacturer....

[@rafaelbernal3473]

Can we use this very same model of trans oil cooler for a Sentra? I have a 2017 one

[@gordondaniel]

Great video, thank you!