DIY Subaru CVT drain and fill CVTF-II, Demo on fifth generation Outback (2015 to 2019)

[@chriss2295]

This long time engineer loves this video. Your explanation of why the car needs to be running to keep the valve body full is especially valuable. It is important to understand the logic behind a task versus doing it blindly. Last, your dedication to avoid contamination should be noted. CVTs are packed with many parts in a close system and any foreign bodies are a direct hazard.

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for the feedback and your time.

[@justbehandy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/joiwg4mKobmZirs this is the link to the CVT fluid analysis. Enjoy!

[@nathanhannah9664]

This is the BEST video I have seen on this process. Tops even Mr. Subaru's videos and he has great videos. Like you, i too made my own wooden ramps after i purchased a 2018 Outback so i can do my own engine oil changes. I'll be doing the CVT fluid change in very near future. I love your gravity feed set up - I had been planning on using a fluid pump, but your set up will be much easier than using a pump under the vehicle.

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for taking time and giving me feedback. You may want to try a Fumoto valve for your engine oil change. I have a video on that as well 😀

[@nathanhannah9664]

@@justbehandy That was one of my first purchases I made after my free oil changes expired. I love it!

[@ctob8632]

The attention to detail in this video is incredible. Thank you for taking the time to explain this procedure. At my job I am tasked with writing work instructions so I really appreciate it when I see such detail. Thanks again.

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it. Blessings!

[@miscbrahh]

one of the most thorough demonstrations of this procedure

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for the feedback 😄

[@donalddavis3308]

I have watched a lot of videos on the procedure. Your tutorial is by far the best. Thank you.

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback. I appreciate it.

[@johnroth6360]

This is a great how to video, you explained everything in a very clear, precise way that’s easy to follow and understand, great job.

[@martinradtke5181]

I just finished doing this for my daughter’s 2018 Subaru Outback with 86K. Quick notes: drained cold at 60F; got out ~4qts Added ~ 3qts+ using braided plastic hose 3/8” ID 5/8” OD and funnel under hood Added remaining 1Qt at 99F-115F. Engine took 1 hr to reach mid way dash temp gauge ~ 115F on thermal gun. Entire job took me about 2 hours from set up to button up car for test drive. FWIW Subaru CVT -II was green and $108 for 6 QTs at dealer. Old fluid was dark green/lite brown.

[@hobsonschoice8649]

thx for the vid. planning on doing this on my 2022 crosstrek . wish there was a video specific if my model and model year....

[@7Westwood]

Phenomenal Video - Thank you for all the detail you put into it. I will be doing mine this week.

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for the feedback, please let me know how it goes. I hope the items in the description are also helpful. Enjoy!

[@donaldcurrence4903]

Thank you, just did mine by using your video!

[@justbehandy]

Awesome! What brand CVT fluid did you end up using?

[@donaldcurrence4903]

@@justbehandy subaru brand off of Amazon. Was afraid to use anything else but the green stuff. Lol

[@TexasHarleyBoy65]

Excellent content and presentation. We just got a new 25 Forester, so we're quite a ways away from a CVT service. Is there a CVT fluid filter, if so why wouldn't it be changed, as well?

[@justbehandy]

Thank you for the comments and feedback. There is a strainer in the oil pan area, but it is meant for large stuff and usually what it catches gets drained out. The true filter is embedded behind a compartment that is behind the flywheel, so you would have to remove the CVT to get at it and is considered a lifetime filter. That is why it's best to change fluid every 35k miles or so. Hope that helps.

[@crabjoe]

Maybe I missed it, but what bit is needed for the Fill plug? Is it an 8mm Allen, a T70 Torx or something else?

[@justbehandy]

Please see the description for the Allen used and the beginning of the video. Hope that helps.

[@timm5796]

Great video! Only question I have is what diameter is the clear tubing used to fill. Thanks!

[@justbehandy]

Let me check, but I thought I mentioned it in the video.

[@justbehandy]

I just checked and you are correct I didn't include the diameter of the hose, just the length. I will check tonight and let you know, but your funnel may be different, so please check what you are using.

[@justbehandy]

1/2" OD x 3/8" ID tube

[@timm5796]

​@@justbehandy Thank you sir.

[@justbehandy]

@timm5796 sorry it took so long, life has been happening a lot lately.

[@MrJoea11]

What size/diameter was the hose for the funnel? Edit. I found the answer on another comment below😅

[@eddiedegeorgis8842]

I think you left out the ADAPTATION step. On other Subaru CVT videos I have seen, when finished with the final fill level, ,a diagnostic tool is needed to tell the transmission that there is new fluid in the transmission. This is referred to as ADAPTATION. Otherwise very nice presentation!

[@justbehandy]

Adaptation is not needed. They just want to sell you a tool.

[@Lemensgarage]

Is this the same process for a 2023 Impreza? Same fluid and procedure?

[@justbehandy]

You need to check which fluid it takes, which may be different.

[@gaged8744]

Did you need to perform any system resets? I heard rumors about it being a requirement. I'm a bit timid when it comes to CVTs, but your video is straightforward and to the point.

[@justbehandy]

I didn't need to do anything system relearn wise. Just change the fluid and that was it. Hope that helps.

[@Fragnatix]

You don't have to relearn the transmission like the DSG of volkswagen?

[@justbehandy]

That is correct, no relearn needed.

[@717273mopar]

How much fluid did you take out vs how much did you put back in? is the question I ask.

[@justbehandy]

Took out 4.5 quarts and it took ~ 5 quarts to fill, but I did lose ~ 2 to 3 ounces of fluid during the process for cleaning the tube and letting the excess drip out. Hope that helps.

[@Monstahi]

How about the 2019 subaru crosstrek

[@justbehandy]

Should be a similar process. Crosstrek is smaller, so access may be a little bit more restricted.

[@jimmypersson2300]

how often do you change the filter in the gearbox?

[@justbehandy]

There is a filter that requires removing the transmission to replace, and would only consider changing it if the valve body needs changing due to residue. Also, there is a strainer in the oil pan. The stainer is easy to get to and can be done at 100k miles along with cleaning the magnet that is adhered to the oil pan. Hope that helps.

[@jimmypersson2300]

@@justbehandy Aha, i thought the strainer was the filter, thanks for the clarification 👍🏻😊

[@kumariashamaki4151]

Is this a TR580 trans?

[@justbehandy]

Yes

[@kumariashamaki4151]

@@justbehandy I thought it was, but I just wanted to be sure. I plan to follow your video at some point, and I wanted to make sure it was all correct for what I’m doing. Thank you for all the tips. I never would have thought about using a gravity feed. It seems like a much cleaner way to do it. You can definitely compete with Mr. Subaru for sure. Good call on cleaning the tubes and such. I would have done the same, even if it wasn’t necessary, just to ease my OCD, lol.

[@justbehandy]

@kumariashamaki4151 thank you for the kind comments. Good luck with your DIY.

[@ericr2zz]

Why would you NOT put Subaru OEM fluid in your transmission when the cost is the same as the Idemitsu? With only 57K miles, you risk Subaru voiding your 10yr/100K mile warranty by not using their recommended fluid.

[@justbehandy]

It's an approved fluid, and when I got the 5 quart jug it was $53 on Amazon. I will not void the warranty because the fluid meets all of Subaru's requirements.

[@r3dhorse]

It's literally the same thing just with the Subaru name on it.

[@justbehandy]

@r3dhorse thank you!