New Customer With CVT Concerns: 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i TR690 CVT Relearn & Full Inspection!

[@Cabuco2006]

My 17 impreza has 211k on the clock. Cvt fluid and other fluids done religiously. Wish me luck to 300k

[@AntilleanConfederation]

How often you change cvt fluid.

[@GixxerRider1991]

Good on you. In the vast majority of cases, cars don't fail their owners, owners fail their cars by not doing the maintenance.

[@Cabuco2006]

@@AntilleanConfederation 50-60k

[@donaldgeorge6656]

I changed mine at 14000. Everything is ok.

[@miriamvivo4279]

Thats alot of miles for a 2017. Do you uber the car ?

[@Nutzi133]

Could you make a dedicated video on CVT's. Which ones to avoid and what to look for when buying an used Subaru with a CVT. Also how are the other automatics they used in the past?

[@ekonig19]

The level of detail in all your videos is very much appreciated, it helps me with maintaining my daughters 2018 Crosstrek. I must say all these issues make me really appreciate my Honda Ridgeline with 215k miles that has only required routine maintenance, fluid and filter changes, brake pads & rotors, timing belt kit, spark plugs serpentine belt and tensioner every 100k miles. I replaced the radiator, hoses and thermostat at 190k to avoid the strawberry milkshake of death. 😊

[@meilanouyang6782]

I have a 2019 Crosstrek after 20 years of 2 Civics that were the same, just maintenance. I feel ya.

[@gregdolecki8530]

When I changed the valve body on my 2010, I just drove it, no re-learn. Not a single problem doing it that way. Stealership wanted over $200 to reset. Nope.

[@cuongngo2298]

cvt transmission when you replace valve body or fluid not transmission relean you drive ok but pulley and chain will not last

[@Papparratzi]

I get the impression you do an honest mechanics work. When I find one, I keep em. Same thing with my local auto parts store. I’m lucky, we’ve got a great one and I can see the owners house from mine. Not too shabby

[@jp2246]

​@@cuongngo2298can you explain? even for fluid changes?

[@cuongngo2298]

old fluid and new fluid not the same that why when replace you need relean when relean tcm apply

[@cuongngo2298]

old fluid and new not the same when relean tcm will change pressures control pulley and keep in memory

[@The-Jokes-on-You]

I'm leary of all cvt transmission regardless of manufacturer. I've heard nightmare stories from some Nissan experiences. I searched high & low when I got my subaru crosstrek with a 6 spd manual transmission. Considering how many manufacturers are using cvt's, my fears are probably somewhat unfounded, but gears have worked phenomenal for decades.

[@SquallRinoa89]

My ex wife's did 141k on the CVT for her 2014 Outback. Zero issues.. Shop she took it to for an oil change had a student tech pull the CVT drain plug instead..

[@GixxerRider1991]

Most CVTs made past 2020 or so are generally pretty reliable. Nissan never did make very good automatic transmissions. Their manuals however are bomb-proof.

[@YouTube_Scientist]

They'll always be weaker - it's basic science.

[@blackwidowrsa]

Need someone like you here in South Africa, sadly only have the dealers

[@Subie-Driver]

We had a 2011 outback, purchased new that went 11 years and 255,000 km…now issues at all. I changed all fluids every 60,000 km…ish. I’d say that helped a lot.

[@larryuptain3404]

Perfect timing! I'm working on my 2011 Outback's CVT right now with a damaged drain pan. I keep getting parts for a newer model.

[@Noleyspec]

Long time listener, first time caller. Love the attention to detail. Great content as always. 🤘🏻

[@WesleyStevens-ln3xv]

Would love to see a video of you removing a engine and doing a big job

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Robert nicely done with the inspection. Just changed my upper oil pan no more leaks..

[@arthurfernandes2402]

Very thorough inspection!

[@rogerairborne]

I did a valve body replacement on my daughter's 2012 Outback with a TR690. I never did a relearn and I never had an issue.. That was 30,000 miles ago.

[@YouTube_Scientist]

Not always necessary but always advised for no cels

[@camrsr5463]

correct. the Michelin Defender is a great tire.

[@worldsails2000]

I love it when you pull out the scan tools. I wish there was a channel dedicated solely to how to use them. I have a decent Autel scanner but only know how to use about 1/8 of the features on it.

[@eshamblazer]

Man will you be my mechanic? Jeeeeeez duuude :D

[@jacobbragg9430]

This is a very useful channel. Thanks for the info you put out!

[@NateASE]

I’ve seen a few at oil temp lights that ended up being the sub harness to the valve body just a fyi. Great vid!

[@markmauldin5867]

Great job Dr Subaru, I always learn something from your videos. I have 2014 Outback I do most mech work on. I always check your videos first. Thanks !

[@richroj]

very good video Mr. Subaru, thank you 👍

[@randybeard6040]

To break a Transmission Drain Cover Bolt indicates that whoever tightened these bolts did not Torque them but just over tightened them. I had a friend that stripped out his Oil Pan Drain Bolt a couple times, he just Loved over Tightening everything, I finally gave him a Lesson on Tightening Drain Pan Bolts...

[@SquallRinoa89]

My 05 Legacy GT up here in NY is on Original wheel bearings all around at 191k. No need to replace them yet.... no issues so far

[@MIkegrimm2]

I used to have a 11 Outback and my only comment was that started to move forward, there was always a slight hesitation (about 1 to 3 seconds) before the outback would respond, it was a little unnerving at first into the dealership mechanic explained that was normal. The problem went away after I got the 14 Outback.

[@newbeginnings8566]

Yes enjoyed the video .. these look over and check videos with some maintenance are my favorites...

[@juancortes4783]

Hey @MrSubatu1387 regarding the issue with the torque converter you mentioned. Is there any of your videos diagnosting and replacing the converrter? I think I'm facing that problem

[@CallMeChato]

You said South Carolina?? We’re heading down from Canada to visit the Subaru plant and then onto Hilton Head this summer. I’m sure you have a house there. 😊

[@MrSubaru1387]

I actually passed by the Subaru plant a little over a month ago on a trip to the west side of Chicago

[@TheGarnetYardBird]

I have been considering buying a Subaru, and your videos have been very insightful. I would intend to keep it a long time and watching your videos have helped me learn so many things and helped me gain confidence in the quality of the engineering and build. Thanks for all you do to provide the detailed info in your vids. I was thinking about a WRX, but I think I understand that it is a premium fuel only situation. This is very off topic, but do you know if the FB25 in the Japanese manufactured Impreza RS has a Coolant Distribution Valve Assembly thingy like the American made vehicles with the FB25? I would much prefer a regular thermostat and crossover pipe assembly. Thanks.

[@4honor]

I have a 2014 BRZ (125k miles now) AT that does the “stalling” too, when it comes to a gradual stop at light, more so in the cold. I wonder if my torque converter is bad too… it doesn’t do it once engine/trans is warmed up…

[@KennedySilva06]

Hey @mr.subaru Greetings from Brazil! Do you offer any master classes or courses on EJ engines? I own a 2009 WRX and absolutely love the car. I'd like to learn more about it.

[@spelunkerd]

Am I correct to say that the way you check the fluid is by adding new fluid (when AT fluid is warm and car is level on four jack stands) to the point it begins to overflow?

[@RENRAW111]

I really enjoy your videos. I have been watching for many years now. I was wondering if I can do the relearn with the car on the ground. My car is flashing the A-T temps lights as well. It seems to be performing fine. I don’t have access to my jacks and jack stands at the moment. I have a 2010 Subaru Outback Limited and a XTOOL D9 Scan tool. Thanks for your help. From Los Angeles, California.

[@gobeklipepe]

He’s like the Papa of Subie.

[@LeSiZmOr]

I feel like I didn’t do my due diligence and bought a 2013 Outback 2.5i. Don’t get the following wrong here.. I like the car and it seem to be running well at present. I do however notice a rattling like marbles for about 3-4 seconds from the front of the engine on cold start up - found out that is a known and pretty common occurrence in these new at the time 2.5l boxers for Subaru. I also have seen videos of the hydraulic timing chain tensioner being the culprit. This brings me to the next new thing I’m noticing. That is oil dripping down between what seems like the engine and CVT. I have also looked at videos - after the fact- that state that this could be. A timing chain cover seal problem as Subaru used RTV instead of a real gasket to seal this monstrosity. I am going to check my PCV and possibly change that and the hose out to mitigate any possible excess pressure and hopefully help (not solve) my oil drip. I may be getting ahead of my skis here, but now I am worried about driving this car long distances. The CVT has not been serviced that I can tell. I cracked loose the fill plug and it was a knuckle buster. I didn’t note any signs of a tool being used on it recently if at all. It has 132k on the clock. Runs well with no stored DTCs. Am I sitting on a time bomb here?? How long can I live with the oil drip as I don’t have the 2-$3000 to have the engine yanked to reseal it. This is all troubling as I like this car. Gaaah.

[@mf_explosive304]

@MrSubaru1387 Question, what tool did you use to check the temp and do relearn before this device? I have programmed Subaru ECUs but always turbo cars and nothing newer that 2012. My wife gets a new Subaru ever 100k since 2008. We just hit 104 on the last one we bought new. I heard they were getting rid of the 3.6 and picked up a 2018 3.6 r leather the whole 9 yards. Well she really likes this one and does not want to get rid of it. Besides basic stuff I never do anything to her daily driver. So I use Tactrix cable and open source with RomRadier. I do not see any place to check trans temp on that program. I’d like to change the CVT fluid this weekend. Thank you in advance.

[@kiwikidusa]

Excellent video, thank you! What is the lowest TOPDON bidirectional computer you can get away with to be able to do the Subaru CVT relearn procedure?

[@MrSubaru1387]

I believe the Artidiag 900BT I linked.

[@kiwikidusa]

@@MrSubaru1387 Thank you very much. I just want to add your videos have been of immense help for me servicing our Subarus. And helping me save a fortune from not purchasing a new Forester and keeping my 2005 XS on the road. When I did the timing belt and pulleys I used your links to buy the kit to do that and the tools. You're doing fantastic work and public service helping us avoid the dealer pit of despair.

[@amoni1959]

I had a concern about my CVT. So I traded my forester in for an RDX. Freaking love it.

[@IronFishChannel]

Honda CRV 😴

[@wes2460]

I just bought a used 2017 Crosstrek , its in great shape 150k miles on it but it was such a good deal I couldn't pass up for 6500 cash , it does not burn any oil to speak of. The cvt works fine and everything and it drives soo good . I am going to Palm springs in Oct from my place here in Chattanooga. I am changing the transmission fluid and will drive it for a few hundred miles and then change it again. I was wondering if I should install a Aux transmission cooler on this car? My Dad gave me a 2019 Nissan Maxima he hated it I just took over payments and paid it off. When I got it the Cvt trans in it was acting strange shuddering and it was slipping bad millage was over a 100k on it. The Nissan place told me the transmission was shot they wanted 7000 for a new one. I went and bought a ton of Lubegard cvt fluid and a Aux cooler and installed it and never had another issue out of it and I just sold the car with 245,000 miles on it. I waited for it to break and snap the belt cause the Maxima had a lot of power and I have a lead foot but it never did. I noticed that without the cooler the fluid would get hot way to often , once I changed to Lubegard and the cooler the fluid never got too hot again always stayed normal even when driving at 130 - 140 Mph in Nevada heat. I know that is why Nissan fail all the time it cant shed the heat and the heat cooks it. If I should install a cooler what type should I get? I love your site by the way :) Thanks

[@Wilya5499]

How much would it typically cost for all the repairs you're suggesting? Sounds like enough to warrant another car...

[@iliacmartinez2320]

2022 Outback, 37K and the dealer didn’t even wants to check the CVT Fluid level. They told me that will do it at 60K. Somehow I just don’t trust the dealer. I wish you were closer to me. 😓. But I’m in Chattanooga.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Insane that a dealer would turn down money. Especially for a necessary service.

[@hendrixandmitch]

go to a different dealer, someone will want your money

[@singhamprasad7502]

Hi Mr Subaru, I have a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek and the rear left suspension tends to hop and skip over small bumps. I got underneath and checked everything after jacking the rear up but everything feels solid. The struts aren't leaking either. The rear stabiliser bushing seemed to have a bit of play and I changed them both but the noise hasn't stopped. Have you ever come across anything similar? Or maybe you have a fair idea what the issue is. No one in my area really knows anything about Subarus. Thanks in advance and your videos are very helpful since I like working on my cars myself.

[@djsi38t]

All pretty simple stuff anyone can do...with a scan tool.How much you suppose it costs to splash in some coolant and replace a few plastic pins?.Great job Mr. Subaru.

[@raver208]

2013 Subaru Impreza Ltd. W/CVT. 100,000 miles. To change the fluid, or NOT to change the fluid. It has been changed once already at 60,000 miles a few years ago.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Should be charged every 3yrs/36k miles

[@hendrixandmitch]

@@MrSubaru1387 which i will be doing early at 24,000 miles. it currently has 18k on the vehicle. i don’t want to even want to wait.it is a brand new 2023 subaru legacy. is that over kill? i’d rather do that then to have to deal with $8000.00 problem later. either way the diff’s and the CVT fluid exchanges will be done every 30k

[@OneLeggedStormChaser]

Of course do it!

[@mikesmith-kn7tc]

Hi,Replace solenoid p2764 Followed all steps transmission fluid refill now have PO841 code were is the Sensor located.

[@wendykuehne3920]

I have a 2017 outback limited 3.6 with 92k on it. What things should be replaced, refilled or serviced? Oil and Oil filter has been changed every 6,000 miles but that’s all. Thanks for any help

[@MrSubaru1387]

Get to servicing that CVT! Drain and refill fluid.

[@wendykuehne3920]

Ok thanks!!

[@crabjoe]

Wish you could do a AWD/CVT concern check on my 2020 Forester. I'm on Vaca in NC and have to drive on the beach to our vacation rental. No issues getting to the place. Was there a few days and wanted to go out to eat. No issues making the 9 mile beach drive back to pavement. After dinner heading back, I got stuck within 100 ft from pavement. Found that the rear wheels weren't getting any power. No idea what caused it. But how in the world does a product advertised as a 60/40 power split not send any power to the back wheels, when stuck on sand?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Could be an issue with the transfer clutch.

[@crabjoe]

@@MrSubaru1387 Would that throw a code? BTW, I cut my vacation short and drove home. Although no idiot lights are on and everything looks/feels normal, I got almost 37 MPG. This is with sitting in stop and go traffic around DC. I've never gotten fuel mileage like this, which makes me think it's still stuck in FWD.

[@N7-alpha]

That positive battery conection crust.

[@gilbrowning4695]

I live in E TX just bought my 1st Subaru 2024 forester. So far a great experience. Traded in a Honda crv 2019. Any thoughts on that model? Enjoy your channell.

[@CoffeeQuilava]

I miss my 21 crosstrack. But i'm alive because of it. Rear ended a farm tracker that was driving illegally.

[@alanlangley7246]

your going to be a rich man soon CONGRADS

[@willvangelderen8516]

Have you come across a full CVT failure yet ? Wish I had found your channel sooner, when my 15 CVT was having issues. No codes, but had two shops diagnose mine with a bearing failure inside the CVT and recommended replacement

[@yeojodniflo]

Hi I have a 2012 Subaru Impreza premium 2.0l. What is the problem of hizzing or wheezing noise when de-accelerating or releasing a gas pedal?

[@wenbodong5717]

I am having issue doing relearn on my 2011 outback. I did a solenoid replacement. Then during relearn, at the step I release the brake, the engine starts to rev up and down. Then the relearn ends abnormaly. Have you seen this before?

[@donaldscopringle9862]

But for having to pull the engine to fix oil leaks, replace torque converter it’s in good shape - the $7k in repairs ! lol.

[@rex2100]

Hey mrsubaru, I have a 14 legacy with 160K miles and the transmission fluid afaik has never been serviced (3 owners, previous one didnt touch it, idk about first but probably not). Should I do anything or just hope it lasts

[@MrSubaru1387]

I’d replace it.

[@RomaZaver]

Would bad torque converter cause my 2012 outback to feel like transmission is slipping? And car stalls when break fast. Also ac stops working when idles for more than 30 seconds

[@wendykuehne3920]

Question….. if I change out the transmission fluid on my 2017 Outback 3.6L with 93,000 miles on it……would that void my 10 year 10,000 mile warranty if an issue arises and I have to take it to an authorized dealer??????

[@bencrowe6371]

Hey Mr. Subaru. I do have a question about tires. I have a 2018 Subaru Impreza and I need new tires due to a bad alignment and cupping in the tires. Would it be ok to get 2 new tires on the front or should I get 4 new tires all around? I've heard getting 2 new tires only can cause issues for the AWD system.

[@KeithForrester-f1h]

Can I do a CVT relearning process on a 2009 Impreza without a scanner or do I need the scanner for communicating with the PCM ?

[@coachb116]

I can I get in touch with you? I know you are in SC but was wondering if you were close enough to me, Boiling Springs NC. I have a 2019 Crosstrek that I bought recently and wouldn’t mind you having a look at it if you are close enough.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I’m in Chester county.

[@chrisgreen5905]

Wouldn't the mismatched tires be a thing that might throw a trans code or potentially cause it to flash?

[@jduasvte2436]

Great video @MrSubaru1387 would you buy a 2024 Crosstrek?

[@scbs9662]

If you can pull the engine in 30 minutes wouldn't it be easiest to pull the engine to do the inspection? I can pull my jetski engine in about 25 minutes so anytime I need to work on the ski I pull the engine to do any inspections and work.

[@markkabat7878]

Is it possible to just do a drain and fill and replace the exact amt of fluid removed without the relearn?

[@teamces]

Maybe I'm slow but what was the mileage on the car did I miss it. If the car has close to 200,000 and it has been used aggressively with a family, that's going to be normal

[@ranger178]

i have same engine transmission on Subaru legacy I have from 2012 did you say it has a low-level warning for fluid i always wonder if it starts leaking how you can tell since it is so involved to check level. also, there is a single wire on bundle going to negative battery terminal that broke off of something, but I am not sure where it goes any idea what that is for?

[@joek81981]

How do I find a you, but where I live? Like, is there a list of *other* Level 99 Subaru dudes across the country? I got CVT stuff, maybe.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I’m in South Carolina. lol

[@ShortysTRM]

​@MrSubaru1387 He meant that he needs a clone of you in his area! I do, too! I don't know what kind of crazy copyright stuff you'd have to go through, but if you started a chain of Subaru shops, I might actually be willing to take my car there. I can do half of thus stuff at my house, but there are limits, and I'm not about to pay dealership prices.

[@joek81981]

@@ShortysTRM Exactly. They've GOTTA be on par though. There's loads of Subaru repair people, but I don't want anyone, I want this level of dude. Even a plaquette in the shop saying they're 1387-Certified.

[@ShortysTRM]

@@joek81981 I'm at the point where if the mechanic at least promises to watch the @MrSubaru1387 video that relates to my problem, I'm good lol Edit: I apparently don't know how to tag someone

[@royogrady9179]

​@@MrSubaru1387: I'm in the Charleston area. You sound upstate by your accent. Would love to have you work on mine when I need something big.

[@tysauce1986]

Does the 23 wilderness have this transmission? It feels like i have surging/not sure what else to call it. Not smooth transitions between "gears". Mkstly happens around 2500 rpm, with all sorts of different throttle positions. I doo seem to feel it most when going from 30% and accelerating with 50% throttle. Always as its changing "gears".

[@AntilleanConfederation]

Yes. No gears on cvt

[@garyjenson1326]

Could pcv valve be the cause of those leaks due to crankcase overpressure?

[@dracorconsulting1417]

I have a '15 outback with 277k and travel the country doing photography, never serviced my cvt but would love to bring it by to have a look to hopefully make 300k+ driving to DC next week from Oregon

[@wendykuehne3920]

Yes….wondering how you would make an appointment with MrSubaru1087

[@l...]

Who can I relearn CVT for OUTBACK 2019-2020

[@anthonylucas566]

This is the guy from aldi it's at the yellow gate

[@MrSubaru1387]

Man. We just missed each other! Thanks again!!!

[@socafe9240]

With this being a 13-year old vehicle, are these concerns alarming or to be expected?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Expected. Nothing here is an immediate have to repair.

[@abrahamjacenko7326]

I have a 2017 Subaru Forester l change my CVT fluid do l need to hook up to a computer to get it reset to a proper shift on the transmission

[@wendykuehne3920]

Wondering the same thing as I’m about to change CVT fluid

[@powertools2375]

Please move to my city!!

[@gaf0226]

There is a lingering debate for years on how we can prolong the life of our CVT and Automatic Transmissions. I own a '23 Forester. Do we really need to shift in Neutral everytime we go to a stop? Or should we let it in Drive? Many argues that shifting to Neutral everytime you stop wears the tranny fast. Hope to get your recommendation here. Keep rockin, really love your vids. Cheers 🍺

[@lucasglowacki4683]

Looooove my sequential 4eat!❤️

[@barrythomas6429]

You would think that Subaru would be biting at the Bit to go Electric and kiss the Boxer Engine goodbye..

[@dbeckMSP]

How do I do this learn process if I don’t have the tool and a dealer and independent tech refuse to touch it?

[@MrSubaru1387]

You can’t. Have to have a scan tool to do it.

[@dbeckMSP]

@@MrSubaru1387 so there’s really no reasonable way to DIY this? Wish I lived near you so I could get the change done for peace of mind.

[@jago728]

Anyone had issues in limp mode for 5th gen impreza

[@punasurf4697]

Great video!

[@alanlangley7246]

How do you break a oil pan bolt ? lol

[@alanlangley7246]

@@ZeGermanHam that what i was thinking thos bolts are fine thread maybe he cross threaded it broke putting on/off who knows right

[@MrThequinn5]

2019 Outback 88k miles cvt trans broke. Very expensive repair.

[@powertools2375]

Did everyone hear he can pull an engine in 30 minutes. Wtf

[@MrSubaru1387]

Have an old video with the timer to prove it. lol

[@delonparkinson2491]

First

[@chrisczarnik3439]

CVT a crappy transmission. I got rid of my Subaru Impreza 2020, would never touch another. From Australia 🇦🇺

[@amishdinkledork]

i really wish subaru went with a dual clutch transmission instead of this cvt crap

[@lonwillis783]

😀