Watch before you screw up your SUBARU CVT transmission & differential

[@donaldworth1289]

For those wondering the rear diff drain and fill plug is a 10mm hex bit. The torque specs for both the fill and drain plug is 36 FT-lbs or 49 NM. For the front diff, the fill plug and the check plug is a 8mm hex bit. The drain plug is a T70 torx bit. The torque spec for the fill plug is 51 FT-lbs or 70 NM.

[@alexanderkillips3121]

Thats why they were so damn difficult to get out. JFC 51 ftlbs?!?!

[@sammcdonald769]

From one mechanic to another, straightforward no nonsense I like it. Good job 👍🏻

[@subtledriver]

Thanks, I made it for myself for quick reference if I forget.

[@berniemilligan4576]

Video well done. No BS - Thumbs up. (from a retired mechanic)

[@michaelarend3415]

I grew up working at shops and know my way around many vehicles. the other day I rolled under my daughters new subie with her to check fluids and was like huh? Thank you for doing us the service of making this video! Hope Subaru can sort it out, I’m sure many components suffer due to the confusion they’ve created.

[@quietguy6562]

Thank you. I just spent 10 minutes looking for a dipstick, and 15 minutes watching useless videos before finding yours. No nonsense and straight forward like every mechanical video should be.

[@IronAndDiesel]

Fair warning about over tightening, over torquing the plugs! You are dealing with steel plugs and an aluminum case. Many have stripped the differential or CVT threads. I almost did trying to torque the front differential overflow tube plug to spec. Not worth it. Tighten enough and call it good.

[@rdlsar15]

I just called a local Subaru dealership asking for a price to change the CVT fluid on my 2016 Crosstrek. They told me they “would have to look at the car to see what was wrong with it before they could give me a price....if that makes any sense.” I laughed and said it makes zero sense and I hung up on them. I will do it myself. Thank you for this video!

[@UMepher]

Huh??? I guess you know what dealer never to go to, ever. CVT fluid is factory scheduled maintenance, not a weird repair.

[@deeferan7467]

I have 2019 Forester and when I call them Transmition fluid change to CVT around 350$

[@maxsoregon]

MY BET is these trannys were failing at such a high rate and maybe still are.. to go from purchasing a vehicle you can often COUNT on for a smooth 125k+ miles no repairs, to migrate to a pos that might fail before 50k and cost $15k ??? If that happens to me, I'm gonna paint it a lemon and park it next to the local dealership until they figure something out. This video only confirmed they have designed a critical componenet, that requires regular servicing, but doesn't provide a means for regular servicing OR even regular checking of fluids??? I remember working at Dodge dealership, no way would people of let that slide without whining.. seems like back then we even got permission to replace the nonmetal caliper pistons with metal, so often would lock up; and have to be towed in, with people ranting they'd never buy another Dodge.. it got what they wanted, often. But that was also in the 80's when people actually cared more. :/

[@illuminati7767]

I called and they told its not possible to drain the trans fluid. They said the system is "sealed".

[@kenhoward3512]

I have yet to read the comments below, but must say, the "right hand side" is NOT the driver's side. The left or right sides of a vehicle are always determined by the seated driver: To his/her left is the "left side," and to his/her right is the right side. Please don't add to the confusion.

[@subtledriver]

Thanks for the comment, but I also work on RHD cars, so this happens when i mention driver/passenger side quite often. i should keep to the right and left for future reference

[@linnadawg]

@Es1911sumware ... Doesn’t matter where the seated driver is, left would still be left...

[@kapuyawn]

I wish they would just say driver's side or passenger side, that way even if you are in front of the vehicle it's easy to understand.

[@icdroid]

@@kapuyawn wrong. The right and left side are always right and left. But the drivers side depends upon the market the car was built for. In the USA the driver sits on the left side, In the UK or Japan the drivers side is the right.They

[@kenhoward3512]

@Es1911sumware "Left vs right is seen from sitting inside the car." I assume everyone sitting inside the car is facing forward, the same as the driver. Right?!! *Who* here is the idiot?

[@skiingislife3786]

If that wasn't confusing enough for you - different models (2.4 / 3.6 / TR580 / TR690) have all completely different drain/fill/check locations, all unlabeled. Pay the one-time $30 to access the exact service manual, triple check, label with a paint pen, AND once you open it up smell the fluid. Gear oil and cvt fluid have a distinct smell. If there are any doubts left just pay the shop to do it. I'm warning you this is an EASY EASY EASY error to make and the damage is around $11,000.

[@daba9550]

Don't change fluids when you're tired. I've changed oil on my 20+ cars over the years, and today went out - intending to do 1st oil change on wife's Forester - promptly drained the CVT. This video helped me get CVT fluids back in place.

[@homesculptor]

LOL I did the same dang thing. I was hot, I'm used to rear wheel drive vehicles, and the plug was there. I actually put more oil in the engine, and it was way high in the dip stick. That is what alerted me. I knew it, because my x-type jags were basically the same setup with you have to be carefule which plugs you remove. On the jag, you will lose reverse if you unscrew this bolt that looks similar right next to the drain plug. A transmission mechanic actually did this. He never tried reverse, and he did repair the mistake which is a drag for him. So, I did the jags, and it was a temp monitoring fill also. Wasn't to big a deal. Just what a hassle.

[@cuchanu]

I've always changed my own oil and I did the same thing. I take responsibility for not looking it up, but I've never need look up the oil location in the past so I never assumed I needed to for this car. And it's not even the first time I've changed the oil, I guess I just didn't see this nut before. What a pain.

[@duanebeach1437]

Just a quick note for for owners of 2019+ Foresters. The CVT fill plug location is on the RIGHT side. The exhaust system was rerouted in 2019 and blocks the left side plug shown in this video. All else still applies.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

As in passenger or driver side?

[@Chieftain357]

My 2018 Impreza was like that too.

[@Chieftain357]

@@freedom_foz_6337 The exhaust on my 2018 Impreza was on driver side (left), so the fill plug was on passenger side (right) for my cvt.

[@daeracer]

@@Chieftain357my 2017 Impreza, the exhaust is also on the driver side and I noticed there’s also a plug there. However, there’s also another plug just on the opposite side of the cvt, on the passenger side. I’m confused.

[@Chieftain357]

@@daeracer Yep, mine was like that too. Check out Samb wague he has a video on it. He is the one that help me verify plug on right side was fill plug.

[@michaelyount3176]

FWIW - even "Subaru mechanics" at private shops and dealerships have made the mistake of mixing up the fluids - and inadvertently destroying both the diff and the CVT transmission. So be SURE your mechanic knows what they're doing no matter where they work. I confirmed that my CVT wasn't underfilled at the factory (a common problem early on) by opening the CVT fill port as described in the video above and confirming that when cold a good bit of fluid wanted to drain out -- quickly put the plug back in. Then I drained the CVT fluid cold -- and measured how much came out. In my case almost exactly 5 quarts. I then put 5 quarts of new Subaru CVT fluid in through the upper port on the diff case which feeds into the CVT (on the engine left side as seated in vehicle, US driver's side). Confirmed I was back above the traditional CVT fill port by loosening it and quickly re-tightening. Diff drain and fill - open both drain and "check" ports; let drain; replace the drain plug/new washer and torque; refill through the upper fill port (on the engine right side as seated in the vehicle, US passenger side) - add diff fluid until fluid begins to come out the 'check level' hole. Stop adding; let sit until no more diff fluid comes out the check fluid hole; replace that plug/new washer. You're good to go. My wife's 5 year old Crosstrek has only 13,000 miles on it; I change all the fluids every 3 years - except oil/filter every 6 months. Flawless so far.

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

That CVT fluid is pricey and is supposed to be "lifetime" fluid

[@michaelyount3176]

@@Randy_Savage_ohyeah - unfortunately, "Lifetime" means that it lasts until the tranny goes belly up. The point at which that happens can be extended if the fluid is kept clean.

[@journeyman2553]

Thank you for this information. Not sure why photos (or videos) of this are such highly guarded secrets. First place I've seen that SHOWS it perfectly and in a way that should prevent any chance of mistakes. Awesome!

[@XJRD22944]

4 years later, I appreciate this video 🙏

[@jjman533]

That differential check plug is a nice way of filling your differential without having to go to the other side!

[@todtalk3912]

Thats what i would think as well. Clearly if it fills to that plug woukdnt it only make sense to use that as well? Im mean i suppose if u use it n only a half a qt or something goes into ur duff than u fd something up, otherwise id try that first as the easiest route since ur removing it anyway.

[@caseyhanas3311]

EXTREMELY HELPFUL!! Straight to the point, saving lots of people lots of headaches! Thanks!

[@adamhannon6976]

One thing you forgot is that the engine has to be running to fill the trans all the way to 4-5qrts and to check the fluid level otherwise you’ll only get 3 qrts or so in there and if you want to be extra careful catch and measure the amount of fluid that comes out to be sure you’re filling it back up correctly

[@rockkstah2550]

I did exactly the same thing for my 4Runner

[@dlg5485]

4-5 qts is only the amount of fluid that falls back to the pan. The total capacity is about 13 qts, but it is not necessary to do a total replacement, in my opinion, as long as you do a 4-5 qt drain and fill ever 25000 miles or so.

[@dparkerdgdparkerdg9671]

That was my first question, running or not? THANK YOU for the correction. Greatly appreciated.

[@PianoTuningArtist]

Important additional note, as I did not hear you mention it… When checking the level of the CVT fluid, the transmission should be warm with engine idling (in Neutral) to get the proper level. Otherwise, you will end up with a level that is much too low. Thanks for the great video! I have actually done this on three different Subarus, with the fourth one in a few days. P.S. The CVT can be filled from that top plug you pointed out, if you prefer not to have to pump in 5+ quarts of fluid from below.. Use a funnel with an extension tube to reach this upper Fill hole from the engine compartment near the firewall.

[@subtledriver]

Thank you!

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Also, the vehicle has to be level. I would use a hand pump from underneath so I can see immediately when it's full.

[@jacintocortes7923]

Here’s a good tip before you drain the fluid make sure that the fill drain plug is removable. I can’t express this enough I’ve seen it multiple times where someone drained the fluid and didn’t check the fill plug and it was stripped or damaged to the point where now you can’t even remove it without having to get the bigger tools out the box and you have a stuck car on your lift.

[@enduromite]

My F. Diff fill plug was seized and would not budge with even a breaker bar and extension. The plug stripped, but I was able to fill the F. Diff through the check plug. I used a hand pump and had a paper tower wrapped around the tube that was inserted into the check opening. This helped keep the fluid from running right back out. Thanks @MrSubaru1387 for confirming this would work.

[@bigdaddymak1439]

Porsche and other euros actually fill through the check plug think they sell kits for it on Amazon

[@subtledriver]

this is correct, most euro vehicles i fill through the check plug with special threaded adapters. thanks for pointing this out,.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@1:57 The right hand side is not the driver's side in America.

[@enduromite]

Bingo, good catch. He referenced the right/left sides correctly, but should have said passenger side for the front diff fill.

[@subtledriver]

thanks for noticing. I get the two mixed up, since i work on and race right and left hand drive vehicles.

[@kenhoward3512]

@@subtledriver It doesn't matter which side the driver is on; the side to the seated driver's left is the vehicle's "left side," to their right is "the right side." "Driver's side" or "passenger's side," obviously, can vary, depending on the country where the car was built. People have to agree on a common language to communicate effectively. Regarding CVTs though: I'll pass.

[@infotechsailor]

Haha I came to comment this. Shout out to Mr. SOUTH CAROLINA

[@eranlevi6547]

It's not problem left or right..look good for the picture in this video how look the fill..thanks you

[@Honestandtruth007]

Today 6-27-24, I want to fill the CVT transmission fluid..... But look and see Several plugs make me Confused which is which. So I Stopped and Towed to the Shop..... before f.up

[@bradmironik6137]

Thanks for pointing out the locations for fill/drain plugs on the transmission and differential. Those fast lube places shouldn't even touch something as expensive as a transmission or differential. I wouldn't have confidence they can correctly do an oil change.

[@greglayne3743]

Finally a video where someone gets right to the point, and shows exactly what we’re looking for and even takes time to show it again why can’t all help videos be that way… thank you very much. Saved my ass.

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

Just did my 2018 Outback front and rear diffs. Rear piece of cake. Front was a bitch mainly due to fill plug removal. At least 150+lbs of torque to break it loose and then when it did I lost half the skin on my left thumb. Should have worn gloves! I’m not a small guy 6’1” 200lbs and work out regularly … it took all I had.

[@emiliog.4432]

Thanks. This is such an important video and I appreciate you taking the time to do it. Sooooo many people screw up cvtf and gear oil changes. I read about them on my Subaru forum all the time. Thanks so much. I’ve shared this video on the forum but many don’t do the research. This video makes it clear.

[@joshcampbell5848]

I freaking love you for making this video.

[@subtledriver]

Love you too bro, I made this for myself too haha! Id appriciate it I'd you follow me on ig @subtledriver thank you!

[@octavio2313]

Love him More 🤟🏼 no homo

[@eacalways]

Always loosen up fill plugs first before drain plug.

[@subtledriver]

Smart advice, I do that too.

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

When i first jumped under our 2018 Subi Outback 2.5i to change the oil I pulled the CVT Trans drain plug as it looked like most oil pan/drain plugs I'd ever seen...after 30 seconds or so I was like, somethings not right and put the plug back in. Ooops, cost me $400. CVT fluid ain't cheap!

[@AS768]

Okay, so here's what I did. I'm a BMW dealer mechanic so I didn't know much going into it. I didn't know there was a check level plug in the botton of the front diff. I drained the fluid from the big T70 plug and then filled the front diff up until it was spilling from the fill hole. Before the car was driven, I looked into this and discovered my mistake. I drained the excess fluid by opening the check plug, the smaller 8mm hex plug near the big T70. A good amount of the new fluid i put in drained out. I put the plug back in when it settled to a trickle, and drove it home. The car was not driven with the overfilled diff. My worry is the fluid level was too high in the diff and maybe it mixed with/ contaminated the CVT's oil? It only sat in there a few minutes, and again, the car wasnt driven with it overfilled. This may sound kind of ridiculous, i get it. The front ddiff should be a sealed unit not susceptible to mixing of fluids. I'm just trying to ease my anxieties. Car drives fine. Do i have anything to worry about?

[@Noodlehead626]

Watched this after a friend promised they knew how to change my oil and emptied my transmission fluid

[@RCGshakenbake]

I don't see how people keep draining the cvt when "changing" the oil. Lol

[@sleepinghill6484]

I went to Subaru dealership today to change diff came home it’s leaking from the front diff OMG towing it up there tomorrow morning

[@cbijames7]

Thank you I have 2 2021 Subaru s both have the 2.5 liter motors , I don't trust my local Subaru dealership because I have seen review s where they break stuff on purpose to charge u more money . So I try to doit myself or get a friend to help. This is a great video. Thanks for this .

[@leonardodavinci303]

Great video. I changed the differentials cold. The front is supposed to have a 1.4 qt filled. With the car level and off, absolutely no leaks anywhere, only 0.9 qt drained. Replaced same amount. In the rear, very close the same amount drained and replaced. The front fill plug was a bear to remove. I will have to remember the check plug as a filling location next time.

[@UMepher]

Does it not have a fill/inspection/overflow plug? Measuring what came out is not a bad idea, but refilling that amount assumes a. that it was filled correctly the last time, and b. it never leaked a drop.

[@sblagg527]

My Subaru dealership says NOT to change the CVT transmission fluid? That it is a "sealed system" that is not supposed to be touched. And there is no mention of it in the owner's manual maintenance section. Why is there SO MUCH conflicting info regarding this???? It's driving me nuts.

[@subtledriver]

I would personally change it every 20k miles. The dealer is full of crap.

[@Mike80528]

Subteldriver is an idiot and your dealer is correct. Your dealership can check/verify the fluid level periodically, but it should not be changed. It should last >100,000 miles. It is a specially developed synthetic by Subaru. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIOWlo2QmMyikJI www.columbussubaru.com/service/maintenance/subaru-cvt-transmission-tips-service-information-columbus-oh.htm#:~:text=The%20only%20regularly%20scheduled%20maintenance,according%20to%20the%20owner's%20manual. "The only regularly scheduled maintenance a Subaru CVT transmission requires routinely is an inspection of the fluid. For example, the 2018 Subaru Outback should have its CVT fluid inspected by a dealership pro every 30,000 miles, according to the owner's manual. Eventually, the CVT fluid will need to be flushed and replaced -- but it can last up to 100,000 miles or more in some cases before it goes bad. Since there's no dipstick to allow you to easily check the color and quality of the CVT oll yourself, this is a procedure that should be carried out on your local Subaru dealership service center"

[@stanley19430]

@@Mike80528 dude, did you even read the owner manual? It specify inspection and replacement under heavy use every 30k miles. Definition of heavy use include city stop and go traffic and more. By that standard, everyone drives in city needs to have it replaced. Owners manual wants you to replace.

[@subtledriver]

@@stanley19430 thank you, if you go 100k without changing, that is not very smart. I recommend every 20-30k for city or off road use.

[@juanmiguel5994]

Thanks dude. The CVT fill plug is in a funky place.

[@majorkursk780]

Plus, there is no accessible or serviceable transmission filter inside the pan like most traditional vehicles have. It is in-between two halves of the transmission housing and is considered a lifetime filter.

[@MICKIN310]

excellent vid how I do it is I made adaptors from the original drain plugs and welded in a thru tube in the plug then I carefully measured the fluid drained then I used my mityvac pump to pump the fresh replacement fluid plus 1 oz for when I remove the adapter and screw in the stock drain plug , works like a charm .

[@Maidoumurnot]

Thank you so much for this video and I appreciate your absolute candor ( Star Trek ). It’s nice to find somebody that is very specific and they show you and tell you because so many people nowadays don’t show you they just tell you I really really appreciate you and your time because I would much rather do it myself then pay SUBARU a lot of money that I don’t have because I haven’t been working because of Cancer , so thank you thank you again 😊

[@eyedea81]

Dude you saved my ass with this vid. I was told the diff and trans fluid were one and the same and to do it that way. Almost did it until literally I was watching a trans drain and fill vid and yours popped up out of nowhere! Every single website I went to they say NOTHING on the cvt trans change. But I also heard they don't ever need to be drained either. I had my car propped up and ready to go. Ill be doing it tomorrow and following your instructions. Cvt fluid for trans only and a 75w90 for the diff. Thanks my friend!

[@subtledriver]

The subaru manual transmission shares front diff and trans fluid. Auto is separate from each other.

[@htboston]

Sometimes I feel like Subaru don't label the area to force us to go to the dealership to get our Subarus serviced rather than doing it ourselves, which kinda pisses me off. I guess they did label one area where the front diff. drain is.

[@donovanwilliams5424]

I accidentally put gear oil into the CVT fill hole of my 2013 Impreza. Things did not go well. I did end up draining it and putting in CVT fluid. It still has a little bit of a whine, though. Thanks Subaru Factory Service Manual for only using drawings of the plug locations...

[@subtledriver]

Thanks for the feedback, and i would suggest doing another drain and fill on the cvt fluid when its hot, to help flush out the gear oil to extend the life of the transmission

[@Hallowsaw]

Thats actually the perfect explaination. Exactly what the subaru service manual tells you they are. I trust this muchanic. AND USE SUBARU FLUIDS DANGGIT

[@yenyen33089]

from one mech to another, bravo. had to double check my work. a customer dumped cvt oil into that higher port u pointed for the differential, dumped it into his tranny. F up his tranny. awaiting for him to show up with a new tranny. been a month. havent heard from the guy...

[@mariof1109]

2019 crosstrek CVT fill plug is on the the passenger side

[@kellyriddle8789]

Thank you for this informative video. The local Subaru dealership is the worst. Now i can do it at home and save money while having it done right

[@subtledriver]

what did they do to u?

[@steelerpen87]

Drained my front diff. Started filling through the hole on top of the diff area. Couldn’t figure out where it was going. Put 1.5 qts in, back to store- put another 1/2 in. Nothing draining out? Started to panic and sat down and found this vid. That top hole leads to cvt for sure. Drained cvt and flushed 3 qts through the said top mystery hole. Filled front diff properly along with cvt. I measured temp of dribbling cvt fluid to get volume correct. I don’t have temp gun or proper scanner. I knew from other vids that proper temp is reached in 10-15 minutes of run time and I reached 100 deg at around 14 minutes. This takes 2 people (filler and temp measurer) and is less than ideal but seems reasonable if lacking the tools.

[@sirtimatbob]

Infrared thermometers are not too expensive. You should pick one up. Also OBD2 readers can be found for

[@bvdbison7508]

@@sirtimatbob true for IR scanner. I have 2 OBD scanners, one cheap, one $100, neither measure TF temp. Taking the temp of the expelled fluid is a reasonable solution in a pinch.

[@Charkatak]

It is good that this video is made and it is really a mess where the fill/check/drain bolts are located on the CVT/Diff. Haven't done the service myself on a Subaru before, however doesn't seem difficult or use any special tool except to measure CVTF temp.

[@fangofango6136]

Geat video, I just ran into this problem adding diff oil to CVT quick tip you can suck out the diff oil from the trans pan using a oil suction tool with a u shape small pipe

[@rhiiine]

Just made this mistake! I haven’t cranked or driven at all so I’m hoping a couple drain and fills clears out the gear oil from the CVT

[@mattb5s440]

I tried to fill the front diff on the left side. Glad I saw this. Thanks

[@dsonyay]

Every 60k miles, I drain 3 quarts and add 3 qts. That’s it

[@mardan1974]

You are awesome! I am about to change my 15 legacy Transmission fluid and i do agree, its a mess and very confusing. Thank you for the explanation.

[@bnellynel]

Wish I would have seen this before I totaled my CVT and Front Diff…. Not sure yet but the noise last night doing 75mph makes me think I did total it.

[@lawrencewillyoung173]

Thank you 😊 for showing, me twice I'm slow catching on

[@graniteridgegreens6278]

Straight to the point and great extra fill info, Thanks. Jiffy anything is funny, they think they are saving a buck but instead it costs them thousands.

[@rachelmarie747]

me, watching this bc the last time i got an oil change they drained my transmission fluid and now i don’t trust people ✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻

[@JA-gx4hb]

Very helpful, thanks for posting. The right side left side had me a little confused though.

[@subtledriver]

Sorry, cant undo that. I work on jdm and usdm cars and mix up my driver and passenger side. I should have said left or right

[@jtr990]

Up to the point. Just did a CVT fluid change on a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Very straightforward after reading the instructions twice on ProDemand.

[@bigfootswatching9986]

How many miles did you have on it b4 you started to swap oil?

[@jtr990]

@@bigfootswatching9986 It had 56,000 km on it when I changed the fluid. But the Crosstrek I worked on belong to a customer.

[@kristalsify]

What fluid u used? Does the brand matter?

[@jtr990]

@@kristalsify Pentosin CVT1, if I remembered correctly.

[@davidlangseth7670]

Great video, but one correction at about 2:00. The right hand side is the passenger side. He was pointing to the correct differential fill plug location, and it is the right side, but that is the passenger side, not the driver's side.

[@subtledriver]

Im sorry, i work on japanese market cars (right hand drive) and get the two mixxed up.

[@dlg5485]

4-5 qts is not the total capacity. That's only draining the fluid that falls into the pan. The total CVT system capacity is near 13 qts and it is not a simple job to replace all the fluid. That said, it's not necessary to replace all the fluid, in my opinion. I think this simple 4-5 qt drain and fill every 25,000 miles or so is easy to do and it's an adequate freshening of the fluid that will keep your CVT running smooth for the life of the vehicle.

[@gdawg3292]

Just did mine today. You're spot on with everything!!!! Thank you!!!

[@edwinmedina4338]

Pretty straight forward ehh! I did my diff drain and fill on my 02 4runner so figured it was about the same on the 19 OB

[@magna116]

No. You removed the diff check plug BEFORE adding gear oil. When oil trickles out, put check plug back in. Done.

[@vap62656265]

This video is excellent. Thank you for taking the time to point out all of the fill/drain locations. However, the geniuses at Subaru screwed those of us with 2019 Foresters. They moved the exhaust to the driver's side of the car and placed the catalytic converter right in front of the CVT fill plug. I've seen some YT videos where it mentioned that the transmission is not serviceable. It's a machine that has moving parts that require lubrication, and as good as some lubes are, they break down and eventually need to be replaced. Looks like I'll be taking down the exhaust tomorrow...

[@Logan-vl8ek]

Vincent, the fill plug for 2019+ models is located on the right (passenger side) of the CVT. The old fill plug is still there but blocked by the exhaust like you said. I hope you figured that out before dropping the exhaust.

[@jedknutson8373]

@@Logan-vl8ek whoa....can you imagine doing that, and not realizing it's on the passenger side now...yikes...

[@Chieftain357]

@@Logan-vl8ek My 2018 Impreza is on right side too.

[@simsim2486]

I have a 2018 crosstrek. The access to fill/check plug(left/driver side) is blocked by the exhaust pipe, however, on the other (right/passenger) side of the transmission there is a similar 8mm hex plug. Can I use that instead, to fill and check?@@Logan-vl8ek

[@kitten_processing_inc4415]

Holy lubrication minefields Batman!

[@ivanbotello2269]

Funny how I found this video AFTER I did my front and rear diff fluid change haha but I did it right so I’m happy 🤙🏽

[@kogiekobayashi3421]

Same here just did my diff after forgetting and reaching 79k miles. Drain was still ok, not much grimes on the magnet cap on both front and back.

[@ivanbotello2269]

Kogie Kobayashi only issue I had was my craftsman socket I used to take the full plug off the front diff broke. 😒

[@bobbyanderson41]

okay buddy im going to need some content on the newer subaru's like the 2021 crosstrek

[@BigYi313]

Been watching so many vids abt Subaru's CVT, guess I really should get a stick shift for my future Subaru.

[@marksandstrom4248]

hurry

[@dques]

This is just the video I needed to see today. Just bought an 07 Forester that is doing some weird shifting. I was thinking it’d be wise to have the transmission fluid changed to see if it’d help, but thankfully Jiffy Lube said they won’t work on Subarus due to this very fact. Probably go to the dealer. Thank you, sir.

[@DanCantStandYA]

I accidentally drained my transmission fluid and could not find where to refill it. This video showed me where but.. Damn this seems overly complicated. Only the town's sketchiest mechanic could do this for me this week so looks like I'm gonna try it anyway.

[@setoman1]

No need to muck with the diff fluid. Open diffs don’t do a whole lot of heavy lifting. It’ll outlive the CVT on factory gear oil, even if you take care of the CVT.

[@FitnessNazi69]

"Kind of a confusing mess" - that right there just about sums up a Subaru. I swear after driving/working on four different models, I'm convinced that both the engineering and the software are written by people that have never driven a car.

[@robbflynn4325]

We have a 2019 Forester bought new. I regularly change the engine oil and filter. Now has 70,000 miles. Plan to change the spark plugs. The rest of it I'm going to leave well alone. Not worth the hassle. If the transmission fails then so be it. Hopefully by then we would have gotten 150,000 miles out of it, will then offload and replace it with a Toyota. I wanted a RAV4 but my wife preferred the Forester. Subaru's are OK but IMO Toyota and Honda way better.

[@tjdugan8164]

Thank you! I'm new to Subaru's and this just saved my bacon.

[@robbygarate7414]

Was able to service the transmission for a Subaru , you have my thanks 🙏🏼

[@donswanston3556]

Thank you. I used a bafx orbII reader and my iPhone to measure the cvt temperature. Worked great. Thanks for the video.

[@stevenlund3061]

Super video. I am embarrassed to admit, I dumped front differential oil in the transmission via the plug over the differential. What a headache. Did not realize it at first and put a fair amount in the transmission. Then a huge amount to CVT fluid to flush the transmission to "fix" the mistake. That is not cheap also. Subaru should do better labeling these. I did not feel quite as bad after your video. By far the worst laid out collection of plugs I have ever seen!! Thanks for the very helpful video to clarify.

[@billycardoos4016]

I just did the same thing…..is everything running good now ?

[@stevenlund3061]

@@billycardoos4016 Seems so. I did not drive it much after the screw up. Refilled once, drove a little, removed, then refilled again. That is a LOT of expensive fluid waste. But as of one year after and ~ 10 k miles no problems yet. Subaru really needs to label these considering an upper plug for the transmission is right above the differential on that assembly. Almost like a bad joke!

[@uncommonsense5876]

Thank you for the video. Subaru has got fill and drain plugs everywhere. Its unreal.

[@uncommonsense5876]

Btw, the CVT fill/check plug (on my WRX) is directly behind the exhaust pipe. With hardly any room to get a wrench. And its stuck. PB blaster over night, praying that works. Frustration is settin in boys 😎👍

[@nickcrump5479]

Thank you for making this video right to the point. Very helpful!

[@rogerhassell3212]

Great info, thanks for making this video. It would have been helpful to point out the engine oil drain plug as well, as the CVTF drain plug is sometimes mistaken for the engine oil drain plug. Are the plug locations are the same on the HT CVT used on the turbo models?

[@subtledriver]

So far with my personal experience, yes, the turbo models have same locations. The engine oil is at the front under the engine. I made this video for Mechanic's/ diy people to quickly identify the drain and fill locations of just the CVT. The info is not black and white if you don't have the technical data charts/diagrams or personal experience. Far too many people are destroying their cvt and diffs because of the confusion. ive seen far too many misshaps and i myself would like to refer back to this video if i forget. thanks for the comment.

[@johndespard3477]

Embarrassingly... I just made that mistake. Drained the cvt just now,, instead of the oil. I feel like such a dumbass. I've gone through this video about 4 times since, and I'm praying it all works out.

[@Sinn3246]

I was told to not change the transmission fluid. I was told it has a crazy method of change? Lol.

[@subtledriver]

Do it every 20k if driven hard, 30-40k if driven easy.

[@kooloneism]

Thanks for making such a valuable how to video,subaru is so complex.

[@Grams79]

Good job sir! Info is spot on. btw, I had to fill the front diff from the breather on a 2011 once.

[@pierredoyon9283]

I know that on my 2017 Crosstrek, it will void the 100k mile warranty if you change its oil before 100k. Subaru says that these are sealed units and are to be driven until they fail, never having to change its oil.

[@BT-ih6kr]

At 1:57 you state the right hand side, which in America is the driver's side. in Canada, driver's side is left, passenger side is right. left and right are determined from your position if you were sitting in the driver's seat. i just want to be sure i understand the side you are speaking to.

[@charlie-do7ne]

Thank you idk why that info was so hard to find

[@Honestandtruth007]

Just Subscribed for This video Appreciation 👍

[@Timetravel1111]

Yeah the people at the auto parts store didn’t even know I tried to tell him there’s no dipstick for the transmission they said let’s take a look

[@johnkinson435]

thanks mate great information more than u get from dealers

[@leemason4024]

Thank you soooo much. It's a great video! Makes things crystal clear. My mechanic almost screwed this up

[@VideoNOLA]

Great tutorial IF you are willing to hear Step 1 after being told Step 2, with a likely Step 1b mentioned a bit later on.

[@Ron_ye]

Why would draining the CVT cold and replacing with the exact same amount of cold fluid not be the easiest method?

[@BeingwithBrian]

It is, best and quickest method. You can even do that multiple times in between drives after it cools down to replace more fluid after it mixes

[@ryanb5189]

Subaru trying to scare the DIYers into taking it to the dealer after they realized taking away the dipstick wasn’t enough

[@7511fsm]

Because of fluid expansion. If you just drain it and put the same amount back in, which you can only do with the car running, you may overfill it because of the colder operating temperture that is required to fill it which is 95-113F or 35-45C.

[@7511fsm]

@@SJ-oxy I totally disagree, but you do what ever you feel works for you and I'll continue to follow Subaru's procedure. The only things that should be filled cold and drained cold is the differentials.

[@kevinpoveromo6324]

one of the best teaching video s on cars i 've seen .

[@klausphx]

Right hand side in America USA is Passenger side.. Left is drivers side.

[@kyle.2344]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!! ALMOST HAD A REALLY BAD DAY!!

[@yubamarkstedman7336]

I already changed the oil on Mom's new Subaru Crosstrek one time. It was due for another without thinking about it, I just drained the transmission. I knew it didn't look right being a greenish blue color. I first thought was that man, the sunlight sure makes that old oil look new! And a split second after that, oh sh*t! We live in a small town in the middle of Wyoming and over 100 miles to a Subaru dealer. I was told not to use Valvaline CVT fluid. I did go ahead and order 4 quarts of the real stuff, CVTF 3. Since I didn't run the car at all, will this be enough? And, does it still need to be brought to temp? Plug is next to HOT.. I guess you know that.

[@oscarcrespo9365]

In my 2012 outback there is one more on top of transmission. Automatic transmission

[@MrApplesaucestuff]

the right hand side in America is the passenger side. OMG

[@DanielField2023]

I just got a brand new Subaru Outback 2020 I have only 50 miles to it but it's a good to know so far I always change the oil at 3000 miles in my Honda Civic EX 2002 I have 19,000 miles so far but I never change any oil Transmission in my Honda Civic Only the Engine Oil it require to lift the car up high with a hydraulic jack and couple jacks than with the regular Jake that came with the car for now I'm not worry got only 50 miles so far nice to know thank you.

[@WatkinsGlenGorge]

Awesome & informative. but, You didn't mention Outback in ur context above, I wonder if ur video applies to it or it has a different story?. 2nd: Do you have an instruction video same this one on rear differential?. that's would be greatly appreciated

[@maxjackson1373]

"The right hand side, which in America is the drivers side" derp