Subaru Forester: Automatic transmission fluid

Checking the fluid level

The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid temperature.

Therefore, there are two different scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid on the level gauge.

Though the fluid level can be checked without warming up the fluid on the “COLD” range, it is recommended to check the fluid level when the fluid is at operating temperature.

Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot

1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temperature of the transmission fluid up to normal operating temperature; 158 to 1768F (70 to 808C) is normal.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.

3. First shift the select lever in each position. Then shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at idling speed.

1) Yellow handle

1) HOT range
2) COLD range
3) Upper level
4) Lower level

4. Pull out the level gauge and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the lower level on the “HOT” range, add the recommended automatic transmission fluid up to the upper level.

Checking the fluid level when the fluid is cold

When the fluid level has to be checked without time to warm up the automatic transmission, check to see that the fluid level is between the lower level and upper level on the “COLD” range. If it is below that range, add fluid up to the upper level.

Be careful not to overfill.

Be careful not to spill automatic transmission fluid when adding it.

If automatic transmission fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If automatic transmission fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

Recommended fluid

Refer to “Fluids”.

NOTE
Using any non-specified type of automatic transmission fluid could result in damage inside the transmission. When replacing the automatic transmission fluid, be sure to use the kind specified.

Manual transmission oil

Front differential gear oil (AT models)