2012 Subaru Legacy LimitedFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Continuously Variable Transmission: CVTF: Replacement

CAUTION:
  • Directly after the vehicle has been running or the engine has been long idle running, the CVTF is hot. Be careful not to burn yourself.
  • Be careful not to spill the CVTF on exhaust pipe to prevent it from emitting smoke or causing fires.
  • If CVTF adheres, wipe it off completely. Always use specified CVTF or equivalent. Using other fluid than specified or equivalent will cause malfunction.
  1. Lift up the vehicle, and remove the CVTF drain plug.
    Fig 1: Identifying CVTF Drain Plug
    G07913296Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  2. Check the CVTF condition. Refer to , CONDITION CHECK , CVTF.
  3. Install the CVTF drain plug and gasket.
    NOTE:
    • Use a new gasket.

    Tightening torque: 

    20 N.m (2.0 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb) 

  4. Remove the filler plug.
    Fig 2: Identifying Filler Plug
    G07913297Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Fill in the specified fluid or equivalent through the filler plug.

    CVT fluid: 

    Refer to ,  HYDRAULIC CONTROL AND LUBRICATION  , SPECIFICATION, General Description. 

    Capacity: 

    Fill with the same amount of CVTF as drained. 

  6. Temporarily tighten the filler plug.
  7. Idle the engine to raise CVTF temperature to 35 - 45°C (95 - 113°F) on Subaru Select Monitor.
  8. Operate the select lever in P ==> R ==> N ==> D and D ==> N ==> R ==> P to circulate CVTF with the engine idling.
    CAUTION: Pay special attention to the following operations as the engine is at idle.
  9. Place the select lever in "P" range. Then lift up the vehicle with the engine at idle to adjust the CVTF level and check for leakage. Refer to , ADJUSTMENT , CVTF.
  10. Replace with a new gasket, and attach the filler plug.

    Tightening torque: 

    50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb) 

    Fig 3: Identifying Filler Plug
    G07913298Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.