2013 Subaru Outback RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Automatic Transmission Assembly: Removal

  1. Remove the front wheels.
  2. Fully open the front hood.
  3. Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
  4. Remove the collector cover.
    NOTE: Follow the steps below when removing the collector cover.
    1. Pull up the two points at the rear (A).
    2. Pull up the two points at the front (B) while moving them forward.
      Fig 1: Removing Collector Cover
      G06651504Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Remove the air intake duct. Refer to REMOVAL .
  6. Remove the 10 clips and detach the grille bracket.
    Fig 2: Locating Grille Bracket Clips
    G06651507Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the air intake boot. Refer to REMOVAL .
  8. Disconnect the following connectors.
    Fig 3: Identifying Transmission Harness Connectors And Front Oxygen (A/F) Sensor
    G08579180Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove the transmission radio ground terminal.
    Fig 4: Identifying Transmission Radio Ground Terminal
    G06651946Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Remove the air breather hose. Refer to REMOVAL .
  11. Remove the starter. Refer to REMOVAL .
  12. Remove the engine hanger rear.
    Fig 5: Identifying Engine Hanger Rear
    G06651947Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Separate the torque converter from drive plate.
    CAUTION:
    • Be careful not to drop bolts into converter housing.
    • Be careful not to damage the mounting bolts.
    1. Remove the service hole plug.
    2. Remove the bolts which hold torque converter to drive plate.
    3. Remove the four bolts by rotating the crank pulley a little at a time.
    4. Make sure the torque converter moves freely by rotating with finger through the starter installation hole.
      Fig 6: Removing/Installing Service Hole Plug
      G06651948Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  14. Attach the ST to the converter case.

    ST 498277200 STOPPER SET

    Fig 7: Attaching ST To Converter Case
    G05002491Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  15. Attach the ST to the engine.

    Tightening torque: 

    19 N.m (1.9 kgf-m, 14.0 ft-lb) 

    ST 18360AA020 HANGER

    Fig 8: Attaching ST To Engine
    G06651950Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Lift up the vehicle.
  17. Remove the under cover. Refer to REMOVAL .
  18. Remove the front and rear exhaust pipes. Refer to REMOVAL , Front Exhaust Pipe, and refer to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe.
  19. Remove the heat shield cover.
    Fig 9: Identifying Heat Shield Cover
    G05019661Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  20. Remove the steering shaft universal joint. Refer to REMOVAL .
  21. Remove the ATF drain plug to drain ATF.
    Fig 10: Identifying Oil Pan And ATF Drain Plug
    G08579187Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  22. Remove the oil charge pipe.
    Fig 11: Identifying Oil Charge Pipe
    G06651953Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  23. Disconnect the connector from turbine speed sensor 1.
    Fig 12: Identifying Turbine Speed Sensor 1 Connector
    G06651954Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  24. Remove the turbine speed sensor 1 mounting bolt and rotate the sensor by 180°.
    CAUTION: Failure to follow this procedure may cause the interference between vehicle body and sensor while removing/installing transmission, and resulting in damage.
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.

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