Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Variator Chain Break-in: Procedure
2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5iSECTION Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
NOTE:
- During variator chain break-in, VDC warning light illuminate because of the difference between the vehicle speed value and G sensor value. This is not a malfunction. If the warning light illuminates, clear the VDC memory after the variator chain break-in is finished. < Ref. to CLEAR MEMORY MODE . >
- If the above malfunction code is detected during variator chain break-in, the system enters into fail mode, and the vehicle shows symptom such as engine speed rapid increases even if the accelerator pedal is gradually depressed.
- Lift up the vehicle.CAUTION: Lift up the vehicle until the tire bottom is 0.3 m (0.98 ft) or more above the ground.
- Shift the select lever to "P" or "N" range.
- Apply the electronic parking brake.
- Connect the Subaru Select Monitor to data link connector.
- Idle the engine to raise the CVTF temperature to 40 - 50°C (104 - 122°F) displayed on the Subaru Select Monitor.NOTE: When CVTF temperature does not rise easily or if you want to rise CVTF temperature faster, maintain the engine speed within 2, 000 - 2, 500 r/min at "P" or "N" range to raise the CVTF temperature.
- With the select lever in "P" or "N" range, increase the engine speed to 3, 000 - 3, 500 r/min from the idling condition, and maintain the speed for approximately five seconds, then release the accelerator pedal.
- Depress the accelerator pedal gradually again from idling condition to increase the engine speed to 3, 000 - 3, 500 r/min, maintain the speed for approximately five seconds, then release the accelerator pedal.
- Release the electronic parking brake.
- Shift the select lever into manual mode and set to 1st.
- Depress the accelerator pedal gradually, and increase the engine speed to 5, 300 r/min from engine idling condition.NOTE: Increase the engine speed while taking care that the engine speed does not become too high.
- Release the accelerator pedal to fully closed position to lower the engine speed to 4, 000 r/min.
- Depress the accelerator pedal gradually again, and increase the engine speed to 5, 300 r/min.
- Repeat the steps 12) and 13) for 40 times.
- Release the accelerator pedal to return the engine speed to idling.
- Shift the select lever to "P" range, and then turn the engine to OFF.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.