2020 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Transmission Assembly: Installation

  1. When having overhauled the transmission body, refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>PREPARATION FOR OVERHAUL>PROCEDURE>AFTER OVERHAUL .
  2. Replace the differential side retainer oil seal with a new part. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>DIFFERENTIAL SIDE RETAINER OIL SEAL>REPLACEMENT .
  3. Install the transmission case cover (rear).

    Tightening torque: 

    8 N.m (0.8 kgf-m, 5.9 ft-lb)

  4. Install the rear cushion rubber.

    Tightening torque: 

    40 N.m (4.1 kgf-m, 29.5 ft-lb)

  5. Place the transmission body on the transmission jack.
  6. Strike and bend the transmission hanger with a rubber hammer etc. so that it gets in contact with the transmission case.
    CAUTION: Do not apply extra overload or impact to the transmission case.
    G08317747Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Install the transmission body.
    NOTE:
    • Adjust the position and angle of the transmission jack and engine body if necessary.
    • Temporarily install the bolts and nuts which hold lower side of the transmission.
    G08317742Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Install the transmission rear crossmember.

    Tightening torque: 

    T1: 35 N.m (3.6 kgf-m, 25.8 ft-lb)

    T2: 70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)

    Fig 1: Transmission Rear Crossmember Bolts (With Torque Specification)
    G11255542Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove the transmission jack.
  10. Tighten the bolts and nuts which hold lower side of the transmission.

    Tightening torque: 

    50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)

  11. Install the exhaust hanger bracket.

    Tightening torque: 

    23 N.m (2.3 kgf-m, 17.0 ft-lb)

  12. Connect the select cable to the transmission main body.
    CAUTION: Do not apply excessive load while holding the part (a).

    Tightening torque: 

    25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb)

    G13591814Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    G13225470Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Install the bolts which hold upper side of transmission.

    Tightening torque: 

    50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)

    G08317735Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  14. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>PROPELLER SHAFT>INSTALLATION .
  15. Install the front drive shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>FRONT DRIVE SHAFT>INSTALLATION .
  16. Remove ST (ENGINE SUPPORT BRACKET and ENGINE SUPPORT).
  17. Install the torque converter to drive plate.
    1. Remove the ST from converter case.
      NOTE: Be careful not to drop the ST into the converter case when removing the ST.
      G13224276Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Insert the wrench into the crank pulley bolt, and rotate the crank pulley to attach the four bolts securing the torque converter to the drive plate.
      NOTE: Be careful not to drop bolts into the converter housing.

      Tightening torque: 

      25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb)

    3. Install the plug (B) to the service hole, and connect the connector (A).
      G13224274Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    4. Install the PCV hose. Refer to EMISSION CONTROL (AUX. EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES) (H4DO)>PCV HOSE>INSTALLATION>PCV HOSE NO. 1 .
  18. Install the engine wiring harness stay.
    1. Install the engine wiring harness stay, and install the clip (A).

      Tightening torque: 

      19 N.m (1.9 kgf-m, 14.0 ft-lb)

    2. Install the engine ground and the harness case.

      Tightening torque: 

      19 N.m (1.9 kgf-m, 14.0 ft-lb)

      G13225630Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  19. Install the starter. Refer to STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS (H4DO)>STARTER>INSTALLATION .
  20. Install the TCM. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)>INSTALLATION .
  21. Install the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature).
    1. Install a new CVTF cooler inlet hose (A) and a new CVTF cooler outlet hose (B).
      NOTE: Install the hose with the mark facing upward.
      G13591996Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
      G13225627Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Install the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature).

      Tightening torque: 

      23 N.m (2.3 kgf-m, 17.0 ft-lb)

    3. Connect the CVTF cooler inlet hose and CVTF cooler outlet hose.
      G13225625Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  22. Install the engine rear hanger.

    Tightening torque: 

    21 N.m (2.1 kgf-m, 15.5 ft-lb)

  23. Connect the transmission harness connector to the engine wiring harness.
  24. Install the air intake boot. Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DO)>AIR INTAKE BOOT>INSTALLATION .
  25. Shift the select lever to "P range".
  26. Connect the ground terminal to battery sensor. Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  27. Apply the parking brake.
  28. Fill differential gear oil. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL>REPLACEMENT .
  29. Fill with CVTF. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>CVTF>REPLACEMENT .
  30. Perform [Clear AT learning value] and [AT learning mode] using the Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>AT LEARNING .
  31. When the transmission body or hypoid gear set was replaced, perform the rear differential inspection mode using the Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to DIFFERENTIALS>REAR DIFFERENTIAL INSPECTION MODE .
  32. Perform the road test to make sure there is no fault. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>ROAD TEST>INSPECTION .
Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

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.

Rather have a pro handle this?

A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.

Comes to youSame-day available12-month warranty
Get a Free Quote

No obligation. See pricing before you book.