2021 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Transmission Assembly: Removal

  1. Release the parking brake.
  2. Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor, Ref. to GROUND TERMINAL REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION .
  3. Release the shift lock using a screwdriver, etc. and shift the select lever to the "N" range.
    G13868655Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Drain the CVTF. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>CVTF>REPLACEMENT .
  5. Drain differential gear oil. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>Differential Gear Oil>REPLACEMENT .
  6. Remove the clip from the air intake boot, and loosen the clamp.
    G13223823Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the air intake boot, and place it aside so that it does not interfere with the work.
    CAUTION: Be careful not to pull out the PCV hose.
    G13223824Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature).
    NOTE: Prepare the container for draining of engine oil.
    1. Disconnect the CVTF cooler inlet hose and CVTF cooler outlet hose.
      G13225625Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Remove the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature), and move it aside so that it does not interfere with the operation.
      NOTE: Suspend from the vehicle body with rope, etc.
      G13225626Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Remove the CVTF cooler inlet hose (A) and CVTF cooler outlet hose (B).
      G13225627Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove the engine rear hanger.
    G11255514Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Disconnect the transmission harness connector.
    G11255510Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Remove the engine wiring harness stay.
    1. Remove the bolts securing the engine ground and harness case.
      NOTE: When it is difficult to remove the bolt, use a crowfoot wrench.
    2. Remove the clip (A), and remove the engine wiring harness stay.
      G13225630Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Remove the TCM. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>Transmission Control Module (TCM)>REMOVAL .
  13. Remove the starter. Ref. to STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS (H4DO)>STARTER>REMOVAL .
  14. Separate the torque converter from drive plate.
    1. Remove the PCV hose. Ref. to EMISSION CONTROL (AUX. EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES (H4DO)>PCV HOSE>REMOVAL>PCV HOSE NO. 1 .
    2. Disconnect the connector (A), and remove the plug (B) from the service hole.
      G13224274Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Insert the wrench into the crank pulley bolt, and rotate the crank pulley to remove the bolts (4 places) securing the torque converter to the drive plate.
      G13224275Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    4. Attach the ST to the converter case.

      Preparation tool: 

      ST: STOPPER SET (498277200)

      G13224276Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  15. Remove the bolts which hold the upper side of the transmission.
    G08317735Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Set the ST1 and ST2.

    Preparation tool: 

    ST1: ENGINE SUPPORT BRACKET (41099AA012)

    ST2: ENGINE SUPPORT (41099AA020)

    G11255524Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  17. Remove the front drive shaft. Ref. to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>FRONT DRIVE SHAFT>REMOVAL .
  18. Remove the propeller shaft. Ref. to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>PROPELLER SHAFT>REMOVAL .
  19. Disconnect the select cable from the transmission main body.
    CAUTION: Do not apply excessive load while holding the part (a).
    G13591814Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    G13225470Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  20. Remove the exhaust hanger bracket.
    G11255529Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  21. Remove the bolts and nuts which hold the lower side of transmission.
    G08317742Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  22. Set the transmission jack under the transmission.
    CAUTION: Make sure that the support plates of transmission jack do not touch the oil pan.
  23. Remove the transmission rear Cross Member.
    G11255537Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  24. While lowering the transmission jack gradually, fully retract the ST (ENGINE SUPPORT), and then tilt the engine rearward.
  25. Remove the transmission body.
    NOTE: Adjust the position and angle of the transmission jack so that the engine and the transmission are aligned straight.
  26. Remove the rear cushion rubber.
    G11255538Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  27. Remove the transmission cover (rear).
    G13225642Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  28. When overhauling the transmission body, refer to "Preparation for overhaul", Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>Preparation for Overhaul>PROCEDURE>BEFORE OVERHAUL .
Chapter Navigation
Return to Chapter: Transmission Assembly
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.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

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.