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.
2023 Subaru Ascent BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transmission Assembly: Removal
- Release the parking brake.
- Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
- Release the shift lock and shift the select lever to the "N range". Ref. to CONTROL SYSTEMS>SELECT LEVER>REMOVAL .
- Remove the air intake duct. Ref. to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DOTC)>AIR INTAKE DUCT>REMOVAL .
- Remove the intercooler. Ref. to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DOTC)>INTERCOOLER>REMOVAL .
- Disconnect the engine wiring harness connector (A), engine wiring harness connector (B), clamp (C) and clamp (D).
- Disconnect the primary speed sensor harness connector.
- Remove the engine rear hanger.
- Remove the pitching stopper and pitching stopper bracket. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>TRANSMISSION MOUNTING SYSTEM>REMOVAL>PITCHING STOPPER .
- Disconnect the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature), and move it aside so that it does not interfere with the operation.
- Remove the starter. Ref. to STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS (H4DOTC)>STARTER>REMOVAL .
- Separate the torque converter from drive plate.
- Remove the plug from the service hole.
- 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.
- Make sure the torque converter moves freely by rotating with finger through the starter installation hole.
- Attach the ST to the converter case.
Preparation tool:
ST: STOPPER SET (498277200)
- Remove the plug from the service hole.
- Disconnect the engine ground.
- Remove the bolts which hold the upper side of the transmission.
- Set the ST.
Preparation tool:
ST: ENGINE SUPPORT ASSY (41099AC000)
NOTE: Place a washer with 2 mm (0.08 in) thickness into the gap between the cylinder block and ST. - Drain the CVTF. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>CVTF>REPLACEMENT .
- Drain differential gear oil. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL>REPLACEMENT .
- Remove the front drive shaft. Ref. to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>FRONT DRIVE SHAFT>REMOVAL .
- Remove the propeller shaft. Ref. to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>PROPELLER SHAFT>REMOVAL .
- Remove the hanger bracket. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>TRANSMISSION MOUNTING SYSTEM>REMOVAL>HANGER BRACKET .
- Disconnect the select cable from the transmission main body.CAUTION: Do not apply excessive load while holding the part (a).
- Disconnect the oil cooler pipe. (Model with CVTF cooler (air cool))
- Remove the bolts and nuts which hold the lower side of transmission.
- Set the transmission jack under the transmission.CAUTION: Make sure that the support plates of transmission jack do not touch the oil pan.
- Remove the transmission rear crossmember. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>TRANSMISSION MOUNTING SYSTEM>REMOVAL>TRANSMISSION REAR CROSSMEMBER AND REAR CUSHION RUBBER .
- Remove the bolt securing the transmission case cover (rear).
- Lower the transmission jack by 75 mm (2.95 in).
- Disconnect the CVTF cooler inlet pipe and CVTF cooler outlet pipe, and put them aside so that they do not interfere with work.
- While lowering the transmission jack gradually, retract the ST (ENGINE SUPPORT ASSY), and then tilt the engine rearward.
- Remove the transmission body.NOTE: Adjust the position and angle of the transmission jack so that the engine and the transmission are aligned straight.
- Remove the rear cushion rubber. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>TRANSMISSION MOUNTING SYSTEM>REMOVAL>TRANSMISSION REAR CROSSMEMBER AND REAR CUSHION RUBBER .
- Remove the transmission case cover (rear).
- Remove the transmission case cover (front).
- Remove the CVTF cooler inlet pipe and CVTF cooler outlet pipe.NOTE: Perform this procedure only when required.
- Remove the CVTF cooler outlet pipe.
- Remove the CVTF cooler inlet pipe. (Model without CVTF cooler (air cool))
- Remove the CVTF cooler inlet hose and CVTF cooler outlet hose. (Model without CVTF cooler (air cool))
- Remove the CVTF CVT inlet hose. (Model with CVTF cooler (air cool))
- Remove the CVTF cooler outlet hose. (Model with CVTF cooler (air cool))
- Remove the CVTF cooler outlet pipe.
- When overhauling the transmission body, refer to "Preparation for overhaul". Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>PREPARATION FOR OVERHAUL .
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.
