Does anyone know which filter this thing uses? I saw a YT video for an older subie CVT that used one filter but when I look online at subaru parts, the filter looks like an oil filter but says it is a trans filter.

I just hit 30k and I'm toying with the idea of taking it to the dealer to have the fluid done. I'm not talking about a flush which they would charge an arm and a leg, plus a testicle too but a drain and fill.

Also thinking of doing the diffs but not by the dealer. Though I'm not sure if should do the subaru fluid or just go with a 75W-90. Can also get a 75-80 or 75-85 fluid too. Decisions, decisions...

 

No mention of changing the filter? Or is it a screen? Still would be a good idea to drop the pan and clean pan, magnet and screen if it's not a conventional paper filter. Thoughts?

 

in CVT - Adjustment.pdf it says to "use new gasket"

What's the part number for this gasket?

Thanks

 

in CVT - Adjustment.pdf it says to "use new gasket"

What's the part number for this gasket?

I believe the part number is 803918060, although I'm not 100% sure on that. I've re-used my original gasket each time I've done a drain and fill on mine.

2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0L CVT LIMITED w/EyeSight WAGON Cover Differential Carrier. Cap Breather. Gasket 18X24X1.0. Differential - 803918060 - Genuine Subaru Part

Cover Differential Carrier. Cap Breather. Gasket 18X24X1.0. Differential Cover. M / #110411. Plug Complete Oil Drain. 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0L CVT LIMITED w/EyeSight WAGON. Genuine Subaru Part - 803918060 (38315AA011, 38315AA030, 38315KA100)

parts.subaru.com

AT, TRANSMISSION CASE. 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0L CVT LIMITED w/EyeSight WAGON | Subaru Parts Online

2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0L CVT LIMITED w/EyeSight WAGON AT, TRANSMISSION CASE TRANSMISSION CASE PARTS

parts.subaru.com

 

I did mine recently at 60k miles. I just followed mr subaru's video. Took about 4 1/2 quarts for fresh fluid. The fluid was defiantly dirty and black. Anyone who says it's lifetime fluid should check their fluid. I didn't have any metal shavings, which is good. Just dirty. I will probably do it again at 90k as Obviously, didn't get it all. A closed loop system would be better, but it's more work and harder to do plus you would need a lot of fluid. It's not cheap stuff.

 

Wow! Thanks for all that information. I plan on purchasing Subaru OEM fluid. I can not find the Idemitsu CVT SB fluid anywhere. I have never used an Amsoil product. If my CVT failed for any reason, I assume they would tell me its not the recommended fluid. I have found 6, 8 and 12 qt packs of it.

 

Any fluid which meets Subaru specs is allowed to be used. It is technically illegal for them to tell you that you can't used other approved fluids. No difference if you go to Wal-mart and buy oil and do a weekend oil change yourself. They still recommend OEM, but they can't deny you warranty because of it. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act from 1975 if you want to research it.

 

I've attached all the procedures from the service manual for properly filling the CVT and both differentials. A normal "run of the mill" scan tool will not be able to monitor the transmission temperature. I bought an Innova 5510 diagnostic scan tool to monitor the CVT temp while performing the second part of the fill procedure. This specific scan tool works and has a long enough cord to monitor the temp under the car during the second part of the fill procedure. Probably not the cheapest option, but that's what I used.

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Basically the procedure goes like this:
1. Drain fluid cold to get as much out as possible.
2. Fill transmission until fluid overflows out of fill hole and temporarily install the fill plug (only finger tight).
3. Start car and hook up scan tool in order to monitor transmission temp.
4. Once the scan tool reads 35° Celsius, shift through the gears pausing in each gear 10 seconds (P-R-N-D-N-R-P).
5. Quickly go back under car with scan tool and fill transmission again through same fill hole until it once again overflows.
6. Reinstall fill plug and torque to spec.

You only have about a 6 minute window to perform steps 4 - 6. After that, the transmission temp will climb higher than the specified temperature range (35° - 45° Celsius).

In order to make this procedure as painless as possible, I bought two of these (one for CVT fluid, one for diff fluid):

Amazon.com: ABN Manual ATF Filler System – 3L Manual Transmission Fluid Pump Tool for Automatic Transmission with System Adapters : Automotive

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I used the right angle adapter that you can see in the picture at the link above. I also never pumped it up past 15 psi, even though it says it goes to 20 psi. You have to fill it with a funnel because the whole top doesn't screw off, just the orange cap that contains the pressure relief valve.

Hope this helps. Also, I'm using Amsoil CVT fluid in my car with no issues so far. I've done 3 drain and refills in order to get the majority of the oem fluid out. The drain and fill procedure outlined in this post only replaces about 40 - 45 percent of the fluid according to my own calculations.

 

So I should get 5 qts of CVT-II and a hand pump. Does the trans oil temp PID a ODB2 function? Like a normal scan tool can read it?

 

I do mine every 30k to keep a fresh concentration of fluid in there. Normal scan tool should be able to read the TCM via the OBD/CAN port. Scan tool really isn't needed for a fluid change though. If I recall correctly, you'll need to have the car idling in Park when checking the fluid level to ensure its full. I can get you the service procedure if you'd like.

 

Is this stuff really $18 qt? Seems that some dealers dont want to sell it to you.

 

Dealers are usually on the Subaru oil program, so I don't really see a reason why they wouldn't want to sell you the oil. Thats just what the fluid costs. Its a high detergent hydraulic fluid with a very long life expectancy. $18 a quart is high if you were changing it every 6k, but most people don't ever change their CVT fluid because its deemed "lifetime". While I don't think any fluid is lifetime, my point is that you're paying for a very high quality product so it won't be cheap. I sell AMSOIL synthetics and while my cost isn't that high, its not too far off.

 

I have a 19 sport. I have been toying the idea of 50k mile cvt fluid changes. I would be scared to have the CVT fluid not Subaru. The CVT is like 5k bucks right?

 

some interesting vids to watch

 

To properly do an complete fluid change you need to make a closed loop system that allows the CVT to pump in fresh fluid as the return line is disconnected and catching the old fluid. You can do a drain/refill, but that'll be roughly 4-5 quarts of fluid. Also, keep in mind that the engine has to be running when you check the CVT fluid level, unless you want a giant puddle of fluid on your floor when you pull the fill plug off.

In regards to fluids, OEM is never a bad bet. I'm also an AMSOIL dealer and offer CVT fluid is a premium fluid option. A few other companies are out there that offer this, but these are two that I know of that are compatible. Here is the full fluid capacity:

 

To properly do an complete fluid change you need to make a closed loop system that allows the CVT to pump in fresh fluid as the return line is disconnected and catching the old fluid. You can do a drain/refill, but that'll be roughly 4-5 quarts of fluid. Also, keep in mind that the engine has to be running when you check the CVT fluid level, unless you want a giant puddle of fluid on your floor when you pull the fill plug off.

In regards to fluids, OEM is never a bad bet. I'm also an AMSOIL dealer and offer CVT fluid is a premium fluid option. A few other companies are out there that offer this, but these are two that I know of that are compatible. Here is the full fluid capacity:

View attachment 26467

I think I may have asked this already but is the OEM fluid Synth? Also, have you used to Amsoil? I'm a PC so I can get it cheaper though I am no where near needing to replace yet.

Is the Amsoil the same color as the OEM?