[cbidwell91]

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.

 

[cbidwell91]

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.

 

[cbidwell91]

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.

 

[cbidwell91]

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?

I'm not 100% sure if the OEM fluid is synthetic, but with the disclaimer that its "lifetime" tells me it probably is. AMSOIL CVT fluid is amber in color. Subaru actually uses two different CVT fluid colors between the TR580 and TR690. One is amber, the other is blue/green.

I haven't used the AMSOIL CVT in a Subaru yet, but I have in Nissans with great results.

 

[cbidwell91]

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: