Periodic Maintenance Services: ATF: Inspection

CAUTION: The level of ATF varies with fluid temperature. Pay attention to the fluid temperature when checking ATF level.

Raise the ATF temperature by driving a distance of 5 - 10 km (3 - 6 miles). Otherwise, idle the engine to raise ATF temperature to 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F) on Subaru Select Monitor.<Ref. to READ CURRENT DATA , OPERATION, Subaru Select Monitor. >
Make sure the vehicle is level.
After selecting all positions (P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1), set the select lever in "P" range. Idle the engine for 1 or 2 minutes, and measure the ATF level.

Fig 1: Identifying Level Gauge With Upper And Lower Level
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Make sure that ATF level is between the upper level and lower level.
NOTE: When the transmission is hot, the level should be above the center of upper and lower marks, and when it is cold, the level should be found below the center of these two marks.
If the ATF level is below the center between upper and lower marks, add the recommended ATF until the ATF level reaches the upper level.
CAUTION:
- Use care not to exceed the upper limit level.
- Be sure not to add ATF up to the upper limit mark when the transmission is cold because that will be the cause for excessive filling of ATF, and will cause transmission failure.
Check the ATF level as instructed in step 3), after raising ATF temperature to 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F) by running the vehicle or by idling the engine again.
Check the ATF for leaks.
Check for leaks inside of the transmission. If there are leaks, repair or replace the gasket, oil seals, plugs or other parts.