Delayed Or Harsh Engagement Of CVT (16-97-15)

DELAYED OR HARSH ENGAGEMENT OF CVT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

APPLICABILITY

All 2013-16MY, 4-Cylinder, N/A Models with CVT

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing a customer concern of a delayed and / or harsh engagement of the CVT (model TR580) when shifting into Reverse or Drive from Neutral.

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION

If determined necessary after road testing, perform a Time Lag Test following the procedure below.

• With the CVTF temperature between 140-176 degrees F (60-80 degrees C), the elapsed time standard for CVT engagement is 1.5 seconds  when shifting into either Reverse or Drive from Neutral.
• Use a stopwatch to measure the elapsed time from when the shifter is moved until the engagement is felt as accurately as possible.
• With the engine idling, move the shifter from Neutral into Drive and measure the elapsed time until engagement is felt. Perform this test 3 times leaving at least 1 minute between each test making accurate notes of your results.
• With the engine idling, move the shifter from Neutral into Reverse and measure the elapsed time until engagement is felt. Perform this test 3 times leaving at least 1 minute between each test making accurate notes of your results.
• Average your times for both tests to determine your final result.

If the Time Lag Test results are within the 1.5 second  specification and engagement "feel" is judged as acceptable, the procedure is complete.

If the Time Lag Test results are NOT within specification, perform the Learning Control Procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

• After successful completion of the Learning Control Procedure, perform the Extra Learning Control Procedure following the flow chart steps below. The following parameters must be met before beginning:
  • CVTF temperature is between 86-194 degrees F (30-90 degrees C)
  • Brake pedal depressed
  • Engine speed at 800 RPM with the A/C OFF

If the Neutral to Drive time lag is still determined to be excessive, either the Secondary (line) pressure is too low, or a problem exists in the forward clutch or valve body assembly. Continue testing following the Basic Diagnostic Procedure (CVT(diag)) outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

If the Neutral to Reverse time lag is still determined to be excessive, either the Secondary (line) pressure is too low, or a problem exists in the reverse brake clutch or valve body assembly. Continue testing following the Basic Diagnostic Procedure (CVT(diag)) outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

If the Time Lag Test results are now within the 1.5 second  specification and the engagement feel after shifting into Drive and Reverse is judged to be acceptable, the procedure is complete.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or Powertrain Warranty period or covered by a Subaru Added Security Powertrain, Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:

LABOR DESCRIPTION	LABOR OPERATION #	FAIL CODE	LABOR TIME
TIME LAG TEST, RESULTS WITHIN SPECIFICATION	A383-118	MFE-85	0.5
TIME LAG TEST WITH LEARNING CONTROL PROCEDURES	A383-228	MFF-42	1.0

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 

• SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
• Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
• Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.