I have a 2011 Outback 2.5i 115k miles. In Feb of 2015 I had issues and the Torque Coverter was repaired by the dealer. Car still did not feel completely "right" since then. Fast forward to earlier this week . My wife received a bunch of Christmas tree warning lights and took it to the dealer. They told her it would likely be control valve and wiring harness ($1700) . Now they told her there is metal in the transmission and will likely need new transmission. They sent her this picture. Could this be cause by the dealers improper repair last year ?
The torque converter issue for which it was repaired does cause a part in the torque converter to wear out and the metal filings end up in the transmission fluid stream and either end up in the pan magnet or the solenoid valves (they are electro magnetic). So if the issue stretches on it can kill the solenoids too - as a ripple effect from the metal filings released by the torque converter issue.
If they replaced the torque converter and didn't properly flush out those metals from the rest of the transmission that could be why you are seeing what you are seeing.
Since you were only being charged for 4 quarts of CVT fluid they must not have replaced more than what the torque converter holds.
I don't know what the TSB for this issue instructs them to do but knowing the issue I would have wanted them to also drain and drop the pan, clean the magnet and replace or clean the pickup screen. My guess is that by not doing so they left all the debris from the failing torque converter in the system leading to what you now have. Time for a call to SOA to seek guidance.
Yeah - that's what I would do. They are known to be good at helping people out when stuff like this happens.
Here is the TSB announcing the issue that likely caused your original torque converter to need replacement - as you can see the washer wear is documented and we have some other threads on this forum where the ripple effect of bad solenoids have been seen:
Service Bulletin # 16-90-13 Design Change to Lock-Up Type Torque Converter
Bulletin Description: This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop. The condition is similar to coming to a stop in a manual transmission equipped vehicle without depressing the clutch pedal. Thrust washer wear inside the torque converter can cause restriction of the oil passage used to bleed off lock-up clutch application pressure. The result is either a delayed (momentary low engine rpm) or no lock-up pressure release. The thrust washer has been changed from a solid bushing-type to a needle bearing type.
Also - keep in mind there's a certain "armchair diagnostics" associated with my responses here - I'm taking guesses - but you should work with SOA to confirm what has happened. Don't take my word for more than an informed-at-best opinion
I'm probably a bit "special" for doing so - most people would argue to stick with original parts and don't do anything that SOA can push back on. I personally like the peace of mind the magnets give though.
My dealer offered to do rebuild transmission for $3400. SOA offered me $1k off of a new remanufactured transmission ... disappointed across the board. Subaru has certainly lost a future customer in me.
I'm not sure if improper procedure of the TC replacement led to your failure as someone else pointed out ,but if it did, perhaps the dealer should pick most if not all the cost up. You need to figure that out. I would still push SOA for more involvement.