Changing Automatic Transmission Fluid (is easy)

[mckeand13]

I found a bit of info. This service manual page shows the lines coming out of the tranny. I'll just have to trace them up to the radiator.

[Brucey]

The ATF line is connected to the bottom of the radiator.

[mckeand13]

Originally posted by Brucey
The ATF line is connected to the bottom of the radiator.

Yes.

Do you know which one is the return to the tranny? Left or right as sitting in the drivers seat?

[ETC]

Originally posted by mckeand13
Can somebody ID the pressure and return side of the two tranny lines going into the radiator?

Here's my plan:

1) Drain the pan (probably drain about 3qt from what I've read)
2) Refill to appropraite level
3) Remove return line going from radiator to tranny. connect hose to it and run it into a jug.
4) Start car for a short period of time and drain out 1 or 2 qts. (from what I understand, it doesn't come out really fast. Is that true?)
5) Shut car off and refill to appropriate level
6) Repeat until fluid is clear coming from return line.

Anybody have any thoughts on that?

Thanks.

never done it, in most auto trans the return line dumps the "cooled" fluid into the pan and a pick up tube feeds the system. not sure what the advantage of removing the drain line would be if you are basically just filling and draining.

if the fluid is not pretty clear anyway, you have some problem. the fluid usually looks pretty clear [red], it just breaks down over time and doesn't work quite as well.

a few regular drain/drive cycles will accomplish the same thing and you don't have to worry about the trans lines.

after two drains you should have around 70% new fluid.

[Brucey]

which line is which shouldn't really matter. Although offhand on my 00 the closer one to the hard lines is the one going back to the tranny.

[mckeand13]

Originally posted by Brucey
which line is which shouldn't really matter. Although offhand on my 00 the closer one to the hard lines is the one going back to the tranny.

I'll just trace them.

I definitely want the one coming OUT of the radiator. That way I get all of the fluid changed out in it. Not sure how much it holds, but why not.

[plain OM]

Originally posted by Brucey
. . .

The Transmission Fluid. Five quarts should be enough. I use Mobil 1 ATF and have to say its worth it. If not, the transmission uses Dexron III/Mercon fluid. Available at any auto parts store, or even walmart.

For MY 2006+, Subaru recommends not using Dexron III if we want a smooth running ATM. (This was the subject of an article in the December Tech Tips.)

My MY07 Owners Manual lists HP ATF (and some equivalents) and has the following Note in the Maintenance and service section in regard to the use of Dexron III in the 4 AT:

“If the recommended automatic transmission fluid is unavailable, Dexron III may be temporarily used. If Dexron III is used continuously there will be a noticeable increase in the vibration and noise coming from the automatic transmission.”

[Siper2]

Hey all.

My wife has an '01 LL Bean wagon, the first of the H-6s.

A couple weeks ago, while driving to/from Pittsburgh on I-76, she got some weird bucking a couple times, and a quick engine light flicker. It then stopped.

North Ursalia (from NASIOC and www.northursalia.com) recommended swapping the fluid. I went to the dealer, and they told me that it needs 7 qts. or a little less. I wasn't thinking about filters, so I didn't pick one up.

I was poking around other forums and found out that it's closer to 4 qts. And heard about the filter, which I think is like $50 MSRP.

Then I saw the light and remembered to come here and ask you guys.


So! I think the tranny is the same, but can anyone verify for me?
This car has about 104K miles on it. It was a Florida car until 2005.

With the posts in here, it seems that you can't get a full fluid drain without praying to the rain gods. The dealer told me that it was ~$150 for the fluid flush/clean-out service. They supposedly use a machine for this, but Subaru also sells a compressed can of some kind of cleaner. It's in the OE Pro fluid brochure, or whatever it's called.
Might be in here: http://www.endwrench.com/oep/oeppdf/OEPROchem.pdf

I want to flush the fluid properly, but don't want to disconnect half the car to accomplish that goal. It was like $24 for 7 qts. of fluid, plus it'll be probably $35 at least for the filter (if I get it from like SubaruGenuineParts.com). Plus the pressurized stuff, if I want to do that....

It may seem worthwhile to spend a few extra bucks, and just let someone else do it.

Anyway. Prodding for info.

-Chris

[mckeand13]

I can't seem to find a dealer (Subaru) that will do a flush for me.

All of them (3) have told me that Subaru does not recommend a flush, just a drain and refill.

Make sure you ask your dealer exactly what they are doing, if it's a true flush or just a drain and fill.

[Siper2]

The guy said that they hooked it up to a machine that pulled the fluid out, then put a cleaner/conditioner of some sort in there, then filled it with fresh fluid.