Thanks, crv383! The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. If you have questions concerning this Privacy Policy or the practices of these sites, you may contact us. I've had cars where the sensors have varied from 185 f to 215 f. After 10 minutes of 7/10ths driving on the race track on a 70dF day my 2015 WRX saw 230dF oil temps. When the temperature crosses 250F, it hardens the rubber seals and leads to their cracking. Moon Rise. If anything, the company will continue to improve its CVT construction and design and expand upon its application to new models. I don't tow or go off road, just normal city and highway driving. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Both Subaru of America and Devoe Subaru in Naples have been unresponsive, dismissive, disrespectful, and uninterested in fixing my car in a timely, professional manner. crvownersclub.com is an independent Honda enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. If you're lucky they will change your fluid as part of the troubleshooting process and not charge you for it. Idle the engine to raise CVTF temperature to 35 45C (95 113F) on Subaru Select Monitor. No light warning for low oil displays. clutch) and a P-R-N-D-L-style shift pattern. 76k miles on the clock, original fluid. Temperature Control Dial 5. The transmission . Power is the speed at which energy (Gasoline) is converted to mechanical forces necessary to propel the vehicle. And many previous version Honda vehicles that reading is taken at the radiator, not the engine. 2022 Subaru WRX 2.4L CVT {{loadingIndicator}} Hamburger menu. I've only owned one previous Honda and that was 39 years ago.1979 Honda Civic CVCC (3 valve) Hatchback. Semi-synthetic? By getting narrower or fatter, these pulleys change the I bought it used with only 16000 and have only had it for a few months. I was stopped at a red light. Getting passed by Semi's does nothing for the reputation of these cars to passerby's, haha. (Some other manufacturers use belts.) Our dealership understands the importance of your privacy. Your car is safe when the temperature of the gearbox fluid hovers between 175 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Why Manual Transmission is Hard to Shift. If youre out of coverage or youve put a bunch of miles on your Subaru, some of the minor repairs cost roughly $1,000-$2,500. As a result, these seals leak both pressure and liquid. The app ActiveOBD can measure this figure on . I use the OBDLink LX OBD reader and Active OBD for Subaru stand-alone app. This data may also be used to tailor your experience on our sites by providing content that is relevant to your interests and geographic region. So what gives? Seems to read 185-205 for me in regular driving. 3 yrs late to the party. The extended vehicle warranties apply to the Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, and WRX. CAUTION: While working, be sure to keep the lower edge of the tires 30 cm or more above the ground as vehicle will vibrate. UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool and Information Center, X-Gauge Categories 2013+ Subaru Outback with CVT. Subscribers to our e-mail services (or any other feature/service found on our Web site) will not receive unsolicited e-mail messages from us. Adaptive control automatically shifts to the most optimal As an engine rises in RPM the sound produced varies in frequency. Choosing to buy a vehicle with a CVT is a point of preference. Optimum efficiency seems to be when both are in the 90C range (around 200F). It displays the tranny fluid temp from the signal it receives form the vehicle's computer.similar to the way the dealership's diagnostic computer receives signals/info from the vehicle's 'puter. It is not unusual for a CVT equipped vehicle to have better fuel efficiency than similar vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. Very impressed on how cool and consistent it keeps the oil temperature even when I am going WOT. JavaScript is disabled. I also have a scangauge. www.ultra-gauge.com Rub . Since I don't want to be messing with a phone all the time I prefer something with a dedicated display like the ScanGauge II that is always in place and comes on instantly every time I start the car. If that is not possible, I'll perform more frequent AT fluid changes. It could be several things but the main culprit is overworked transmission fluid. Then replace same amount with new Subaru CVTF. to turn on the defogger. This is the normal operating temperature for a transmission. If your vehicle pauses or hesitates when you press the gas, the CVT could be malfunctioning. Our dealership may partner with select retailers and other companies at various times to provide expanded services to our site visitors. Most cars run a higher RPMs during colder weather after a cold start. Thanks, crv383! They should've issued a recall, instead they extended the warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Subaru Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Benefits to Buying A Certified PreOwned Subaru. However, history, and the above complaints, have shown select 2010-2018 Subarus are prone to CVT problems. The optimal operating temperature for power output, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions for Boxer Engines ranges from 84 C to 100 C. Another process that a CVT helps to iron out is the need for the transmission to "hunt" for gears. It will help you take actions at the right time. As a general rule, oils have a fairly narrow normal operating range, roughly 160F-240F.. It's not likely that CVT's will operate at a significantly higher temperature than other oil lubricated equipment. to car speed. If the CVT is running too hot or too cold, what are you supposed to do about it? Fans engage about 185 (because of where the because its mounted at the bottom of the engine. My car had a broken transmission at 43,000 miles. The "help" section of the toolbar on most browsers will inform you on how to prevent your browser from accepting new cookies, how to have the browser notify you upon the receipt of a new cookie, or how to disable the use of cookies completely. When I am driving spiritedly I have seen as high as 210 but it quickly dropped down to 205. I placed it down on top of the open cubby lid. This information may include the type and version of your browser, your service provider, your IP address and any search engine you may have used to locate the site. I completed my first long tow with my 2016 Outback Limited 2.5. I do live in Texas, so we do get 100+ temps in the summer. Such parties only have access to the personal information needed to perform these functions and may not use or store the information for any other purpose. PLENTY HOT. I'm sure that is related to how the colors register for me with color-blind issues. Vettes run 240F+ under normal operating conditions, and close to 300F when racing. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. that it allows the engine to operate longer at a lower speed than conventional Based on all three winter months, however, the Free State was the coolest federal state - with an average of 1.9 degrees. Question type: General. Also, I have mounted over my mirror so not much glare. Just use a small syringe with some tubing to suck some fluid out. From what I've read, most people are running around 190* under normal conditions. If you are accustomed to conventional automatic transmissions, you may equate acceleration with the sound or vibrations from the rise and fall of engine RPM and the shock felt while the transmission upshifts. Thought that, I learned that the light illuminates at 265f degrees. 2022Recurrent Ventures. My experience is heat soak is the big struggle. After checking with a ScanGuage I found the transmission was running at 194F, right where Toyota says it should, but given the fluid condition I think that temperature is too hot. OBDLink MX Bluetooth is the first Bluetooth scan tool that can access GM SW-CAN & Ford MS-CAN networks in addition to standard OBDII protocols. I think that Temperature is too hot. People are freaking out over little things because they never had the option to monitor them right away. If you are not sure what would be the best choice for your Subaru, you can check out our in-depth guide about extended warranties. The Drive has put together additional resources you can use to educate yourself on Subarus CVT Problems: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The following sections are meant to describe the relationship between an engines power output, gear ratios, and their effect on fuel efficiency. I use the Nissan sylphy (Sentra in USA 1.6 cvt 2013 in Thailand) i monitor form OBD II Port check on program CVTZ50 I found the Tranmission in 184-188 in normal mode on the road with traffice jam in Bangkok every days. I'm assuming it is related to elevated CVT temp but want to measure and verify. Driving at slower speed OK. At the range of 45-60 mph, noise is very predominate, thus requiring me to drive at slower speeds than required. 2016 Forester: "Broken transmission due to broken transmission belt at 43,000 miles. Our Web sites may make chat rooms, forums, message boards, and/or news groups available to its users at various times. When decelerating over a longer distance such as a highway off ramp the CVT will keep the torque converter locked-up as long as possible to provide engine braking similar to a manual transmission equipped vehicle. It is a known issue with models with their original CVT transmission, but rather than issue a recall, theyre extending warranties and fixing as they break. 19mm Rear Sway Bar. Also, without a delay for shifting gears, a CVT equipped vehicle is able to steadily accelerate without interruption. For me, normal operating temperature is around 200 degrees. When doing so, we will make every reasonable effort to avoid excessive or irrelevant collection of data. I installed a transmission cooler and I now have the transmission running at 168F. Normal fluid looks red odor dark red but its a matter of concern when it develops a brownish tinge or turns dark. Be sure to subscribe for future videos.Subaru Specialty Tools - https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrsubaru1387?listId=2YVO5I1UIBLN. On our '17 CR-V, I've seen 219F tranny fluid temp so farlevel ground, not towing, 40 mile round trip at 75 mph, mid 90s ambient. "Eight days later, they confirmed my suspicions. Thirty-plus years of owning cars with many of them exceeding 200,000 miles, and never have I been in a car that carried the risk of killing me. When my OE coolant gauge gets to normal range, oil temperature is ~160F per my Defi gauge. 2012 Outback: Vehicle shudders and stalls when braking hard. Keeping the transmission temperature between 175 and 200 degrees will allow the fluid to last the longest. Do some research and you will find that 175 degrees F is an optimal temperature for an automatic transmission to run at. Any other PIDs out there Not listed on ScanGauges site? Here are some of the most common Subaru CVT problems: Several customers have mentioned that their vehicles came to jarring stops or stall during driving and won't restart. The CVT offers a compact design, a smooth ride with stepless acceleration, maximum torque provided by an immediate engine rev, and a cheaper price point than other types of transmissions. It's not like Toyota that recommends a scan tool for their CVT changes but you can get away with just measuring cold and refilling the same amount. The most common problem for this model year was total transmission failure which occurred for a number of drivers around a hundred thousand miles. The cooler is really a heat exchanger that uses engine coolant to cool the CVT fluid. With the small contact area, high pressure, and somewhat bell shaped Variators an unfortunate high pitched whining noise may be generated. To understand the operating characteristics of a CVT we need to understand why CVTs were developed and what they are designed to accomplish. HID upgrade from retrofit source. Raise the vehicle. For those of you concerned with monitoring CVT temps while towing, I have confirmed that the CVT Temperature Reading in ActiveOBD is accurate. This is also the point at which the combustion of air and fuel is most efficient, resulting in lower exhaust emissions. For a CVT equipped vehicle, the Chain is not solidly locked to the Variators, and a sudden shock such as this could possibly cause it to slip, damaging both it and the Variators, so the vehicle must come to a complete stop before a change in direction can be achieved. Understanding and monitoring the limits of the CVT fluid temperature seems like a completely reasonable precaution anyone should take while towing a trailer of any weight. Plan is to try to have AT fluid temp above 215 F only for short period of times. Instead, the CVT uses a pair of variable diameter, cone-shaped pulleys connected by a steel chain, which transfers all engine power. Seems General Subaru Community related. The chain link is connected to both the input shaft and the output shaft, and as the pulleys change, so do the drive ratios. Thought that would take care of the AT temp light but it did not . http://www.subaruoutback.org/forumsic-trailer-brake-controller-installation.html, http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/104-gen-4-2010-2014/323545-cvt-temps-ultragauge-blue.html, http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/138-gen-5-2015-present/316394-cvt-cooler-5.html. A highly heated state oxidizes it and makes it form varnish on the internal parts of the components such as the valve body. Remember the From September 2014, it was replaced with modified TR580 transmission in Outback 2.5 l gasoline-powered models. My 2017 forester non-turbo is my first subaru and also my first cvt vehicle. 2016 CRV Touring AWD. I'd bring into the dealer for sure. Another advantage of CVT is When I am driving spiritedly I have seen as high as 210 but it quickly dropped down to 205. I generally prefer the truth whenever I decide what I want it to be. And it seems to stay around 218*+. Just what Subaru advertises and claims it is used for, main roads, light off-road (that most cars could go on really) and light towing. I drive over sand in summer and this is deep sugar sand and things do run hotter. Recommend it. A 40min drive 5 times a week with some of stop and go traffic. When upshifting to subsequent gears the same will occur once more. As it has no physical gears or fixed gear ratios it provides an advantages in terms of acceleration, smoothness, fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. We do not sell, rent, or trade consumer information to third parties, other than as described below, and never without your consent. In your case I don't think you should do anything different other than follow the "severe use" schedule if you want piece of mind. On the back wheel, there were Luckily, the car behind me was paying attention and was able to slow down and not hit us. Subaru AT Oil Temp light flashing Issues, Meaning, Causes & Solution.If you are driving, and suddenly, the AT Oil Temp light started flashing; it could mean. Thats why I think my experience and his with head winds was the worst regarding heat issues. To change the effective gear ratio, the width of these pulleys changes, causing the chain to ride higher or lower resulting in a different gear ratio. Subaru Genuine CVTF-II CVT Transmission Fluid (6 Quarts)- SOA427V1660 OEM AUTO Genuine Subaru CVTF-II is compatible with almost all Subarus and their hybrid. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If all the components are functional and you are driving at a normal speed, the ideal transmission temperature is 175F or less. Got up to 240 degrees before having to pull off for gasoline. 2. Features & Benefits Enhanced friction durability prolongs transmission life and promotes smooth shifting. Because of this design simplicity, CVTs offer a number of advantages over traditional automatic transmissions. Welcome to the Subaru Outback Owners Forum, we have tons of information about your Subaru Outback, from a Subaru Outback Wiki to customer reviews. control is in tune with changes in engine speed, maximising drivability and The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The thermostat also opens around 175. crvownersclub.com is not in any way affiliated with Honda Motor Company, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If you want to trade barbs do it by PM. Light hasn't come on at all today, but I read temps as high as 228*. 3. different size gears. They are both based on a chain variator. needed, calling up higher engine speeds (or RPM) for better Regardless, this is about a brand new WRX. Yes, yesterday I was running errands in typical suburban traffic, a mix of surface streets and a 55mph+ primary highway. Regular maintenance and checkup is the key to keeping ideal transmission temperature. That's 115C normal and 130C+ racing. ATF flows easily at room temperature so there's not much need to warm it up in order to drain it. Once a steady speed is met, the TCM adjusts to the highest gear ratio possible to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Hi all, new to this forum since I purchased a North American 2018 Forester 2.5i about six months ago. Doing away with the more complicated design may suggest that CVTs are less problematic, but that is not the case. But you're only towing 1500 lbs and that's not even close to the towing limits of the Wilderness model. Actually its too bright I use the low light setting. I left a message with the dealership, and I am awaiting a return phone call to have the vehicle assessed.. Just park it in the snow until it cools down. The parts of the gearbox rub against each other and the subsequent friction creates a great amount of internal heat. Get it together, Subaru. Welcome to the Subaru Outback Owners Forum, we have tons of information about your Subaru Outback, from a Subaru Outback Wiki to customer reviews. The lock up clutch is not able to withstand the forces associated with shifting gears and generally does not lock up until the transmission is in the highest gear and above 60 km/h. I have seen over 240F CVT-F temp in my XT and dont consider it a problem at all, as that has been when towing over mountain passes. Go anywhere on the internet and look at the failure rate of the CVTs (Subaru has used 2, the 580 and the 690) and compare them to the failure rate of the older 4/5EATs. This is normal operation for many CVTs and likely not a cause for concern. industry SPECIFICATIONS Meets Dexron-IIIH, Mercon However, dirt in the fuel or components, lack of regular maintenance, and damaged or broken parts, fluid leakage, driving at a high speed for a long time, and a couple of other reasons cause the transmission fluid to heat up. Cookies can also be utilized to help us provide you with information targeted to your interests, based upon your prior browsing on our Web sites. Copyright 1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc. http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2-5-litere-ranges.html, http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2-5-lite-pressure.html, http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=856553, http://www.i-club.com/forums/engine--normal-64951/. Steering Dampener Lock Down. Cold is not always best. Unbelievable. My understanding is that Forester Wilderness has TR 580 CVT with modified final drive/upgraded cooling and that is not identical to transmission that is in Outback Wilderness. CVTs differ from traditional automatic transmissions in that they do not have gears that provide "steps" between low and high speed operation. To spray washer fluid, pull and hold the lever toward you. Do get this on Amazon.com. 1800 N John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32804, 1800 N John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32804. Now about why transmission temperatures should be regulated -- excessive heat can warp things like clutch packs, torque converter blades, and the steel belt. On other occasions she would stop on a hill, and the car would shudder and come to a stop and die. If you were towing at the upper limits of the Wilderness then yes, you should be concerned about temperature. I'll take it in after I get back to town next week. Increased resistance to oil oxidation and degradation. I find the engine no very fuel efficient and even further down on power while oil temp is below 60C (its like half the speed at a given RPM level).