Transmission Fluid change

Kensubguy · 04-10-2006, 10:10 AM

Hi guys;
When does Subaru recomend changing transmission fluid on 99 subaru legacy.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

blueb3 · 04-10-2006, 10:34 AM

If it's Auto I know it's part of the 60K service (they flush and fill ALL fluids)

fibuz · 04-10-2006, 11:28 AM

60k auto for sure, maybe 30k for 5MT.

cowapult · 04-10-2006, 11:45 AM

Do you not have an owner's manual?

sha_zapple · 04-10-2006, 11:52 AM

http://www.subaru.com/owners/schedules/index.jsp

blueb3 · 04-10-2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowapult

Do you not have an owner's manual?

not everyone get's one if they buy a used car. Either that, or he can't find the "search" tab

GTWagon_Phreak · 04-10-2006, 01:02 PM

I'm pretty sure they actually recommend it every 30K, if not 15K. If you really need official confirmation I can check the owner's manul

Jonathan · 04-10-2006, 09:40 PM

Pull the automatic transmission dip-stick.

The fluid on the dip-stick should be pink coloured.
If the fluid is brown, or if you sniff it and have a vaguely burnt smell, or you see dark coloured dirt spots floating in the fluid, it is past time to change your AT fluid.

sha_zapple · 04-11-2006, 12:27 AM

Is there any specific kind we should use, or will whatever off the shelf ATF work? Do we need to put anything else into the tranny with it?

NiTRoN · 04-11-2006, 12:49 AM

Dexron III ATF one..

AMSOIL just came out with syntetic version.. if you want to get the best one..

that one legacy · 04-11-2006, 02:39 AM

i've made it a point to change my transmission fluid once a year, no matter what the mileage (i suppose i would change it twice if i went over 30K miles in one year though), usually around late spring/early summer because i hate having to wait for a non-rainy day to do it.

i just use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, 4.2 quarts and you're set!

Kensubguy · 04-11-2006, 08:57 AM

I think the book says to check the fluid. I have never changed it and I am at 99k. Am I toasted guys? I should have asked sooner since someone at a shop said it was too late to change ATF now.

blueb3 · 04-11-2006, 09:19 AM

It's not too late, except for the way they change it. A good shop or the dealer will charge you more, but completely drain the tranny and flush it out. The cheaper chain shops usually stick a straw like device and pump the fluid out (most that they can get) and *maybe* replace the filter. The problem with that is there are impurities and sludge on the bottom and that prosess just stirs that crap up and it's back in the mix when they put the new fluid in, which causes a whole bunch of problems.

Kensubguy · 04-11-2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueb3

It's not too late, except for the way they change it. A good shop or the dealer will charge you more, but completely drain the tranny and flush it out. The cheaper chain shops usually stick a straw like device and pump the fluid out (most that they can get) and *maybe* replace the filter. The problem with that is there are impurities and sludge on the bottom and that prosess just stirs that crap up and it's back in the mix when they put the new fluid in, which causes a whole bunch of problems.

I figure to call the dealer might be the safest bet otherwise I might be exposing myself to tranny issues down the road.

that one legacy · 04-11-2006, 03:40 PM

well it's possible that you may have caused excessive wear on your tranny by not having the fluid changed for a long time, but it's hard to say for sure. is your tranny shifting wierd lately?

NiTRoN · 04-11-2006, 08:13 PM

if you going to change for the 1st time at 90K.. take down the trainy fuild pan down.. Yea.. that involves draining all fluid, removing screws and pulling pan down.. You will have to re-seal it with silicon high temperature sealer.. Reason you want to do this is because there is allot of crap/sludge on bottom of pan.. And I mean allot.. black sticky stuff.. Clean that up, and replace fluid.. then if you want to do total flush, you can take to dealer and they will be able to flush it without you worrying about all that junk being stirred up and screw up your tranny.. I have over 200K on trany, still runs great, no slips or anything.. and I've changed oil on regular basis.. and was forced to drop the pan down because seal started leaking, even though I still had allot of sludge..

that one legacy · 04-12-2006, 04:33 AM

there's also the Sea Foam Transmission flush, i've never used it myself but i've read lots of great reviews on it.

Kensubguy · 04-12-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by that one legacy

well it's possible that you may have caused excessive wear on your tranny by not having the fluid changed for a long time, but it's hard to say for sure. is your tranny shifting wierd lately?

Nothing unusual the tranny has always shifted hard at the low gear but nothing recent.
I am going to the dealership tommorow thursday and will report back.

Kensubguy · 04-13-2006, 01:53 PM

Got the fluid changed today by the dealership but they did not change the filter only the fluid it took them about an hour to do it. Is this this the normal way or was I taken.

ulei eagle · 04-13-2006, 06:30 PM

Can't really comment on whether you were taken or not by the Dealer, but I do know that in the repair book [Haynes or Chilton's, can't remember which it is] I have it says to drain/replace the fluid every 30,000 miles, but doesn't even mention anything about a tranny filter at all, much less changing it.

What would be a Part # for the filter if I wanted to change it myself on the '97 Legacy wagon with 2.2 engine my wife has?

GTWagon_Phreak · 04-13-2006, 06:43 PM

As far as I know, the filter on these cars isn't serviceable. You just replace the fluid.

ulei eagle · 04-14-2006, 01:58 PM

Actually, I called my local dealer today to see if they had a part# for a tranny filter & they confirmed that there is no replaceable filter at all: you just change fluid on a regular basis. They did state that there is a small screen/screens that can be removed, cleaned, & replaced, but you would have to take out the valve body to get at them

Kensubguy · 04-14-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ulei eagle

Actually, I called my local dealer today to see if they had a part# for a tranny filter & they confirmed that there is no replaceable filter at all: you just change fluid on a regular basis. They did state that there is a small screen/screens that can be removed, cleaned, & replaced, but you would have to take out the valve body to get at them

Well, then that makes me feel better. I have read that at times they do not change the whole fluid but just 6 quarts. Is this the practice?

ulei eagle · 04-14-2006, 03:05 PM

6 Qt?!...I hope not!

....Considering the recommended amount to put in after draining the old fluid is around 4 to 4 1/2 Qt [don't have my manual/repair book handy right now]....
Actually, when I was talking to the dealership today, they recommended putting in 4 Qt, then checking the level & topping off as needed...
Mind you, I have a '97 Legacy, you said you have a '99: but I doubt there would be such a large difference..

04-10-2006, 10:10 AM	#1
Kensubguy Scooby Newbie Member#: 84082 Join Date: Mar 2005	Transmission Fluid change Hi guys; When does Subaru recomend changing transmission fluid on 99 subaru legacy. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Transmission fluid Change	shinjyo	Service & Maintenance	15	10-09-2004 01:22 PM
transmission fluid change	CyCoFooKee	Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline	3	09-07-2004 06:23 PM
transmission fluid change	CyCoFooKee	Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain	4	09-02-2004 06:08 PM
Transmission fluid change	JDMSubaru	Service & Maintenance	3	12-13-2003 10:27 AM
Group Transmission-fluid Changing Day	crowbar	Southern California Impreza Club Forum -- SCIC	26	12-05-2003 09:09 PM

04-10-2006, 10:34 AM	#2
blueb3 Scooby Newbie Member#: 108471 Join Date: Feb 2006	If it's Auto I know it's part of the 60K service (they flush and fill ALL fluids)

04-10-2006, 11:28 AM	#3
fibuz Scooby Specialist Member#: 53410 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Tucson, AZ / Port Angeles, WA Vehicle: BE-> GD->GR->SG->BL WAawd.org	60k auto for sure, maybe 30k for 5MT.

04-10-2006, 11:45 AM	#4
cowapult Scooby Specialist Member#: 25324 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: London, UK (formerly Wash DC) Vehicle: 00 2.5RSwhite-sold 91 Legacy Turbo Red	Do you not have an owner's manual?

04-10-2006, 11:52 AM	#5
sha_zapple Scooby Specialist Member#: 41012 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Vehicle: 1998 Legacy L	http://www.subaru.com/owners/schedules/index.jsp

04-10-2006, 01:02 PM	#7
GTWagon_Phreak Scooby Specialist Member#: 95645 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: South FL Vehicle: 2006 LGT Stg2 5MT 97 LegacyGT Wagon 4EAT	I'm pretty sure they actually recommend it every 30K, if not 15K. If you really need official confirmation I can check the owner's manul

04-10-2006, 09:40 PM	#8
Jonathan Scooby Guru Member#: 4021 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Natick, MA USA Vehicle: 1999 Legacy GT Ltd Quick Silver Metallic	Pull the automatic transmission dip-stick. The fluid on the dip-stick should be pink coloured. If the fluid is brown, or if you sniff it and have a vaguely burnt smell, or you see dark coloured dirt spots floating in the fluid, it is past time to change your AT fluid.

04-11-2006, 12:27 AM	#9
sha_zapple Scooby Specialist Member#: 41012 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Vehicle: 1998 Legacy L	Is there any specific kind we should use, or will whatever off the shelf ATF work? Do we need to put anything else into the tranny with it?

04-11-2006, 12:49 AM	#10
NiTRoN Scooby Specialist Member#: 30556 Join Date: Nov 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cleveland, Ohio Vehicle: 2000 Legacy GT (BE) over 250,000 Miles	Dexron III ATF one.. AMSOIL just came out with syntetic version.. if you want to get the best one..

04-11-2006, 02:39 AM	#11
that one legacy Scooby Specialist Member#: 103665 Join Date: Dec 2005	i've made it a point to change my transmission fluid once a year, no matter what the mileage (i suppose i would change it twice if i went over 30K miles in one year though), usually around late spring/early summer because i hate having to wait for a non-rainy day to do it. i just use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, 4.2 quarts and you're set!

04-11-2006, 08:57 AM	#12
Kensubguy Scooby Newbie Member#: 84082 Join Date: Mar 2005	I think the book says to check the fluid. I have never changed it and I am at 99k. Am I toasted guys? I should have asked sooner since someone at a shop said it was too late to change ATF now.

04-11-2006, 09:19 AM	#13
blueb3 Scooby Newbie Member#: 108471 Join Date: Feb 2006	It's not too late, except for the way they change it. A good shop or the dealer will charge you more, but completely drain the tranny and flush it out. The cheaper chain shops usually stick a straw like device and pump the fluid out (most that they can get) and maybe replace the filter. The problem with that is there are impurities and sludge on the bottom and that prosess just stirs that crap up and it's back in the mix when they put the new fluid in, which causes a whole bunch of problems.

04-11-2006, 03:40 PM	#15
that one legacy Scooby Specialist Member#: 103665 Join Date: Dec 2005	well it's possible that you may have caused excessive wear on your tranny by not having the fluid changed for a long time, but it's hard to say for sure. is your tranny shifting wierd lately?

04-11-2006, 08:13 PM	#16
NiTRoN Scooby Specialist Member#: 30556 Join Date: Nov 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cleveland, Ohio Vehicle: 2000 Legacy GT (BE) over 250,000 Miles	if you going to change for the 1st time at 90K.. take down the trainy fuild pan down.. Yea.. that involves draining all fluid, removing screws and pulling pan down.. You will have to re-seal it with silicon high temperature sealer.. Reason you want to do this is because there is allot of crap/sludge on bottom of pan.. And I mean allot.. black sticky stuff.. Clean that up, and replace fluid.. then if you want to do total flush, you can take to dealer and they will be able to flush it without you worrying about all that junk being stirred up and screw up your tranny.. I have over 200K on trany, still runs great, no slips or anything.. and I've changed oil on regular basis.. and was forced to drop the pan down because seal started leaking, even though I still had allot of sludge..

04-12-2006, 04:33 AM	#17
that one legacy Scooby Specialist Member#: 103665 Join Date: Dec 2005	there's also the Sea Foam Transmission flush, i've never used it myself but i've read lots of great reviews on it.

04-13-2006, 01:53 PM	#19
Kensubguy Scooby Newbie Member#: 84082 Join Date: Mar 2005	Got the fluid changed today by the dealership but they did not change the filter only the fluid it took them about an hour to do it. Is this this the normal way or was I taken.

04-13-2006, 06:30 PM	#20
ulei eagle Scooby Newbie Member#: 108017 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: '97 Legacy Wagon Red 2.2L w/AT	Can't really comment on whether you were taken or not by the Dealer, but I do know that in the repair book [Haynes or Chilton's, can't remember which it is] I have it says to drain/replace the fluid every 30,000 miles, but doesn't even mention anything about a tranny filter at all, much less changing it. What would be a Part # for the filter if I wanted to change it myself on the '97 Legacy wagon with 2.2 engine my wife has?

04-13-2006, 06:43 PM	#21
GTWagon_Phreak Scooby Specialist Member#: 95645 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: South FL Vehicle: 2006 LGT Stg2 5MT 97 LegacyGT Wagon 4EAT	As far as I know, the filter on these cars isn't serviceable. You just replace the fluid.

04-14-2006, 01:58 PM	#22
ulei eagle Scooby Newbie Member#: 108017 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: '97 Legacy Wagon Red 2.2L w/AT	Actually, I called my local dealer today to see if they had a part# for a tranny filter & they confirmed that there is no replaceable filter at all: you just change fluid on a regular basis. They did state that there is a small screen/screens that can be removed, cleaned, & replaced, but you would have to take out the valve body to get at them

04-14-2006, 03:05 PM	#24
ulei eagle Scooby Newbie Member#: 108017 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: '97 Legacy Wagon Red 2.2L w/AT	6 Qt?!...I hope not! ....Considering the recommended amount to put in after draining the old fluid is around 4 to 4 1/2 Qt [don't have my manual/repair book handy right now].... Actually, when I was talking to the dealership today, they recommended putting in 4 Qt, then checking the level & topping off as needed... Mind you, I have a '97 Legacy, you said you have a '99: but I doubt there would be such a large difference..