🔧 Impreza - CVT Fluid Drain & Refill

This service replaces the fluid in your Impreza’s CVT (automatic transmission). Fresh CVT fluid helps prevent slipping, overheating, and expensive transmission damage. This is a “drain & refill” (not a power flush), and the fluid level must be set at a specific temperature.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface; the CVT level check is very sensitive to tilt.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ CVT fluid and exhaust parts can be hot; wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the CVT—clean around plugs before opening.
• ⚠️ Do not “flush” the CVT with solvents or universal ATF.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Metric socket set (8mm-17mm)
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Trim clip remover
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
• Long neck funnel
• Graduated measuring container (at least 6 quarts)
• OBD-II scan tool with CVT fluid temperature data (specialty)
• Shop towels
• Brake cleaner spray

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Subaru CVT fluid (CVTF-II) - Qty: 6 quarts
• CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• CVT overflow/check plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat, level surface and chock the rear wheels.
• Plan to monitor CVT fluid temperature with an OBD-II scan tool. This is required to set the level correctly.
• Cleanliness matters: wipe dirt before opening plugs.
• Assumption: Your Impreza uses Subaru CVTF-II and the common Subaru CVT overflow-style level check procedure.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the CVT slightly

• Start the engine and let it idle for 3-5 minutes.
• Use the OBD-II scan tool with CVT fluid temperature data (specialty) to confirm the CVT fluid is warming up (you’ll set final level later at a specific temp window).

Step 2: Raise and support the car level

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front, then place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Lift the rear and support it too so the car sits level front-to-rear.
• Place wheel chocks to prevent rolling.

Step 3: Remove the lower covers (undertray)

• Use a trim clip remover for plastic clips and a metric socket set (8mm-12mm) with ratchet for bolts.
• Set clips/bolts aside in a tray so you don’t lose them.

Step 4: Identify the CVT drain plug and overflow/check plug

• Use safety glasses and a flashlight (from your workspace) to locate the CVT pan area.
• Clean the area around both plugs using brake cleaner spray and shop towels.
• Do not open anything you haven’t cleaned.

Step 5: Drain the old CVT fluid

• Position a drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the drain plug.
• Use the correct size from your metric socket set (8mm-17mm) and ratchet to remove the CVT drain plug.
• Let it drain until it slows to a drip.
• Pour the drained fluid into a graduated measuring container (at least 6 quarts) and record the amount (this is your refill baseline).

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Install a new CVT drain plug crush washer.
• Thread the plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 Nm range) to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
• If it doesn’t thread smoothly, stop and re-align.

Step 7: Refill the CVT with Subaru CVTF-II

• Use a fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty) and/or long neck funnel (depending on your fill access point) to add Subaru CVT fluid (CVTF-II).
• Add the same amount you measured coming out (start slightly under, then you’ll fine-tune level during the temperature check).
• Keep everything clean—cap bottles and wipe the fill area.

Step 8: Cycle the shifter to fill passages

• With the car still safely on stands and level, start the engine.
• Hold the brake, then move the shifter slowly through P-R-N-D, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position.
• Return to P and let it idle.

Step 9: Set the CVT fluid level at the correct temperature

• Use the OBD-II scan tool with CVT fluid temperature data (specialty) to monitor CVT fluid temperature.
• Target the common Subaru level-check window: 35-45°C (95-113°F).
• With the engine idling and temperature in range, remove the overflow/check plug using the correct size from your metric socket set (8mm-17mm) and ratchet.
• If fluid dribbles out in a steady thin stream, let it slow to a drip (that indicates correct level).
• If little or no fluid comes out, add CVTF-II using the fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty) until it begins to dribble out.
• Install a new CVT overflow/check plug crush washer, then tighten with a torque wrench (10-100 Nm range): Torque to 15 Nm (11 ft-lbs).
• Too hot = wrong reading; cool and re-check.

Step 10: Reinstall the undertray

• Use the metric socket set (8mm-12mm) and ratchet for bolts.
• Use the trim clip remover to reinstall any clips without breaking them.

Step 11: Lower the car

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum), then lower the car.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive 10-15 minutes with gentle acceleration (no hard launches).
• Park, let it idle, and check underneath for leaks.
• If you notice flare/slip, delayed engagement, or whining, re-check the level using the same temperature window and procedure.
• Dispose of old CVT fluid properly at a recycling center or parts store that accepts used fluids.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$550 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$170 (parts only)

You Save: $200-$380 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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