2011 subaru legacy transmission fluid dipstick location

2011 subaru legacy transmission fluid dipstick location

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The automatic transmission fluid in your Subaru Legacy should be checked every six months to make sure that the oil isn't burned and that the oil levels are normal. Many transmission problems on the Legacy can be traced back to low transmission fluid levels. The Legacy uses special transmission fluid in its automatic transmissions that you must either purchase from Subaru or locate an auto parts store which carries fluid approved for use in Subaru transmissions.

Step 1

Start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temperature. Normal operating temperature is reached when the needle on the water gauge sits in the middle of the gauge between the upper and lower marks.

Step 2

Open the hood and pull out the looped handle in the back of the engine. This is the transmission dipstick.

Step 3

Check the oil level on the end of the dipstick. The oil level needs to be between the upper and lower marks on the end of the dipstick. If the fluid level is low, place a funnel in the filler neck and fill the transmission until the fluid level sits between the marks on the end of the dipstick. Use a rag to wipe up any oil you spill.

Step 4

Smell the oil on the dipstick. If it smells burned, you need to replace the fluid or have it replaced for you.

References

  • "Subaru Legacy, Outback, Baja, Forester Repair Manual 2000-2006;" Robert Maddox, John H. Haynes; 2006

Things You'll Need

  • Transmission fluid (if necessary)
  • Funnel (if necessary)
  • Shop rag

Writer Bio

I am a Registered Financial Consultant with 6 years experience in the financial services industry. I am trained in the financial planning process, with an emphasis in life insurance and annuity contracts. I have written for Demand Studios since 2009.

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Production of the fifth generation 2010 Subaru Legacy began the last week of May 2009 at the Indiana location, and was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

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2011 subaru legacy transmission fluid dipstick location

How to added transmission oil

how to added transmission oil

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boris, not an easy thing to do. Going to be tough without a lift or a pit. There is a fill plug on the back of the transmission. Remove the plug and put a finger in the hole. If it doesn't come out with fluid on it, it's low. To refill, fill it up in the hole until it comes out. Remember to use CVT fluid only

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It should be up to the bottom of the hole somewhere around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Transmission fluid doesn’t last forever. You need to replace it every 30K-100K miles, depending on the type of transmission you have and the age of your vehicle. Sometimes you would need to replace your transmission fluid earlier than usual. For example, if you use your vehicle to tow often, your transmission fluid will degrade faster.

You don’t need to cross your fingers and hope that your transmission fluid will last until the next change. You can check the fluid now to see if it’s still good. Read on to find out how to do this.

Why You Need To Replace Your Transmission Fluid In Regular Intervals

2011 subaru legacy transmission fluid dipstick location

A transmission has many different moving metal parts, including gears, valves, and clutches. These parts wear out over time. When that happens, these parts create debris. As the transmission fluid cycles through the transmission, it picks up the debris. Over time, the transmission fluid becomes too dirty to properly lubricate and cool the transmission.

The transmission filter traps some of the debris, but not all of it. So over time, the transmission fluid degrades too much to serve its purpose.

When your transmission fluid degrades too much, you’ll notice some problems, such as:

  • Hard shifts
  • Trouble going into gear
  • Thumps between gears
  • Slipping or jumping gears
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Whining or grinding noise coming from the transmission

The most telling sign to look for is a noticeable change in the transmission fluid color. You can do this by checking the transmission fluid. Want your transmission to last as long as possible? Replace the fluid in regular intervals, as recommended by Subaru for your particular model. It’s a good idea to check your transmission fluid every 6 months to see if it’s still in good shape. It’s also a good idea to check it once you notice the symptoms of degraded transmission fluid.

Checking The Transmission Fluid

2011 subaru legacy transmission fluid dipstick location

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It’s easy to check the transmission fluid on your Subaru. It takes only a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Start the engine. Warm it up to normal operating temperatures. Keep an eye on the water gauge on the instrument cluster. If the needle sits in the middle, then the engine is warmed up to normal operating temperatures. If your Subaru has a transmission fluid temperature sensor gauge, you can keep an eye on that, too. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can drive your car for several miles to warm up the engine faster.
  2. Make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface.
  3. Shift the transmission in each position before setting it in park. Leave the engine idling.
  4. Open the hood and then find the looped handle near the back of the engine. That’s the Subaru transmission fluid dipstick. Be sure you are grabbing the transmission dipstick instead of the oil dipstick.
  5. With a clean rag, wipe the dipstick dry.
  6. Put the dipstick back in, and then pull it out and read it.

Inspecting The Transmission Fluid

First, check the fluid level on the dipstick. It needs to be between the upper and lower marks. If it’s below the lower mark, your Subaru doesn’t have enough transmission fluid. You would need to either top it off or do a transmission fluid flush. It depends on whether the fluid is still in good shape.

Next, smell the fluid on the dipstick and inspect its color. Does it smell burnt? What does the color look like?

  • Fresh and healthy transmission fluid has a light red, somewhat transparent color.
  • Transmission fluid that’s in good condition is light brown and semi-transparent.
  • If the transmission fluid is opaque and either dark brown or black, it’s bad. In this case, you need to do a transmission fluid flush.

Here are a few tips for doing a transmission fluid flush:

  • Be sure to replace the transmission filter too.
  • Find out your Subaru’s transmission fluid capacity first. You don’t want to give your car too much transmission fluid.

Do you have any questions about checking the transmission fluid on your Subaru? We’ll be happy to help. Please contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Where is transmission dipstick Subaru Legacy?

Transmission Fluid Level Check Subaru Legacy (2015-2019) 2.5i Premium 2.5L 4 Cyl. Our research indicates that your vehicle does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. These types of transmissions are designed to be maintenance free.

Why is there no transmission dipstick?

If you have a late-model car, it may not have a dipstick for checking the transmission fluid. Not only does this make it difficult to check fluid level and condition, it also eliminates the dipstick tube or opening through that fluid is normally added to an automatic transmission.