When should I change my transmission fluid in my Subaru Legacy?

When to Change Transmission Fluid in a Subaru Legacy
Subaru recommends inspecting the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles and changing it depending on its condition. The frequency of fluid changes depends on driving conditions, use of the vehicle, and mileage. For cars exposed to severe driving conditions, such as extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go traffic, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. However, for Subarus driven in California, most of them need their drive-train fluids changed out every 60,000 miles, and a handful require them to be changed out at 30,000 miles upon inspection.
It’s important to note that automatic, CVT, and manual transmissions all use different types of fluid, so it’s crucial to consult the owner’s manual for the correct transmission fluid to use. Additionally, the transmission filter should be replaced every 30,000 or 50,000 miles .
It’s also recommended to check the automatic transmission fluid every six months to ensure that the oil isn’t burned and that the oil levels are normal. Low transmission fluid levels can lead to many transmission problems in the Legacy. The Legacy uses special transmission fluid in its automatic transmissions that must be purchased from Subaru or from an auto parts store that carries fluid approved for use in Subaru transmissions.
For manual transmission Subarus, changing the transmission fluid can be a time-consuming task, but it’s a relatively easy DIY job as long as you have the right tools and follow the correct procedure. It’s important to drain and refill the transmission fluid, which is different from a transmission fluid flush.
In summary, the frequency of changing the transmission fluid in a Subaru Legacy depends on driving conditions, use of the vehicle, and mileage. It’s recommended to inspect the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles and change it as necessary, especially for cars exposed to severe driving conditions.
If you have any further questions or need more details, feel free to ask!

At what mileage should you not change transmission fluid?

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There’s no harm in changing your fluid early.

How much does it cost to change the transmission fluid in a Subaru Legacy?

The average cost for a Subaru Legacy Transmission Fluid Change is between $186 and $207. Labor costs are estimated between $79 and $100 while parts are typically priced around $107. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How long does Subaru transmission fluid last?

For instance, Transmission Fluid Services vary from make to model and driver to driver, but typically the range is once every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

What happens if you never change transmission fluid?

The main thing that happens if you don’t change your transmission fluid is that the system can overheat and cause a system failure. Low transmission fluid can also delay or cause difficulty in shifting, which can prevent your vehicle from accelerating or operating correctly.

How often do you change the transmission fluid in a Subaru Legacy?

between 30,000 and 60,000 miles
Your individual driving style and frequency will play into how often you’ll need this service, but the recommended interval is usually between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.

Does Subaru recommend transmission flush?

If you don’t change your Subaru transmission fluid, your transmission will have broken metal shavings and different corrosive material spread throughout the vital components of your Subaru. You should ordinarily check the fluid levels between your fluid and transmission flush service intervals.

How do I know when my transmission fluid needs to be changed?

Slipping gears: If the transmission is slipping out of gear as you drive or takes too long to engage, the transmission fluid may be low. This means it’s time to change the fluid. Rough or noisy shifting: If you notice that the transmission jerks or shifts loudly, the fluid may be old or contaminated.

Is it OK to change transmission fluid after 100k miles?

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There’s no harm in changing your fluid early.

Why do people say never change transmission fluid?

Automatic transmissions can slip from low fluid, wrong fluid, internal failure and more. On manual transmissions, they will slip as clutches become worn. Not all unmaintained transmissions will start to slip after having the fluid changed, however it’s common enough that many mechanics warn against doing it.

What is the downside of transmission flush?

And some people warn against performing a flush on a transmission using old, dirty fluid. The flushing procedure may cause some fluid to move in the opposite direction of normal flow due to eddy currents, which may increase the risk of dislodging debris and causing it to settle somewhere it shouldn’t.