How do I tell if my Subaru has a CVT?
If you own a Subaru, it's important to know whether your vehicle is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a traditional automatic transmission. Identifying the type of transmission in your Subaru can help you understand its maintenance needs and driving characteristics. In this article, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to determine if your Subaru has a CVT.
What is a CVT?
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission that uses a belt or chain to provide a seamless and infinite range of gear ratios, rather than the fixed gear ratios found in traditional automatic transmissions. CVTs offer improved fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience compared to traditional automatics. Many Subaru models, including the Impreza, Outback, and Ascent, are available with a CVT.
Identifying a CVT in Your Subaru
There are several ways to determine if your Subaru is equipped with a CVT:
- Check the Transmission Fluid: CVTs typically use a special type of transmission fluid, often labeled as "CVT fluid" or "CVTF." If your Subaru's transmission fluid is a bright red or reddish-orange color, it's likely a CVT.
- Inspect the Transmission Dipstick: If your Subaru has a transmission dipstick, look for the words "CVT" or "Continuously Variable Transmission" printed on it.
- Examine the Transmission Selector: Subaru CVTs often have a unique transmission selector that looks different from a traditional automatic transmission selector. The selector may have a "D" for drive and an "L" for low, rather than the typical "P, R, N, D" layout.
- Listen to the Engine Sound: When accelerating, a CVT-equipped Subaru may produce a higher-pitched, whining sound compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
If you're still unsure, consult your Subaru's owner's manual or contact your local Subaru dealer for more information about the specific transmission in your vehicle.
Understanding CVT Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of a CVT. Subaru recommends regular CVT fluid changes, typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations. It's also important to avoid towing your Subaru with all four wheels on the ground if it has a CVT, as this can damage the transmission.
By following these steps, you can easily determine if your Subaru is equipped with a CVT and ensure that you maintain it properly to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
How to tell if a Subaru has a CVT transmission?
Easy. If it does not have 3.6 on the tailgate and it is an automatic it will be a cvt. The cvt is the only automatic available with the 2.5i four cylinder engine.
How can I tell if I have a CVT transmission?
A simple way to tell is just accelerate hard and see if you have a distinct shift at every gear with rpm drop during upshift. 5speed will have the traditional up shift at each gear change. CVT will just have rpm stays high while accelerating. Should be pretty clear.
Does the VIN tell what transmission I have?
You can find your transmission type on your window sticker, a Build Sheet, or a Vehicle Identification (VIN) Decode Letter.
Which Subaru models have CVT transmission?
Among their many advantages, Subaru CVT offer exceptional fuel economy and drivetrain efficiency. They also offer smoother linear acceleration versus a traditional automatic setup. Since 2014, the Lineartronic® CVT has been standard in all automatic Subaru models and trims (except the Subaru BRZ).
What years did Subaru have CVT transmission problems?
Subaru Legacy: 2010-2015 Models
The Subaru Legacy shares many of its components with the Outback. Thus, it's no surprise that similar model years—2010 to 2015—have similar issues. The CVT transmission problems were also among the most prominent.
How long will a CVT transmission last in a Subaru?
There is a fair chance your Subaru CVT will last well beyond 60,000 miles as long as you stick to the factory-recommended maintenance schedule and take care not to overfill your transmission fluid.
What year does Subaru have a bad CVT?
Is the Subaru CVT Reliable? Several older models have experienced Subaru CVT problems – enough so that Subaru has offered factory warranty extensions on these vehicles. Affected models include: 2010-2015 Legacy.
How do I tell what transmission is in my Subaru?
The model number plate indicates: the applied model, the option code, the trim code, the engine type, the transmission type, and the exterior color code.
What year did Subaru switch to CVT?
2014
For example, for the 2014 Forester, Subaru introduced a CVT. With the same engine as the previous generation, the new Forester gets FIVE (!) more mile per gallon. The CVT finds the most fuel efficient point in the engine power band and keeps it there.
How can you tell the difference between CVT and non CVT transmission?
Here's what sets these two apart. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) doesn't utilize gears like a typical automatic transmission. Rather, it makes use of 2 pulleys attached by a belt. It's a little bit like a snowmobile transmission: One pulley links to the engine, the other one links to the transmission.
