Servicing - A/t: Other Subaru Forester SF

Transaxle

1. Checking Fluid Level When Warm Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake. Engage transaxle in all gear positions. Set transaxle selector lever in Park with engine idling. Remove dipstick and clean with cloth. Check fluid level. Fluid level should be between upper ("F") and lower ("L") marks on dipstick in HOT range. Add fluid if necessary. DO NOT overfill.
2. Checking Fluid Level When Cold Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake. Engage transaxle in all gear positions. Set transaxle selector lever in Park with engine idling. Remove dipstick and clean with cloth. Ensure fluid level is between upper ("F") and lower ("L") marks on dipstick in COLD range. Add fluid if necessary. DO NOT overfill.

Differential

Park vehicle on level surface with engine off. Remove Yellow handled dipstick located on top of differential and clean with cloth. Check fluid level. Level should be between "L" and "F" marks. Add fluid if necessary.

On all models, use Dexron II or Dexron III ATF.

Front & Rear Differentials

On all models, use API GL-5 80W-90 gear oil.

1. Allow engine to cool down for 3-4 hours. Remove drain plug. If cleaning oil screen, remove oil pan. Install NEW gaskets when reassembling. Tighten all bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-2502-S38152823572000032000000) .
2. Fill transaxle with fluid. Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Check fluid level with engine idling. Add fluid as necessary. DO NOT overfill.

1. Front Differential & Rear Differential Front differential has separate drain plug from transaxle. Remove differential drain plug to drain fluid. After draining, always replace aluminum gasket on drain bolt on 2.2L model. On 2.5L models, always apply thread sealer to drain plug. Fill oil up to mouth of filler bolt or plug hole and install bolt or plug. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-2502-S38152823572000032000000) .

BAND

Band adjustment screw is located on left side of transaxle housing. Hold band adjustment screw and loosen lock nut. Tighten adjustment screw to 80 INCH lbs. (9 N.m), and then back off screw exactly 3 turns. Hold adjustment screw and tighten lock nut to 18-21 ft. lbs. (25-28 N.m).

INHIBITOR SWITCH

Inhibitor switch allows back-up lights to turn on when gear selector lever is in "R" position, and allows starter to operate when in "P" or "N" positions. Inhibitor switch supplies input signal for each range and turns on corresponding range light on instrument panel.

SHIFT LINKAGE

1. Move selector lever through all gear positions. Lever should go into each position with a corresponding click from transaxle when engaged. At each position, ensure selector needle indicates proper gear position.
2. If linkage is out of adjustment, move selector lever to Neutral. Loosen linkage adjuster nut at transaxle lever. With transaxle lever in Neutral, adjust inner cable length. (Scheme 57)
3. Turn lock nut "A" until it contacts trunnion. Tighten lock nut "B" to 48-82 INCH lbs. (5.4-9.4 N.m). If indicator needle is not aligned with guide plate marking, loosen lock nut "B" and adjust cable length as required. (Scheme 57)

Scheme 57