A quick wipe of the stick with a cloth or rag will reveal a bright red color (and help you check for symptoms of low transmission fluid )Īll said, though, the majority of transmission fluid is red. For the most part, this is because they’ve recently checked their transmission fluid levels and found it hard to see the fluid on their dipstick. We even have some customers call us and ask us why they have clear transmission fluid. Of course, when answering the question, “What color should transmission fluid be?” we have to be careful not to answer with a blanket “red.” You can use perfectly good yellow transmission fluid or green transmission fluid should you choose. It’s dyed that color to distinguish it from your car’s other fluids: oil (amber), coolant (typically green), brake fluid (typically gold), wiper fluid (typically blue), and so on. Transmission fluid doesn’t start out red. Learn all about transmission fluid so you can make educated decisions about your car’s needs. Knowing what to look for in your transmission fluid can save you from potentially costly repairs and even less-than-honest service shops. However, there is more to this red fluid than first meets the eye. IMO.What color should transmission fluid be? Well, typically, new transmission fluid is dyed a translucent red color. The only issue then is fuel efficiency verse reliability. If the two CVTFs are compatible, there is no issue. So do you want "improved fuel efficiency" or "greater reliability" ? In the Subaru TSB 01-167-08R, Recommended Materials, the Subaru CVTFIII (blue) is recommended for the 2020 Legacy/Outback TR580 it also states the CVTFII (green) can be used in the TR580 NA models like the Forester. In our owner's manual and in the Legacy Service manual, we can use GL-5 75W-90 as an equivalent to the Extra MT with the note "Can be used, but there is a possibility of fuel economy deterioration." Using medium viscosity oil ensures reliability." This is regards to using the low viscosity gear oil Extra MT 75W-80 verse GL-5 75-90 gear oil. Elsewhere in that document in the discussion on differentials it states QUOTE "Using low viscosity oil reduces power loss, improving fuel efficiency. This is stated in the manual I received when I purchased the car (2020 Legacy New Car Information (Subaru Corporation U2570BE)(pdf file)). I think the change from Green CVTF to Blue is just the 2020 CVT using Low Viscosity fluid for improved fuel efficiency. Here is my opinion and really just an opinion. I do agree with you in that the dealership will just say it is ok/normal. Just don't be surprised if the dealership says this is normal and doesn't look much further into it. This isn't anything new in the oil world. Like I said before, I had gold oil turn red over a 6k mile interval. Unless you're having drivability issues, I wouldn't let this bother you. I understand what you're saying, the fluid changing from blue to a green color after use does not mean it's bad. Just seeking other opinions/experienes before going there. I am puzzled why it is green and will visit my dealership next week to research this. Again, my point is the fluid should be Blue (2.5 NA non-turbo TR580). Maybe if you do not change the fluid in 100k it will be so dark you can not tell what color it started out as. Previous Legacy models used green CVTF, and is still used in some other Subarus today, and is available at the dealership. But definitely the blue should not turn green as it is used (IMO). The color gets darker (more blackish) as it is used, but it always looked reddish. In all the transmissions I worked on, the red fluid always stayed red. That is my point - the fluid should not be green. I've had engine oils turn red over 6k miles because of the additive package. Keep in mind fluids will change color during thermal cycles. As previously stated, there are two options for this model year and I believe the TR580 fluid is blueish. It'll be either blue or amber in color depending on 2.5 or 2.4. Is the CVTF-III compatible with CVTF-II?Ībout 4.7 quarts came out. Do you think it came from the factory with CVTF-II (green)? The blue CVTF-III came in a 5 gal bucket (SOA427V2600). All gaskets and fluid was purchased from Subaru. Prior to 2020, the Legacy used CVTF-II (green). Everything I researched said the 2020 Legacy TR580 uses the CVTF-III (blue). It looks very green, hard to tell in the pictures. I just completed a CVT drain and fill on my 2020 Legacy (base model) with the TR580.Īll went well except for the old CVTF color.
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