Subaru 2004 Forester, Owner'S Manual

Page: 370 / 439

11-27
Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
Automatic transmission fluid
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as
its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to
fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two different
scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid
on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without warm-
ing up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we recommend
checking the fluid level when the fluid is at operating
temperature.
Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temper-
ature of the transmission fluid up to normal operating
temperature; 154 to 176
°
F (70 to 80
°
C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the park-
ing brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then
shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at idling
speed.
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 0 60 20
80W
75W/90
80 100 40
85W
90
HSB036BA