Auto Transmission Fluid

Feb 17, 2007 4 Replies

I just paid a transmission mechanic a small fortune to rebuild the Rodeo tranny my wife destroyed, and I got to talking to the guy who runs this well-regarded trans shop, about my Outback. I told him about flushing it myself, and that I planned to do it again this spring. He recommended that I get Subaru trans fluid, don't use regular stuff. Never heard of such a thing. He also gave me a bottle of additive that he almost guaranteed would make a difference with shifting. We'll see about that.



What fluid and additives do you guys recommend?


-John O



I use Pennzoil ATF Dex 3 in my 4eat (2000 Forester) and have for the last 111,000 miles but maybe Subaru has a better fluid. Why not run to your dealers shop and see what they use.

Check your owners manual. Anything that meets the DEXRON spec in the manual will work, and I have found that using the Lubegard ATF Protectant additive helps to prevent excessive heat-buildup in my auto subaru's. I've used Mobil, Quaker State, Valvoline and store-branded ATF with the same additive and identical results.

200,000 miles on original transmission says a little something...

Well, they're 45 miles away, and I don't get down there often. I will definitely contact them before I flush again.

-John O

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