Transmission fluid for 97 Legacy

[wayne]

How much transmission fluid does a '97 Legacy 2.2L take? The manual says
8.4 quarts but I just put in 3 quarts and it looks full already. The
dipstick is very hard to read since the residue from the inside walls
of the dipstick tube gets all over the stick. Need help, I don't want to
overfill it.

Thanks,
Wayne

 

[ceraboy]

How much transmission fluid does a '97 Legacy 2.2L take? The manual
says 8.4 quarts but I just put in 3 quarts and it looks full already.
The dipstick is very hard to read since the residue from the inside
walls of the dipstick tube gets all over the stick. Need help, I
don't want to overfill it.

Thanks,
Wayne

I am assuming that you dropped the pan and replaced the filter, which
is why you are re-filling the tranny. When you do this procedure
typically 50% or more of the fluid capacity is still retained in the
torque converter so it could indeed be full with only 3 quarts of fluid
added. Also make sure the engine is fairly hot and after you add a bit
of fluid with your foot on the brake go through all the gears to churn
the fluid abit or just zip the car around the block to get your final
level.

 

[ceraboy]

I am assuming that you dropped the pan and replaced the filter, which
is why you are re-filling the tranny. When you do this procedure
typically 50% or more of the fluid capacity is still retained in the
torque converter so it could indeed be full with only 3 quarts of
fluid added. Also make sure the engine is fairly hot and after you
add a bit of fluid with your foot on the brake go through all the
gears to churn the fluid abit or just zip the car around the block to
get your final level.

Just remembered that my old subie automatic has a drain plug on the
tranny in which you will get even less fluid out than dropping the pan.
3 Quarts sounds about right!!

 

[wayne]

I am assuming that you dropped the pan and replaced the filter, which
is why you are re-filling the tranny. When you do this procedure
typically 50% or more of the fluid capacity is still retained in the
torque converter so it could indeed be full with only 3 quarts of fluid
added. Also make sure the engine is fairly hot and after you add a bit
of fluid with your foot on the brake go through all the gears to churn
the fluid abit or just zip the car around the block to get your final
level.

Didn't know about the filter. I was just using a Chilton manual to change
my transmission fluid after I realized that I'm supposed to change it
after so many miles. I've always had manual transmissions before and this
is my first automatic transmission so it's new territory for me.

I did go through the gears though, and the level did go down a bit.

Thanks,
Wayne

 

[TG]

In the future you may want to flush the fluid rather than just changing
what's in the pan, that way you get it all. TG

 

[wayne]

In the future you may want to flush the fluid rather than just changing
what's in the pan, that way you get it all. TG

Good idea.

Wayne

 

[ceraboy]

In the future you may want to flush the fluid rather than just
changing what's in the pan, that way you get it all. TG

While a total fluid exhange is the right idea, it is not always easy
for the normal do it yourself guy to perform. Each transmission is a
bit different, so make sure you really know how to drain or suck the
fluid out of the torque converter before you try something on your own.

 

[Hallraker]

While a total fluid exhange is the right idea, it is not always easy
for the normal do it yourself guy to perform. Each transmission is a
bit different, so make sure you really know how to drain or suck the
fluid out of the torque converter before you try something on your own.

There were instructions posted here some years back about a trick to doing a
total fluid change without the need of the machine. The OP would need to do
a Google search perhaps, but the general idea involved disconnecting the
fluid lines and using the transmission itself to pump old fluid out while
pumping new fluid in. I think it required two persons, as someone had the
shift through the gears while this was being done, and I think someone had
to watch or pour the new fluid during the process. As I recall, the only
parts needed were a case of fluid, a bucket or two, and some hose and hose
clamps.

I always just go with the partial change, which is sometimes the best option
on an old car like mine . (169,000 miles)

-Matt

 

[jimuntch]

I've reposted this method several times...I got it off this ng from Brian
Fistler five years ago, right after I got my 97 Outback...It worked great,
and I highly recommend it...here's the link
http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.subaru/messages/136035.html

 

[John O]

I've reposted this method several times...I got it off this ng from Brian
Fistler five years ago, right after I got my 97 Outback...It worked great,
and I highly recommend it...here's the link
http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.subaru/messages/136035.html

I did this back in the spring, and the procedure was great. No tranny
improvement, but I 'feel' better. LOL

-John O