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Really strange tranny question...HELP!!!
Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:50 pm
by subawhatsubawho
Today I decided to do my tranny fluid change. I pull the plug, drain approx 4qts of fluid and begin to fill again. It's gets to 2.5qts and begins to pour out of the tranny tube. Won't take another drop.
I figure I will start it up, put it in gear and let the wheels spin...thinking that will pump the fluid where it needs to go. NOPE! So I take it off the jackstands and drive it around the block...slipping like a MOFO!! Check it again. vehicle is at normal operating temp and wouldnt you know it....tube is still full!!
What gives?? I'm screwed!
Oh yeah....I think my water pump has given up the ghost too....I'm starting to hate these cars! I swear they nickel and dime you to death!
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:03 am
by Manarius
Umm...isn't it like 2 quarts tranny and 2 quarts center dif?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:11 am
by subawhatsubawho
Mine is FWD.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:30 am
by 91White-T
You didnt pour the trans fluid in the front diff filler tube did you?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:57 am
by subawhatsubawho
It's a FWD 4EAT.....got any other ideas as to how to get the tranny fluid in besides taking apart the transmission??
Once again...This is a front wheel drive...not all wheel drive.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:11 am
by mikec
It still has a front differential though...
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:29 am
by subawhatsubawho
Then where the hell do I stick the fluid in??
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:33 am
by Manarius
According to the manual, there should be two dipsticks. A shorter one and a longer one. The shorter one on the top is the front dif...I think.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:38 am
by subawhatsubawho
I just went and took a look. The smaller dipstick was covered up by a large hose that goes right over top of it.
Thanks for your help guys.
Does the tranny use gear lube in the front diff of a non-AWD? Is there a seperate drain for the front diff?
Now I just need a waterpump.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:45 am
by Manarius
Incorrect my good man:
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... ns/101.jpg <--- hello tranny
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... ns/102.jpg <--- hello front dif
::EDIT:: I was finding those links as you posted..my mistake.
To answer: See images

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:47 am
by subawhatsubawho
I retracted my previous statement. I also added some questions.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:32 am
by Legacy777
Yeah....make sure you added fluid to the correct spot.
It sounds like you put fluid in the front diff.
I'd drain it, put in the proper amount of 80w90 gear oil, and refill the AT with dextron III ATF.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:46 am
by subawhatsubawho
I now know what I am doing tuesday.
Thanks guys..
If yall didn't have a penis I would kiss you. Then dry hump your leg.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 5:04 am
by AWD_addict
If you look at the dipstick, the plastic handle part is labeled "DIFF". So you don't have to worry about forgeting which is which.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 5:12 am
by subawhatsubawho
I won't forget now...Diff on the left..tranny on the right.
nope again
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:04 pm
by Bheinen74
transmission fluid filler tube is on the driver side near where the alternator is. The drain plug is towards the center of the car where the pan is. You need to check the level when the car is running, and after it has been shifted through all the gears. Again, the car has to be on/running when you check the dispstick level.
Differential oil filler is on the passenger side right (about 1.75 quarts) drain plug is up towards the center near the cross brace/steering rack area.
Now I am beginning to realize why so many of the subarus with automatics have F**ed up transmissions. the previous owners dont know where or how to add the ATF fluid, and they add it in the wrong spot and dont know how to properly check the levels..good grief, I may never buy a used car again from an I**t.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:19 pm
by subawhatsubawho
It had been a while since I did an AT fluid change so I got a little confused.
This morning I filled the tranny case, drained the front diff and then filled it with gear lube. Tranny works much better now.
If only I could get the waterpump to stop leaking now.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:41 pm
by Legacy777
AWD_addict wrote:If you look at the dipstick, the plastic handle part is labeled "DIFF". So you don't have to worry about forgeting which is which.
I know the 90, and probably 91's don't have plastic handles on either the diff or trans. I think in 92, they started labeling things better.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 9:29 pm
by subawhatsubawho
It does say diff on the dipstick. It's just writen in black...on black. I never saw it.
DOH!!
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:28 pm
by Psychoreo
i wrapped my tranny tube with yellow tape so i could actually see that damn thing. they really do hide it way back there.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:36 pm
by AWD_addict
Legacy777 wrote:I know the 90, and probably 91's don't have plastic handles on either the diff or trans. I think in 92, they started labeling things better.
Probably not plastic then.
It definetly says DIFF though
subawhatsubawho wrote:It's just writen in black...on black.
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:48 am
by slowjoe
i wish i had read this too...
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 5:08 pm
by Murphy
how long is diff fluid supposed to last? as far as i know, mine has never been changed since it was made, unless the original owner did it.
i could always tell them apart because diff fluid smells like something died after taking a massive shit in your transmission
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:34 pm
by Saskatoon Subaru
subawhatsubawho wrote:I won't forget now...Diff on the left..tranny on the right.
Not really when referring to automotive components you should look label things left and right from the Drivers point of view.
so the Diff is on the right, tranny on the left, i'm not trying to confuse you just give you a little info.