NUMBER: 16-97-15
DATE: 11/04/15
| APPLICABILITY: | All 2013-16MY, 4-Cylinder, N/A Models with CVT |
| SUBJECT: | Delayed or Harsh Engagement of CVT |
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing a customer concern of a delayed and / or harsh engagement of the CVT (model TR580) when shifting into Reverse or Drive from Neutral.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: Always road test the vehicle to confirm the condition(s) as reported before proceeding.
If determined necessary after road testing, perform a Time Lag Test following the procedure below.
- With the CVTF temperature between 140-176 degrees F (60-80 degrees C), the elapsed time standard for CVT engagement is 5 seconds when shifting into either Reverse or Drive from Neutral.
- Use a stopwatch to measure the elapsed time from when the shifter is moved until the engagement is felt as accurately as possible.
- With the engine idling, move the shifter from Neutral into Drive and measure the elapsed time until engagement is felt. Perform this test 3 times leaving at least 1 minute between each test making accurate notes of your results.
- With the engine idling, move the shifter from Neutral into Reverse and measure the elapsed time until engagement is felt. Perform this test 3 times leaving at least 1 minute between each test making accurate notes of your results.
- Average your times for both tests to determine your final result.
If the Time Lag Test results are within the 1.5 second specification and engagement “feel” is judged as acceptable, the procedure is complete.
If the Time Lag Test results are NOT within specification, perform the Learning Control Procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.
- After successful completion of the Learning Control Procedure, perform the Extra Learning Control Procedure following the flow chart steps below. The following parameters must be met before beginning:
- CVTF temperature is between 86-194 degrees F (30-90 degrees C)
- Brake pedal depressed
- Engine speed at 800 RPM with the A/C OFF
If the Neutral to Drive time lag is still determined to be excessive, either the Secondary (line) pressure is too low, or a problem exists in the forward clutch or valve body assembly. Continue testing following the Basic Diagnostic Procedure (CVT(diag)) outlined in the applicable Service Manual.
If the Neutral to Reverse time lag is still determined to be excessive, either the Secondary (line) pressure is too low, or a problem exists in the reverse brake clutch or valve body assembly. Continue testing following the Basic Diagnostic Procedure (CVT(diag)) outlined in the applicable Service Manual.
If the Time Lag Test results are now within the 1.5 second specification and the engagement feel after shifting into Drive and Reverse is judged to be acceptable, the procedure is complete.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or Powertrain Warranty period or covered by a Subaru
Added Security Powertrain, Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
| LABOR DESCRIPTION | LABOR OPERATION # | FAIL CODE | LABOR TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIME LAG TEST, RESULTS WITHIN SPECIFICATION | A383-118 | MFE-85 | 0.5 |
| TIME LAG TEST WITH LEARNING CONTROL PROCEDURES | A383-228 | MFF-42 | 1.0 |
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
- Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
- Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.
- Prevents overheating, reducing elevated operating temperatures up to 40 degrees Farenheit - Optimizes total transmission performance
- Eliminates transmission fluid foaming and oxidation and reduces wear throughout the transmission
- Eliminates clutch chatter and torque converter shudder; Softens and modifies harsh shifts making them quicker in duration
- Extends fluid life / Raises the thermal and oxidative stability of the fluid
- Only protectant that increases the fluid’s ability to transfer heat / Protects new seals and permanently restores older seals to a like-new condition, without adverse side effects
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Helps fluid systems work smoother and last longer.
- Safe in most types of automatic transmission fluid, hydraulics, or power steering fluid systems. Safe for conventional and synthetic fluids.
- Dissolves and liquefies harmful gum and varnish buildup in fluid
- Cleans and lubricates valve bodies, shift actuators and solenoids. Helps to control moisture in fluid.
- Will not swell seals or harm gaskets, O-rings, or clutch material
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Rebuilds And Restores Metal Parts And Protects Them From Future Wear.
- Anti Friction Modifier. Eliminates Surfaces Defects & Protects From Extreme Heat
- Stops Transmission Shudder, Reduces Noise & Vibration. Ultimate Stop Slipping Additive
- Increases Performance Reliability And Prolongs Service Life Of Control Gears
- Universal for Automatic, CVT, Tiptronic, Manumatic, Semi-Automatic Transmission
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.