CVT has issue "shifting" into high gear, but not when in manual mode.
Asked by SubieSuub Aug 14, 2019 at 09:17 AM about the 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2010 Outback with 117k miles. Just recently "slip" into high gear. When going 60-65mph, it overrevs before it shifts and then it shift hard. The very curious thing is that it doesn't have any issues when I run in "manual mode" and shift through the "gears" without issue. With a typical transmission I would assume the overdrive but I'm not even sure that a CVT has an overdrive. Anyone have a best guess? I have an appointment for next week for it to be looked at but I want to know what I'm in for.
4 Answers
I don't understand what you mean by shifting into "high gear". I have this exact car, a 2010 Subaru Outback Limited with the CVT transmission.....it may be something else...like a computer malfunction....it's essentially a "one speed transmission that changes continuously as you drive.....it's on a belt driven pulley. I understand why people use the paddle shifting to control downhill descent for engine control, but, why use the paddle shifting for just normal acceleration? Never understood this...hope it all works out. It may not even be a transmission issue. Good luck.
Start by draining and refilling its CVT fluid, as it's 9 years old! If problem isn't solved the overwhelming likelihood is that the CVT is fried. Sorry. Ern TSG/B
SubieSuub ; have you ever had the transmission fluid serviced? Actually, I've read recently that this is "pretty controversial" and confusing. On the one hand.... Subaru doesn't really recommend it ...unless... it's under "harsh conditions, like towing, stop and go driving, etc. I wouldn't worry about doing it, you have literally nothing to lose, since you're completely out of warranty. Again, good luck.. I've also heard that you can get a CVT replacement from some places for around $3 to $4,000... If my 2010 goes out I'm going to let my mechanic repair the car..he's already told me that it will be around that number. You can't purchase a new car for $3,000.
Fluid change is the best first low cost option. As a auto mechanic before and now working for an automobile manufacturer. I'm really tired of this no gears BS, The big difference between the usual automatic transmission and the CVT besides the electronic programming is the addition of a clutch system added between the normal fluid coupling (torque converter) and the standard Simpson Gears sets. Spend thousands listening to more idiots. I'm going to retire solely on fixing theses simple transmissions. Keep letting them confuse you. Sorry just got off the phone with a friend looking at $8,800 repair. I could buy a V8 and transmission for drag racing at that cost.
