2011 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 368

Maintenance and service 11-21 & Recommended grade and viscosity Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use different brands together. For details, refer to "Manual transmission, front differential and rear differential gear oil" F12-8. Automatic transmission fluid & Checking the fluid level The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two different scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid on the level gauge. Though the fluid level can be checked without warming up the fluid on the "COLD" range, it is recommended to check the fluid level when the fluid is at operating temperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot 1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temperature of the transmission fluid up to normal operating temperature; 158 to 1768F (70 to 808C) is normal. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. 3. First shift the select lever in each position. Then shift it in the "P" position, and run the engine at idling speed. 1) 2) 3) 4) HOT range COLD range Upper level Lower level - CONTINUED - 1) Yellow handle 4. Pull out the level gauge and check the