2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 442

11-20 Maintenance and service 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 Full level Low level fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the low level on the "HOT" range, add the recommended automatic transmission fluid up to the full level. NOTE Do not fill the automatic transmission fluid over the full level. ! Checking the fluid level when the fluid is cold When the fluid level has to be checked without time to warm up the automatic transmission, check that the fluid level is between the low level and full level on the "COLD" range. If it is below that range, add fluid up to the full level. Be careful not to overfill. 1) Yellow handle CAUTION Be careful not to spill automatic transmission fluid when adding it. If automatic transmission fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If automatic transmission fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. 4. Pull out the level gauge and check the