Subaru AT Oil Temperature Light: Causes & Fixes
The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light is a key indicator of your car’s transmission health. It warns you when the oil temperature gets too high, over 200°F.
Driving with this warning can harm your gearbox and even cause it to fail if the oil gets too hot, over 270°F. This guide will help you figure out why the Subaru AT oil temp light is on.
Knowing this can help you avoid big problems. First, keep an eye on your transmission fluid temperature. Make sure it’s in the right range.
If the AT oil temp light comes on, check your fluid levels and look for signs of overheating or contamination right away.
We’ll also talk about common fixes, like changing the transmission fluid. Knowing when to do this is important, as it can be every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your car.
By reading on, you’ll learn a lot about the Subaru AT oil temperature light. You’ll understand the problems it signals and how to fix them.
Let’s explore these important warning signs and what you can do to keep your transmission running well.
What’s The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light?
The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light is key for your car’s transmission health. Seeing the subaru at oil temp light blinking means the oil temperature is too high.
This is a warning that the oil might be overheating or low, and you need to act fast.
What Does The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light Indicate?
This light turns on when the transmission fluid gets too hot. Subaru’s transmission fluids usually stay around 175° Fahrenheit.
But if it goes over 200° Fahrenheit, the light comes on. This high temperature can harm your car’s performance.
Importance of Monitoring The Transmission Oil Temperature
Keeping an eye on your transmission’s oil temperature is vital. It should stay between 230 and 260 degrees Fahrenheit.
Driving with the light on can cost you a lot, starting at $1,000. If the oil gets too hot, it can damage your car, leading to expensive fixes.
Common Causes of Subaru AT Oil Temperature Issues
It’s important to know why Subaru AT oil temperature problems happen. Several things can cause a Subaru cvt at oil temperature warning.
These issues can lead to damage if not fixed. Knowing what causes these problems can save you money and time.
High Temperatures After Extended Driving
Driving for a long time, at high speeds, can make the transmission fluid too hot. This is because the heat makes the transmission work harder.
It’s key to keep the temperature between 175°F and 225°F. If it gets too hot, over 250°F, it can harm your Subaru.
Malfunctioning AT Oil Temp Sensor
A bad Subaru at oil temp sensor can make you think the car is too hot when it’s not. This can make the Subaru cvt at oil temperature warning light turn on for no reason.
It’s important to check this sensor often to get accurate readings and avoid unnecessary worry.
Fluid Contamination and Quality Issues
Dirty transmission fluid can make the car overheat. As the fluid gets dirty, it can’t cool and lubricate the transmission right.
It’s important to check and change the fluid regularly to keep it clean and working well.
| Cause | Description | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| High Temperatures After Extended Driving | High speeds and long durations can overheat the transmission fluid. | Monitor driving conditions and take breaks during long trips. |
| Malfunctioning AT Oil Temp Sensor | Faulty sensor may produce false overheating warnings. | Regularly inspect and test the oil temperature sensor. |
| Fluid Contamination and Quality Issues | Dirty fluid can impair lubrication and cooling, leading to overheating. | Perform routine checks and change transmission fluid as recommended. |
Signs Your Subaru AT Oil Temp Light is Malfunctioning
Knowing when your Subaru AT oil temp light is not working right is key to keeping your car in top shape.
Watch for whether the light is steady or blinking. These signs tell you how quickly you need to check your Subaru’s transmission.
Solid vs. Flashing Light Indicators
A steady Subaru AT oil temp light means you need to check it soon. You can keep driving, but fixing it fast is important to avoid bigger problems.
On the other hand, a blinking light is a warning sign of a serious issue. If you see this, you must act quickly to avoid damage to your transmission.
Associated Warning Lights with The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light
The Subaru AT oil temp light might also turn on with other warning lights, like the check engine or low oil pressure light.
These lights together warn you of engine or transmission problems that need checking.
Even if the Subaru AT oil temp light is off, other lights on mean you should get your car checked thoroughly.
Subaru AT Oil Temperature Light: Causes & Fixes
The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light is a warning sign of deeper issues. Knowing how to diagnose these problems can prevent further damage and save money.
Start by checking the transmission fluid level and ensuring it’s clean and at the right level. Low or dirty fluid can cause overheating.
Using an OBD scanner can help find error codes related to the light. This will guide you to the right fix.
How to Diagnose The Problem
- Check transmission fluid level and condition.
- Use an OBD scanner to read possible error codes.
- Look for signs of leaking fluid, which could mean overheating.
- Listen for unusual noises that might suggest transmission problems.
Common Fixes and Solutions For The AT Oil Temp Light
Fixing the subaru oil temperature problems often involves a few steps:
- Replace the AT oil temperature sensor if it’s not working right.
- Flush the transmission fluid to get rid of contamination and keep the temperature right.
- Get a qualified technician’s help if simple checks don’t fix the problem. Valve body failures might be the issue.
Ignoring the AT Oil Temp light for over 500 miles or two weeks can cost a lot. It might cost between $1,800 to $3,400 for a new transmission.
Being proactive in diagnosing and fixing issues can improve your car’s performance and save you money in the long run.
What to Do When The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light Comes On
When the Subaru AT oil temp light turns on, it’s important to act fast. First, check the transmission fluid level. If it looks fine but the light stays on, pull over and let the car idle.
This helps it cool down and prevents more problems. If the light keeps on or starts flashing, you need to get help right away. This is because the transmission might be overheating.
Immediate Actions to Take
- Check the transmission fluid level: Ensure it is at the proper mark.
- Pull over safely: If the light remains on, find a safe area to stop.
- Idling: Let the vehicle idle to cool down to avoid overheating.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the AT oil temp light won’t go off after trying these steps, get professional help. Ignoring this warning can cause serious damage to your transmission.
It might even break down at high temperatures. Remember, if the light is flashing, the fluid is too hot.
You need to act fast to avoid major damage. Don’t try to reset the light until you’ve fixed the problem first.
How to Reset Subaru AT Oil Temp Light
Resetting the Subaru AT oil temp light is easy to do yourself. First, make sure any transmission problems are fixed. If not, the light might come back, showing there’s an issue.
Step-by-Step Resetting Procedure
- Turn the ignition key to the “On” position without starting the engine.
- Depress the gas pedal three times, releasing it each time.
- Turn the ignition back to the “Off” position.
- Wait a few seconds. This allows the system to reset.
- Start the vehicle as you normally would.
Precautions to Consider Before Resetting
Before resetting the Subaru AT oil temp light, keep these tips in mind:
- Check that the transmission fluid level is right and clean.
- Look for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might be there.
- Ensure there are no leaks in the transmission system.
- If the light comes back soon after resetting, get a pro to check it.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Subaru AT Oil Temp Light Issues
To keep your Subaru running well, regular maintenance is key. Good habits like checking fluids and driving right can stop AT oil temperature light problems. Here are important tips to keep your car in top shape.
Regular Fluid Checks and Replacements
Checking your transmission fluid often is a must. Do this every month. Keep the fluid between 175°F and 225°F to avoid overheating.
Change the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to prevent breakdowns. If it smells burnt or is dark brown, replace it right away.
Maintaining Proper Driving Habits
Driving right is just as important as regular maintenance. Don’t speed up too fast or tow too much. This keeps the fluid cool and extends your transmission’s life.
Ignoring the AT oil temp light can cost over $2,000. By driving smart, you can save a lot of money over time.
Potential Costs of Repairing AT Oil Temperature Issues
Knowing the costs of fixing oil temperature problems is key for Subaru owners. Prices can change a lot. This depends on the issue, where you get it fixed, and if you do it yourself or go to a dealership.
Typical Service Fees at a Dealership
Dealerships charge differently for their services. A simple check-up can cost between $100 and $200. If repairs are needed, prices can go up.
For example, fixing an oil cooler in a Subaru Forester might cost about $288. This includes $193 for parts and $95 for labor.
Serious problems can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Replacing the whole transmission can cost over $4,000, which is a big expense.
DIY Fixes and Their Cost-Effectiveness
If you’re good at doing small repairs, you can save money. Changing fluids every 30,000 to 60,000 miles helps avoid overheating. This can prevent costly repairs.
Being proactive can save you up to 50% on repairs. For example, a transmission rebuild costs about $2,500 on average. Regular maintenance can help avoid such high costs.
Here’s a table to help you see the difference between dealership services and DIY fixes:
| Service Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Service | $100 – $200 |
| Oil Cooler Repair | $288 |
| Transmission Rebuild | $2,500 |
| Transmission Replacement | $4,000+ |
| Fluid Change (DIY) | $100 – $200 |
Conclusion
Knowing about the Subaru AT oil temperature light is key for keeping your car in top shape. This light warns you when the automatic transmission fluid gets too hot.
If ignored, it can cause serious damage to your car’s transmission. By watching for this light and acting fast, you help your car’s transmission last longer and work better.
Regular checks on the transmission fluid can stop problems before they start. If you ignore it for too long, fixing it can become very expensive.
Using the right Subaru ATF hp “Dexron III” transmission fluid is also important. It keeps your car running smoothly and avoids problems.
Following the tips in this guide helps you handle any transmission issues with confidence. Keeping the transmission fluid at the right level is not just good for your car.
It also saves you money on repairs in the future. Make it a routine to check the fluid regularly. This keeps your Subaru running well and saves you from costly repairs.
FAQs
What should I do if the Subaru AT oil temp light comes on?
First, check your transmission fluid level right away. If it’s normal, let the car idle for a bit to cool down. If the light keeps flashing, you should get help from a pro.
What does a flashing Subaru AT oil temp light mean?
A flashing light means something serious is wrong. It’s a sign of overheating. Stop driving and have your car checked to avoid major damage.
How can I reset the Subaru AT oil temp light?
To reset the light, turn the key to “On” but don’t start the engine. Press the gas pedal three times, then turn the key to “Off”. Wait a few seconds and start the car. Make sure the problem is fixed before you reset it.
How can I check the AT oil temp sensor location in my Subaru?
The AT oil temp sensor is usually near the transmission pan or valve body. Check your car’s service manual for exact details on your model.
How often should I check my transmission fluid?
It’s a good idea to check your transmission fluid often. Do it at least once a month. If you notice any changes in how your car drives, check it more often.
What are the possible causes of high transmission oil temperatures?
High transmission oil temperatures can happen for a few reasons. It might be because you drive a lot on the highway. It could also be due to low or dirty transmission fluid. Or, it might be a problem with the AT oil temp sensor.
What are typical repair costs for AT oil temperature issues?
Repair costs can vary a lot. Getting a dealership to diagnose the problem might cost between 0 and 0. Fixing the sensor or flushing the fluid could cost between 0 to 0.
