ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

© 2014 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

GENERAL MANAGER q
PARTS MANAGER

q
q

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
2010-12MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L
Models with CVT Transmission
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 16-95-15
DATE: 08/06/15

Diagnosis Procedure for CVT Chain Slip

INTRODUCTION
This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for confirmation of a suspected CVT chain slip
condition. Examples of customer concerns may be: abnormal transmission operating sounds, a
shudder or vibration sensation, lack of power, hesitation, engine rpm rise without increase in vehicle
speed or in isolated cases, a Check Engine Lamp illumination (with engine misfire DTCs stored in
the ECM memory).
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
NOTE: The current Service Manual diagnostic procedures for engine misfire DTCs does not identify
CVT chain slip as a possible cause.
IMPORTANT: Confirm the TCM has the most updated software version for Primary Pulley Oil
Pressure Circuit installed as per TSB 16-93-15. If not, update the TCM as needed before proceeding
further.
•

ALWAYS road test the vehicle to confirm the customer’s concern before beginning this
diagnostic procedure.

•

Using the SSMIII or 4, select the following data for sampling using High-Speed mode:
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°
°°

Engine RPM
Turbine Speed
Accelerator Opening Angle
Front Wheel Speed
Primary Pulley Speed
Actual Gear Ratio
Actual Secondary Pressure
Secondary Set Current
Primary UP Duty
Primary DOWN Duty
Vehicle Speed
ATF Temperature
Actual Forward and Reverse Linear Solenoid Current

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 16-95-15; Revised: 08/06/15

Continued...
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
ISO 14001 COMPLIANT
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Page 1

•

With the transmission at operating temperature (CVTF temperature at 140 – 176°F), follow
the procedure in the Diagnostic Chart below while driving the vehicle between 40-60 MPH
on a flat road surface. Record then mark and save the data when the condition is verified.

•

Compare your saved data to sample data graphs provided below to complete your diagnosis.

*Diagnostic Chart

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-95-15; Revised: 08/06/15

Page 2

•

Whenever CVT Chain Slip has been confirmed, replace the CVT assembly following
the procedures in the Subaru Claims Policy and Procedure Manual and the applicable
Service Manual.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or Powertrain Warranty period or vehicles with
an active Added Security Classic, Gold or Powertrain plan, this repair may be claimed using the
following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

LABOR
OPERATION #

NEW CV TRANSMISSION R&R
(Includes use of Engine Holding Tool)

B303-001

NEW CV TRANSMISSION ASSY. REPLACEMENT
(Includes Learning Procedure and flushing the fluid cooler)

C303-041

CVT ELECTRICAL TESTING and DIAGNOSIS
(Can be claimed 1 time only)

C303-711

REMANUFACTURED CV TRANSMISSION ASSY. R&R
(Includes: transfer of all components, adjustments, electrical / line
pressure testing, cleaning / flushing of the fluid cooler and lines,
Learning Procedure where applicable and completion of
necessary exchange unit paperwork)

A139-301

FAIL
CODE

LABOR
TIME

3.4
MQJ-24

0.2
0.5

TMA-24

4.9

REMINDER: 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 refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.
Bulletin Number: 16-95-15; Revised: 08/06/15

Page 3