ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2010-2012MY Legacy & Outback
SUBJECT:

Remanufactured CVT Program

NUMBER:
DATE:
REVISED:

03-67-12R
06/22/12
10/21/14

Subaru of America, Inc. is pleased to announce our first-ever remanufactured CVT program.
Supplies are available. Effective immediately, dealers are required to use a remanufactured unit
when the transaxle requires major repair or overhaul, except in the case of a “new” and “in-stock”
vehicle. Please check applications and availability through normal parts channels prior to making
vehicle repairs.
Only the following repairs to the vehicle’s transmission may be performed:
• Torque Converter and seal, as long as it is not an internal failure that has contaminated the fluid
• Control Valve Body replacement as long as an internal failure has not contaminated the fluid
• Control Valve Body Harness
• Multi Plate Transfer Clutches ( MPT)
• Mechanical Shifter and parking system components
• Valve Body and Pick Up Screen
• Secondary Oil Pressure Switch
• Inhibitor Switch
• Extension Housing Rear Seal
• Oil Inlet and Outlet Pipes
• Cooler Pipes
• Axles and seals
• Primary Revolution Sensor
• Front Wheel Speed Sensor
• Oil pressure test parts and drain plug
• Parking Pawl and spring
Note: If the repair estimate (parts and labor) to repair one or more of the above items exceeds 90%
of the remanufactured transmission repair cost (parts and labor), then a remanufactured transmission
should be used. Full details are available in the Subaru Claims Policies and Procedures Manual,
section 8.4.33.1.
Remanufactured transmissions may not be used to repair new in-stock vehicles.
To ensure full core credit, dealers should follow all instructions listed in the Subaru Transmission Core
Return procedures posted on Subarunet and completely fill out the documentation using the online
core return system. Keep a copy of the Credit Request and Diagnosis Form with the vehicle records.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 03-67-12R; Date: 10/21/14

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All transmissions replaced with a remanufactured transmission (warranty or non-warranty) are
returned to SUBARU OF AMERICA, Inc. at the Grove City, OH address outlined in the core return
process on Subarunet. All other transmissions replaced under warranty must be shipped to the location
indicated on the parts return notice. Transmissions incorrectly shipped will result in the dealer not
receiving the core credit or a debit of the claim for a part not returned as requested. The dealer will be
responsible to trace and return the unit to the correct location at their own expense.
The same repairs as those of an original equipment
transmission can be performed on a remanufactured
transmission but require the prior authorization of a
District Parts & Service Manager. Remanufactured
units can be easily identified; they are painted gray
and have one or both of the tags shown on the right
attached to the unit.
Each remanufactured transmission will have a tag
attached explaining the installation procedures and
precautions. These procedures must be followed
otherwise non-warranty failures could occur. The
cooler flushing procedure outlined in the service
manual must be followed.
IMPORTANT
Before replacing a transmission with a remanufactured unit, it is critical that the installing
technician performs the following:
• Ensure that the transmission radiator cooler and lines are clear of all debris and are not
kinked or obstructed.
• If applicable for the model, install or replace the auxiliary filter.
• Check the remanufactured unit to ensure that it is the correct transmission for the
application and not damaged in any way.
• Ensure all shipping plugs are removed from the remanufactured transmission prior
to installation.
• Ensure the front differential and transmissions are filled with the proper gear oil and ATF:
○○All 5AT units (2006MY & after) must use “ATF-HP/PS Fluid” in the transmission.
○○All CVT units in vehicles with naturally aspirated H4 engines must use “CVTF-II”
fluid in the transmission, which is green. Remanufactured CVT’s for 2010-2014MY
vehicles may contain a residual amount of the old “CVT C-30” fluid, which is blue.
Mixing green and blue fluids in pre-2015MY vehicles is acceptable. Any 2015MY
and up CVT should never contain, and cannot use, the blue “CVT C-30” fluid.
○○All CVT units in vehicles with turbo H4 or H6 engines must use “CVT ATF High
Torque” fluid in the transmission, which is orange.
• Immediately after installation in the vehicle, remanufactured ATs & CVTs must have
the “Learning Control” procedure performed. Failure to do so will result in customer
complaints. See applicable service information on STIS for more details.
P/N 1000-TAG
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 03-67-12R; Date: 10/21/14

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Depending on model and model year of vehicle, learning procedures will be required. Refer to the
service manual for details. Failure to perform the learning procedures will result in customer
complaints.
CVTs are shipped dry. Refer to the service manual for proper filling procedures and fluid type
for both the front differential and transmission.
Packaging: A new returnable container has been designed for the CVT models that are easily
identifiable by the red extruded top. There are now three distinct remanufactured transmission
returnable containers in circulation for 4AT, 5AT, and CVT. Dealers must make sure to use the
correct returnable packaging for the correct style of transmission (top, bottom, insert).
Due to packaging constraints, CVTs will not ship with the topmost bracket attached. It will be
safely tucked below the top surface of the CVT case to prevent shipping damage. The bracket
can be attached as soon as the container is opened (and should be attached prior to installation in
the vehicle).

Harness and bracket tucked away.

Loosen this bolt to mount harness bracket.
Bulletin Number: 03-67-12R; Date: 10/21/14

Continued...
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Bracket attached, CVT ready for installation.
Core or warranty returns must be shipped with the bracket removed and the harness tucked
safely away from the top of the container. Failure to do so may cause damage to the unit, with
resultant charges.

WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION
LABOR DESCRIPTION

LABOR OPERATION

FAIL CODE

LABOR TIME

Reman Transaxle R&R

A139-301

TMA

4.9

Note: Includes transfer of all components, adjustments, electrical/line pressure testing, cleaning of
the transmission cooler and filling out necessary paperwork. Also, includes transmission learning.

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: 03-67-12R; Date: 10/21/14

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
“ISO 14001 COMPLIANT”
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.

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