CVT Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Verify the transmission code on the factory ID plate (passenger-side B-pillar or strut tower) is TR580GDJBA.
• Confirm the vehicle has the 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine (FB20D).
• Confirm the vehicle is All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Engine support bar/brace
• Transmission jack
• OBD2 Scan tool capable of reading real-time CVT fluid temperature and executing AT Learning Mode
• Fluid pump/filler adapter for the TR580 fill port

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Subaru Certified CVTF-II fluid (Part #SOA427V1660 or equivalent meeting Subaru CVTF-II specifications, e.g., Idemitsu CVTF-Type SB2 / ENEOS Import CVTF Model S)
• 8 to 13 quarts of CVTF-II fluid (dry fill capacity is 7.8 to 12.2 quarts depending on complete drain/cooler capacity; have extra on hand)
• Front pump/torque converter input shaft seal (OEM Part #806730100)
• Axle seals
• O-rings for cooler lines
• High-quality RTV (Subaru ThreeBond / Permatex 'The Right Stuff') or pan gasket if pan is dropped
• Dedicated transmission cooler flush aerosol (e.g., Lubegard Kooler Kleen)

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: TCM Adaptive Relearn (AT Learning Mode)

A TCM Adaptive Relearn is required to calibrate the transmission's internal controls to the physical tolerances of the new unit. While a dealer tool (Subaru Select Monitor) is official, many high-end bi-directional aftermarket scan tools can perform this. A capacitive discharge (disconnecting the battery) is not sufficient.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Must be fully rotated and pushed until it clunks into place multiple times (usually 3 clicks) and sits fully recessed. Bolting the bellhousing with an unseated converter will instantly crush and destroy the internal oil pump.
• The 'Wrong Plug' Disaster: Do not mistake the front differential fill/drain plugs for the CVT transmission fill/drain plugs. Draining the CVT and filling the front diff will run the transmission dry and blow the diff seals.
• Fluid Level Check Temperature Window: Final fluid level check must be performed with the engine running, vehicle level, and CVT fluid temperature strictly between 95°F and 113°F (35°C to 45°C).
• Bellhousing Dowel Pins: Ensure alignment dowel pins are in the engine block and not stuck in the old transmission to prevent misalignment and pump failure.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Mistaking the CVT and front differential fill/drain plugs, leading to catastrophic failure of both components.
• Skipping the mandatory cooler line flush, which pumps debris from the failed unit directly into the replacement transmission.
• Using standard ATF or generic universal CVT fluid instead of the required Subaru CVTF-II.
• Forcing the bellhousing bolts to pull the engine and transmission together when the torque converter is not fully seated.
• Ignoring the electronic TCM relearn procedure, resulting in poor shift quality, hesitation, or harsh engagement.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: