The Winter 2002 End Wrench contained an error which may cause confusion regarding the proper lubrication procedures for Subaru engines and transmissions. This short article sets the record straight.

The Winter 2002 End Wrench contained an error which may cause confusion regarding the proper lubrication procedures for Subaru engines and transmissions. On page 14, “Subaru 4EAT Diagnosis and Service” incorrectly states that the differential on Suburu 4EAT transmissions is filled with Subaru factory fill AT/PS Fluid P/N SOA868V9240. The differential on these transmissions is filled with GL-5 gear oil. Installing the incorrect lubricant in the differential will cause differential damage. Please refer to the information below for the correct procedures.

When performing an oil change service on Subaru vehicles, don’t confuse the drain plugs and filters located under the vehicle. Subaru models produced over the past several years feature an under-engine cover. This cover greatly reduces the accumulation of dirt and grime on the engine and also reduces the overall coefficient of drag of the vehicle. However, it does limit the access to the engine oil drain plug and engine oil filter.

Items to remember when performing services on Subaru vehicles:

• The engine oil filter is located at the front of the engine.
• The engine oil pan and 17 mm oil drain plug are painted black and are located directly under the engine — above the under-engine cover.
• The engine oil dipstick is located under the hood, on the front driver’s corner of the engine.
• The transmission front differential is bright aluminum with a gold-colored 21 mm drain plug. This housing is bolted directly behind the engine and is filled with GL-5 gear oil.
• The differential dipstick is located under the hood near the firewall, on the passenger side of the differential housing.
• The transmission pan is black. Its 17 mm drain plug is located on the dri-ver’s side of the pan. The drain plug is normally silver in color, but black drain plugs have also been installed on occasion. The transmission is filled with Genuine Subaru factory fill AT/PS Fluid P/N SOA868V9240.
• 1999 and later Subaru vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions have a screw-on filter on the driver’s side of the transmission. Do not confuse this with the engine oil filter. The transmission filter does not require service under normal conditions.
• The automatic transmission fluid dip-stick is under the hood, on the driver’s side of the car near the firewall.
• All three dipsticks have yellow handles for easy identification.
• Always confirm proper lubricant levels in each unit after performing any service.