hot ATF light on FWD only?
 

as mentioned in another post, I've been working on producing an automatic transmission manual. On the endwrench site Subaru claims the hot ATF light functions to produce POWER mode shifting on the AWD models only.

Anybody out there with a FWD only model want to confirm/deny this, i.e., do you have the light? does the owner's manual say anything about it?

just trying to be as comprehensive as I can, tia.

The "AT Oil Temp" light is for AWD models only... At least that's what it says in my user manual. I've never seen the light come on, so it does appear to be true.

Does is really produce POWER mode-like shifting when turned on, or did I misunderstand you?

the Subaru literature says that when the hot atf light is on, the transmission goes into power mode to push the hot fluid through the cooler faster in hopes of preventing the engine coolant from also overheating.

see the page number 13 (their page numbers - it's actually the tenth page of the PDF file) of this file:

http://www.endwrench.com/pdf/drivetr...issionsW98.pdf

So, even when you turn the key to ON, but don't start the engine, there is no ATF light at the upper left part of the dash panel?

Interestingly:

The temperature at which the transmission melts appears to be LOWER than that needed to trigger the warning light. At least, the light didn't come on when my transmission failed. I believe others have had the same experience. It seems therefore the light is somewhat pointless.

Phil.

Correct.

thanks

I think it depends on why the trans expired. The ATF temp light won't show, if it is a slipping band, or a lack of gear lube, that causes the failure. It will only show the temp of the pan oil.

Harvey.;)

Harvey, you are the transmission master.

Hang on mate, I can do without the tags, I am just an average Ozzi mechanic.:D. We still have em down here.

Harvey. ;)