The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2018 Impreza CVT shuddering and 'AT Oil Temp' light blinking

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport

My 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport has been acting strange lately. When accelerating from a stop or at low speeds, the CVT feels like it's shuddering or slipping, and sometimes it's hesitant to engage. Today, the 'AT Oil Temp' light started blinking on the dashboard, but the car wasn't overheating, and the light went off after a few minutes of driving.

I'm worried about the transmission. Is this a common issue with the CVT in the 2018 Imprezas? What could be causing the shuddering and the blinking AT Oil Temp light? I haven't noticed any leaks under the car.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:13 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing with your 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport's CVT – shuddering, slipping, and a blinking 'AT Oil Temp' light – are concerning and indicate a potential issue with the continuously variable transmission. The blinking 'AT Oil Temp' light often signifies a fault detected by the Transmission Control Module (TCM), not necessarily an overheating condition, though it can also indicate that.

Here are the common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid:
    • Check Fluid Level: The CVT fluid level is critical. It must be checked correctly, usually with the engine warm and running, on level ground, following the specific procedure in your owner's manual. Low fluid can cause slipping and shuddering.
    • Fluid Condition: Inspect the fluid's color and smell. It should be clear reddish-pink and not smell burnt. Burnt fluid indicates internal wear.
  2. Valve Body or Solenoid Issues: The valve body controls fluid pressure to various parts of the CVT, and solenoids within it direct fluid flow. Faulty solenoids or a failing valve body can lead to erratic shifting, shuddering, and engagement problems.
  3. Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Issues: The torque converter lock-up clutch can cause shuddering if it's not engaging or disengaging smoothly.
  4. Internal CVT Component Wear: While less common on a 2018 model unless it has very high mileage or has been poorly maintained, internal components like the belt or pulleys can wear, leading to slipping and shuddering.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: Given the blinking 'AT Oil Temp' light and shuddering, it's highly recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a Subaru-specific technician as soon as possible. Continued driving with these symptoms can lead to more severe and costly transmission damage.
  • Specialized Tools: CVT diagnosis requires specialized scan tools to read transmission-specific fault codes (which may not trigger a generic CEL) and monitor live data from transmission sensors.
  • Fluid Service: If the fluid is low or degraded, a professional can perform a proper CVT fluid service using the correct Subaru-specific fluid and procedure.
  • Internal Inspection: If fluid and basic diagnostics don't reveal the issue, the transmission may need to be removed for internal inspection or replacement.
Menu

Help & account