These days, cars don’t just have warning lights. They often tell you precisely what’s wrong.
The AT Oil Temp warning light in Subarus is one such example. The automatic transmission’s oil temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. It’s exceptionally hot, in simple terms.
You’ll probably need a transmission overhaul.
In this comprehensive guide, I will explain precisely why.
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What Is The Subaru AT Oil Temp Light?
The AT Oil Temp warning means your automatic transmission’s oil is extremely hot.
- “AT” – automatic transmission
- “Oil Temp” – oil temperature
The oil (or transmission liquid, also known as ATF) needs to be maintained at a constant temperature. Its role is to ensure the parts stay cool.
When it gets extremely hot, the transmission will begin to overheat, which causes the parts and gears to expand and create substantial harm to one another.
The transmission fluid also can’t lubricate the components adequately if it gets too hot.
The AT Oil Temp light will flash or blink at you. It’s a warning. Your transmission isn’t operating – it needs immediate attention, or it’ll break or fail!
Can You Drive With AT Oil Temp Light On A Subaru?
If you immediately stop and wait for a while, it might be possible. Might. You’ll need to drive extremely carefully and gradually, watching out for your transmission all the way.
**You should leave the car to cool down for an hour or so**. You could leave it idling or turn it off entirely. **The oil should cool sufficiently to mean the warning light turns off**.
If you notice any of the signs below, you should immediately stop. They mean it’s time for a breakdown company or tow truck to help.
- Lurching or jumping
- Difficulty changing gear
- Overrevving
- Stalling
The parts will get damaged if you drive without adequate lubrication in the transmission.
It’s best not to risk it. Call the tow truck quickly instead.
You’ll need to go directly to a transmission-specialist shop or a Subaru dealership.
What Causes The Subaru AT Oil Temp Warning Light?
The warning light shines to let you know that the transmission fluid is too hot.
There are only truly two possible causes here:
- Low transmission oil levels
- A mechanical problem within the transmission
Low transmission fluid levels could be caused by a leak. It should be inspected and replenished at regular intervals. Check your service manual to see when it was last examined or replaced.
A mechanical problem within an automatic transmission is a quite severe issue. Any one of the hundreds of components could be the root cause, but it often rests with the solenoid, bands, and clutches.
How To Fix AT Oil Temp Problem On A Subaru
Unfortunately, overheating oil problem is likely to be a costly fix. This is far too complex to fix at home, even for mechanically-minded individuals.
If you’re lucky, all you’ll need is a transmission fluid top-up or change. A simple transmission oil change should cost around $200 – a top-up will, of course, be much cheaper.
This isn’t recommended. It’s more likely to be $200 down the drain than an efficient fix.
There’s more to it than captivating, disappearing ATF. If the oil has leaked out, where has it gone? Your topped-up transmission will simply leak again.
As such, you’ll often find that you need a total transmission rebuild – regardless of whether the problem is mechanical or low-fluid related.
Expect to pay out somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 for this. The cost is mainly composed of labor.
Don’t forget that, in most cases, the mechanic will need to strip the component, find the problem, repair it, and reassemble it. There’s a lot to accomplish – hence the cost.
Is A Subaru AT Oil Temp Warning Worth Fixing?
As with all mechanical problems, the longer you leave it, the more damage it’ll do. The resulting bill from the mechanic will get progressively higher with time, too.
As soon as you see the warning light, you need to go straight for professional assistance. You might save a small amount of money by going to a nearby transmission shop rather than a dealership, but expect it to be expensive either way.
What is the value of your car? Will the repairs be more costly than its total worth? When it comes to major tasks like rebuilding the transmission, it’s worth taking a pause.
If so, it might be more economically beneficial to scrap it and use the proceeds to purchase another.
The Subaru AT Oil Temp warning is completely fixable – but not without some substantial damage to your wallet.
