These days, cars don’t just have warning lights. They often tell you exactly what’s wrong.
The AT Oil Temp warning light in Subarus is one such example. The automatic transmission’s oil temperature has surpassed the upper limit. It’s extremely hot, in layman’s terms.
You’ll probably need a transmission overhaul.
In this 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 steady temperature. Its role is to ensure the parts stay cool.
When it gets exceedingly warm, the transmission will begin to overheat, which causes the parts and gears to expand and create significant harm to one another.
The transmission fluid also can’t lubricate the components sufficiently if it gets too hot.
The AT Oil Temp light will flash or blink at you. It’s a warning. Your transmission isn’t functioning – it needs urgent attention, or it’ll break or seize up!
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 exceptionally carefully and slowly, 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 enough to mean the warning light turns off.
If you notice any of the signs below, you should swiftly 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 sufficient lubrication in the transmission.
It’s best not to chance it. Call the tow truck swiftly 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 glows 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 refilled at regular intervals. Check your service booklet to see when it was last examined or changed.
A mechanical problem within an automatic transmission is a rather serious 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 fortunate, 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 less.
This isn’t advised. It’s more likely to be $200 down the drain than an effective fix.
There’s more to it than captivating, vanishing 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 thorough 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 made up of labor.
Don’t forget that, in most instances, the mechanic will need to strip the component, find the issue, fix it, and reassemble it. There’s a lot to accomplish – hence the expense.
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 consequent bill from the mechanic will get exponentially higher with time, too.
As soon as you see the warning light, you need to go straight for professional help. You might save a small amount of money by going to a local 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 expensive than its total worth? When it comes to important tasks like rebuilding the transmission, it’s worth taking a break.
If so, it might be more economically advantageous to scrap it and use the proceeds to buy another.
The Subaru AT Oil Temp warning is entirely fixable – but not without some substantial damage to your wallet.
