These days, cars don’t just have warning lights. They frequently 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 surpassed the upper limit. It’s extremely hot, in layman’s terms.
You’ll probably need a transmission overhaul.
In this manual, 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 excessively warm.
- “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 very warm, the transmission will begin to overheat, which causes the parts and gears to expand and create significant harm to one another.
The transmission oil also can’t lubricate the parts properly 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 immediate 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 extremely 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 completely. The oil should cool enough to mean the warning light turns off.
If you notice any of the symptoms 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 chance it. Call the tow truck promptly instead.
You’ll need to go straight to a transmission-specialist shop or a Subaru dealership.
What Causes The Subaru AT Oil Temp Warning Light?
The warning light illuminates to let you know that the transmission fluid is too warm.
There are only truly two potential 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 topped up 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 pretty 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 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 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, 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 comprehensive 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 expense is mainly made up of labor.
Don’t forget that, in most instances, the mechanic will need to strip the component, find the issue, repair it, and reconstruct it. There’s a lot to do – 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 financially beneficial 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.
