Manual calls for Transmax J.

Is there a WalMart substitute that does the trick? i.e. Castrol Multi Vehicle Import ATF made by BP says it exceeds JASO 1A and JWS 3309.

Am I better off waiting until dealer opens tomorrow?

Use one of the following types of auto-matic transmission fluid.

Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid Type-HP

IDEMITSU ATF HP

Castrol Transmax J

Pennzoil ATF-J*

* Available only in the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii)

 

Any fluid that meets "Subaru ATF-HP" fluid specification will work. Problem is it's hard to find a fluid that says it meets it. Neither Castrol or Pennzoil seem to list any fluid that shows this spec. Not for off the shelf consumer purchase at least.

 

Amsoil Synthetic Multi-vehicle ATF does, but it's 11.50 a quart. http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

 

I would think any synthetic multi-vehicle fluid, eg. Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATF, should work fine though.

Edited October 24, 201114 yr by Fairtax4me

Id wait for the dealer to open. Its the recommended fluid and cheaper.

Subaru ATF-HP is <$6 a quart. We use it in our 08 OBS.

Edited October 24, 201114 yr by aba4430
Fixed a cap.

I think somewhere someone showed some of the Nissan ATF's meet the J specs. I think the J might be for Jatco. A lot of vehicles are using Jatco transmissions these days.

Subaru ATF-HP is <$6 a quart. We use it in our 08 OBS.

 

Under $6 a quart sounds like a winner to me. Most multi-vehicle type ATFs in the auto parts stores cost more than that.

List price $10 paid $8 per quart at my dealer here in CT today.:-\

Last purchase was 5 quarts on 12/22/10 from Pence Subaru at Richmond (Midlothian), VA. P/N SOA868V9241, ATF-HP/PS; List $7.31/quart. With NASIOC discount, worked out to $5.56/quart. The list may have gone up, or the dealership may have inflated prices.

That PN 1stsubaruparts.com lists at:

ATF-HP/PS FLUID [Part# SOA868V9241]

Quantity:

 

Subaru

List Price:$7.71

Your Price:$6.61

 

Either way, still cheaper than the only alternative I could find that actually says it meets Subaru ATF-HP spec. And you don't have to wait for shipping.

dealer here charges $8 a qt, fred beans it is $6 a qt.

 

When you do the drain and refill 3 times, that is like ~ 10 qts, so either 80 bucks from dealer here plus tax, or 60 from Fred Beans no tax but have shipping.

Found this Castrol data sheet for their Multi Import trans fluid.

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/liveassets/bp_internet/castrol/castrol_usa/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/p,q/pds_ImportMV.pdf

All spec Subaru meet or exceed.

$5.42/qt at local WalMArt

Not bad IF compatible...

Edited October 25, 201114 yr by brus brother

Wonder what the date is on that data sheet. If its a few years old that would really be a crappy ending to an attempt to try to save a few dollars.

Wonder what the date is on that data sheet. If its a few years old that would really be a crappy ending to an attempt to try to save a few dollars.

Got it from their website but will be calling a rep today.

UPDATE:

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

Castrol always recommends following the guidelines of the original engine manufacturer for the recommended fluid for use in your specific application. This information can be found in the vehicles owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

According to Castrol’s ATF guide recommended for the 2008 Subaru Outback is the Castrol Import Multi-Veh ATF or the Castrol Dex/Merc Domestic Multi-Veh ATF. Both Castrol Import Multi-Veh ATF and the Castrol Dex/Merc Domestic Multi-Veh ATF meet the Subaru specifications and may be used in your application.

Please find the product data sheets for the two mentioned products for your personal reference.

 

Thank you again for contacting Castrol.

Castrol Consumer Relations

Edited October 25, 201114 yr by brus brother