We see a lot of mid-2010s Subaru vehicle with the following codes: P2764, P2763, P2762, and P0700. The point of this page is education for people curious about their car. This is mostly for curious car owners who pulled their own trouble codes. Unfortunately the repair is going to be beyond most DIY mechanics due to the equipment required, but some mechanics may find this information useful as well.
What are the symptoms of a failed valve body?
From the driver’s seat you’ll notice the check engine light and maybe a few others, like VDC, Hill Assist, Eyesight, cruise control, and maybe an oil temp light as well. You may also notice the engine revving a little higher than it does normally. Your fuel economy will decrease and the car may fail the bi-annual emissions inspection.
What do these codes mean?
Most of these codes indicate a problem with the lockup converter solenoid or lockup converter. The notable exception the P0700, which is an engine control computer code that means the transmission control unit has stored a fault code. If you check codes with a generic OBDII scanner, this may be the only code you see. You’ll need a better scanner to find out what the actual code is.
The lockup solenoid is controlled by the TCM (transmission control module) with a single wire. The TCM provides voltage to the solenoid, which is grounded inside the transmission case, to activate it.
- P2764: This means the TCM has detected a short to ground in the solenoid or wire
- P2763: This means the TCM has detected an open in the solenoid or wire
- P2762: The indicates a solenoid malfunction. This, unlike the other codes, is a rational code. In this case, rational means that the computer is inferring that clutch is not working by looking at the engine speed and CVT input shaft speed. If they are spinning at different speeds, the clutch must not be locked.
How to repair a P2764, P2763, or P2762
Subaru sells the lock-up solenoid as part of the valve body. On the TR580 transmission, the valve body can be replaced without removing the transmission from the car. The installation isn’t terribly complex, but it’s VERY important to be clean. CVT transmissions don’t like dirt and grit. Subaru provides sheets of plastic to build a little clean room under the hood to make keeping dirt away easier.
Can you replace the valve body yourself?
Maybe, if you have mechanical skills and are careful it might work out. However, you’ll need to clear the TCMs learned values and perform a relearn using the Subaru Select Monitor 4 (SSM4), otherwise you may ruin the transmission. This isn’t hyperbole.
A long time ago we had a tech install a brand new 4EAT transmission, which requires something similar. He didn’t know he needed to perform the learn and the car left without it. It lasted only two weeks. We had to buy a second new transmission to install. Lesson learned.