This article covers a common Subaru transmission repair we frequently perform. Many mid-2010s Subaru vehicles come in with the following codes: P2764, P2763, P2762, and P0700. The purpose of this page is to educate curious car owners who have pulled their own trouble codes. Unfortunately, the repair is beyond the capabilities of most DIY mechanics due to the specialized equipment required, but it may be useful for some mechanics as well.
What are the symptoms of a failed valve body?
How can you tell if your Subaru needs this transmission repair? From the driver’s seat, you’ll notice the check engine light and possibly other lights, such as VDC, Hill Assist, Eyesight, cruise control, and maybe an oil temperature light. You may also notice the engine revving slightly higher than usual. Additionally, your fuel economy will decrease, and the car may fail its 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. This Subaru transmission repair 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 do this Subaru transmission repair yourself?
Maybe, if you have mechanical skills and are careful it might work out. However, and this is a big 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.