2014 Crosstrek oil temp, engine, and other lights came on after oil change… what’s going on?

Technical Issues Discussions
1

As the title says, I changed my oil using 0W-20, like I’ve done plenty of times before. After starting it up and trying to drive around the block, everything went haywire. A bunch of warning lights came on, including the oil temp, ABS, and traction control lights. The car feels off, like it’s struggling to drive, but I don’t hear any weird noises from the engine.

Any ideas why this could be happening?

2

Go back and check everything you did during the oil change:

  • Did you put all the caps and dipstick back in place?
  • Is the oil filter properly installed and tightened?
  • Is the drain plug fully tightened, not just finger-tight? (I know someone who forgot and had it fall off while driving!)
  • Are you sure you drained the oil and not the transmission by mistake?
3

@LyamGenesis
Oh no… I think I drained the transmission fluid instead. Am I totally screwed? I only drove it briefly around the block afterward.

4

Caiden said:
@LyamGenesis
Oh no… I think I drained the transmission fluid instead. Am I totally screwed? I only drove it briefly around the block afterward.

You might be okay since you didn’t drive it much, but you’ll need to get it towed to the dealer or a mechanic and have the transmission fluid replaced ASAP.

My brother-in-law did the same thing on a Forester, and they sorted it out. Also, double-check that your oil isn’t overfilled now. Good luck!

5

@LyamGenesis
Do you think I could fix it myself, or is it better to leave it to the dealer?

6

Caiden said:
@LyamGenesis
Do you think I could fix it myself, or is it better to leave it to the dealer?

You can technically do it yourself, but it’s a tricky process. For reference, this guide explains how to do it for a Forester XT. There’s also a relearn procedure involved.

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, a transmission shop could be a good alternative to the dealer.

For context, we had the CVT fluid changed on our Ascent at the dealer, and it cost about $290.

7

Caiden said:
@LyamGenesis
Oh no… I think I drained the transmission fluid instead. Am I totally screwed? I only drove it briefly around the block afterward.

Draining the transmission instead of the oil happens more often than you’d think. It’s a common post on this forum, so you’re not alone! Hopefully, it’s an easy fix.