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2013 Subaru Crosstrek P0971 CVT code

Model Years 2012 to 2017
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#21 ·
I have a 2016 Forester with a TR580 that threw this code on my wife and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We immediately parked it and I started testing the solenoids after reading up on the issue. The AWD solenoid is showing 11.8 ohms and should be 2-4. All others tested within range. Any idea if there is a quality replacement on Amazon I can get quickly? I looked at the aftermarket valve bodies on Amazon and Ebay but they look to be cheap China stuff and reviews were very poor. Its my wife's daily driver so I'd like to replace the solenoid with a quality part. Would like to get her back on the road so she can quit driving my truck, lol. Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Discussion starter · #22 · (Edited)
@Kcross47601

The link I gave above is a genuine solenoid.

Genuine

I contacted the seller to ask him about it. Its installed, and working fine. I test drove it twice, second time a lot harder.

I also used 8 quarts of Lucas CVT fluid. So I am going to do a CVT fluid flush when more Lucas CVT gets here to get all the old Subaru OEM fluid out.

But it ran great, no more P0971 code, no more weak acceleration. No more traction control light coming on. And the Solenoid definitely was bad, 250 ohms resistance.

I am surprised. It shipped quick. I would not hesitate to use that part above. I can't vouch for any other parts, but I was looking around on amazon and ebay, also. Also I read that TransGo sells OEM solenoids to businesses, but I could not find them listed.

There's a picture above with both new and old solenoids next to each other.

There are 4 solenoids on the valve body, they are not all the same, you have to get the right one, with the right resistance.

The standard method is to replace the whole valve body. OEM is like $850, reman is like $450. You could go the safe route and just get a whole new valve body with all new solenoids.
 
Discussion starter · #24 ·
Update:

Crosstrek is back to its owner.

Finished getting the Lucas CVT fluid into the trans (35-45 C temp method), and getting most of the old OEM fluid out. Did front and rear diff fluid and oil change + air filters. Ran great, test drove it 100+ miles last night. No codes. Shifted fine. Power delivery seemed normal. Thanks to all who helped, especially @RatRod69. Glad I could find a OEM solenoid on eBay to fix this. Thanks Suby DIYers.

For those with similar problems, a solenoid or valve body replacement can solve the problem. But I would HIGHLY recommend that the transmission pan is removed, and the pan and magnet are cleaned from metal detritus in the process. Paper gaskets are available, you don't have to do the liquid gasket. Also some aftermarket CVT fluids may perform better, so you may want to get a better CVT fluid in there along the way.
 
#25 ·
Update on the wife's Forester. I replaced the solenoid with the one from Ebay mentioned above. It was reading the right ohms at 3.0 and after installing it and putting everything together, I warmed up the unit and added fluid. After road testing, no current codes were present. Wife started driving it again and after 4 days. All dash lights came back. Tested and gave p0700 and p0974 which indicates possible fluid level issue. Checked fluid level and seemed overfill when warm from driving. Let a little drain out, and reset. I drove it a few days and after 40 miles, the p0700 and p0974 codes came back. Should I just bite the bullet and replace the valve body?? Thanks for the help guys.
 
#30 ·
Kcross47601 said:
I have a 2016 Forester with a TR580 that threw this code on my wife and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We immediately parked it and I started testing the solenoids after reading up on the issue. The AWD solenoid is showing 11.8 ohms and should be 2-4. All others tested within range. Any idea if there is a quality replacement on Amazon I can get quickly? I looked at the aftermarket valve bodies on Amazon and Ebay but they look to be cheap China stuff and reviews were very poor. Its my wife's daily driver so I'd like to replace the solenoid with a quality part. Would like to get her back on the road so she can quit driving my truck, lol. Any suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...
Dorman are manufacturing quality ones now. Yo I should be able to search for them quite easily and pick one up your side. They are the best on the market for those aftermarket solenoids.
 
#31 ·
snn221 said:
Hello I have a relative's 2013 Subaru Crosstrek with a CVT issue. It's got the p0971 solenoid C high pressure code.

A transmission shop said a complete new CVT replacement is recommended, at $10K installed. Or a used replacement would be $5.8k.

The car is at 111k miles. Purchased used at 81K miles.

I test drove it and the P0971 code did come on, and the transmission/engine does seem to not be giving full power. Traction control light came also. There were some noises also at low speed turning.

I researched and the solenoid C code is the AWD solenoid in the valve body. The valve body is on the top of the transmission on the TR580. It's the 3 to 4.5 ohm solenoid. eBay like 80 bucks.

I was either going to replace the valve body with a complete remanufactured valve body, or just the solenoid.

Since more of the transmission may be damaged, I was opting to just replace the solenoid for $80 to see how it drives, and if the code comes back. And go from there.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience or advice or places to point to for information.

Thank you
Click to expand...
Valve Body Replacement: My Experience and Tips
I encountered a similar issue and opted to replace the valve body. Here's my experience and what I learned:

What I Purchased
  • Valve body
  • O-rings
  • Gasket
Note: Even if you're just replacing the solenoid, I recommend getting new o-rings and a gasket.

Solenoid Replacement Option
  • Another option is replacing just the solenoids
  • Verify the ohms if going this route
  • Be aware: Subaru doesn't sell these parts separately
  • Online solenoids may be used parts from other valve bodies
  • Used solenoids have variable lifespans
I chose a new valve body for potentially 100K+ miles without issues.

Price Variations (New Valve Body)
  • Cost range: $900 to $1800+
  • Same dealership, same part can have different prices:
  • Dealer installation: typically marked up to ~$1800
  • Walk-in parts counter price: ~$1400
  • Dealer's parts website: ~$900
Key Takeaway
Research and online ordering can save you hundreds. Don't assume in-person buying is cheaper.

Hope this helps!
 
#32 ·
snn221 said:
@Kcross47601

The link I gave above is a genuine solenoid.

Genuine

I contacted the seller to ask him about it. Its installed, and working fine. I test drove it twice, second time a lot harder.

I also used 8 quarts of Lucas CVT fluid. So I am going to do a CVT fluid flush when more Lucas CVT gets here to get all the old Subaru OEM fluid out.

But it ran great, no more P0971 code, no more weak acceleration. No more traction control light coming on. And the Solenoid definitely was bad, 250 ohms resistance.

I am surprised. It shipped quick. I would not hesitate to use that part above. I can't vouch for any other parts, but I was looking around on amazon and ebay, also. Also I read that TransGo sells OEM solenoids to businesses, but I could not find them listed.

There's a picture above with both new and old solenoids next to each other.

There are 4 solenoids on the valve body, they are not all the same, you have to get the right one, with the right resistance.

The standard method is to replace the whole valve body. OEM is like $850, reman is like $450. You could go the safe route and just get a whole new valve body with all new solenoids.
Click to expand...
I’ve got the same issue, P0971 code. I’m considering replacing the solenoid too. Looking at the link to that solenoid on eBay, it says that it would not fit my 2017 Crosstrek. Do you know how I can look up the specific transmission model number so I know if this solenoid will work for me?
 
#33 ·
snn221 said:
Yeah I figured why I spend $400 on a valve body if a solenoid is bad. Throwing out that huge chunk of metal.

I bought my solenoid from eBay. The seller had both aftermarket and genuine solenoids. I contacted him. This one is the orange and black wires for the AWD.


I've replaced the solenoid in the valve body, and reinstalled the valve body, but I have not completely reassembled everything, and I need to get CVT fluid because I drained it all out. Also I want to remove the transmission pan and clean the metal detrius, and get a paper gasket by Transtech. I've used one before on an outback.

www.ebay.com

Transtec B11610 Transmission Pan Gasket (fiber) Tr580 09-17 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Transtec B11610 Transmission Pan Gasket (fiber) Tr580 09-17 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com



View attachment 321383

View attachment 321387

View attachment 321381

View attachment 321386

View attachment 321380

@RatRod69 less than an hour? That's champ level.
Click to expand...
I’m a little scared but ready to dive into this repair. Just can’t bring myself to drop $1800 at the dealer to have them replace the valve body. Thanks for the pics and details.
 
#36 ·
snn221 said:
Update:

Crosstrek is back to its owner.

Finished getting the Lucas CVT fluid into the trans (35-45 C temp method), and getting most of the old OEM fluid out. Did front and rear diff fluid and oil change + air filters. Ran great, test drove it 100+ miles last night. No codes. Shifted fine. Power delivery seemed normal. Thanks to all who helped, especially @RatRod69. Glad I could find a OEM solenoid on eBay to fix this. Thanks Suby DIYers.

For those with similar problems, a solenoid or valve body replacement can solve the problem. But I would HIGHLY recommend that the transmission pan is removed, and the pan and magnet are cleaned from metal detritus in the process. Paper gaskets are available, you don't have to do the liquid gasket. Also some aftermarket CVT fluids may perform better, so you may want to get a better CVT fluid in there along the way.
Click to expand...
How did you determine that the Lucas CVT fluid is better than OEM? Any independent tests or anything you can point me to?
 
#37 ·
kirkfrancis said:
Valve Body Replacement: My Experience and Tips
I encountered a similar issue and opted to replace the valve body. Here's my experience and what I learned:

What I Purchased
  • Valve body
  • O-rings
  • Gasket
Note: Even if you're just replacing the solenoid, I recommend getting new o-rings and a gasket.

Solenoid Replacement Option
  • Another option is replacing just the solenoids
  • Verify the ohms if going this route
  • Be aware: Subaru doesn't sell these parts separately
  • Online solenoids may be used parts from other valve bodies
  • Used solenoids have variable lifespans
I chose a new valve body for potentially 100K+ miles without issues.

Price Variations (New Valve Body)
  • Cost range: $900 to $1800+
  • Same dealership, same part can have different prices:
  • Dealer installation: typically marked up to ~$1800
  • Walk-in parts counter price: ~$1400
  • Dealer's parts website: ~$900
Key Takeaway
Research and online ordering can save you hundreds. Don't assume in-person buying is cheaper.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Thanks, this helps. What O-rings do you mean?
 
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