You didn't specify automatic or manual transmission Forester. I can only answer for the automatic. Drain plug is on the left (driver's side) of the transmission. You will need about 4, maybe 5 quarts of Dexron for refill. This is for a maintenance oil change, not if you are trying to cure some problem since you cannot drain the torque converter in this way. Yearly performance of this service is recommended. Since you are asking in this forum, it may be best to take your Forester to a professional to perform this service. --Ken
The transmission doesn't have a light. It functions just fine in the dark.
Should bolt right up. Take pictures of your current one and compare it to the new one. Model didn't change until 2003.
Subaru fluid only from dealer. Cost is about $8.00 / qt and you need 4.5 for drain and refill or 14-16 to completely change it.
Just like changing engine oil only in a different location and with different oil.
Subaru has had problems with the tranny overheating for years. According to a transmission specialist, he said not maintaining the transmission will lead to overheating problems. Change your transmission fluid and differential fluid as per your owners manual, or even more often than it states. He also recommended adding an ounce of a special transmission lubricant (which I can't recall what it is called, but comes in a 4 ounce bottle from Ford) to the transmission fluid to help with the lubrication. Ask a transmission specialist for the name of the fluid, or check on this website for a possible question and answer that addresses it.
You listed this question under Subaru Forester, but the answer is likely the same. Subaru is good enough to put a drain plug on the transmission so it is the same procedure as changing engine oil, except you use the transmission dipstick hole to refill. This does not change the fluid in the torque converter though, which probably holds almost half of the transmission fluid. If this is the first time you have changed fluid in this 16 year old car you may want to take it to a professional where they can flush the transmission. I always recommend yearly changes to prevent having to flush the converter.If you have the knowledge to assess the condition of the fluid that you drain, you may just want to change the fluid, drive it for a week or two, change again, drive, and change again until no more nasty stuff comes out. My assumption is that most people don't think of their transmission fluid until something goes wrong, especially on an older car.
Manual transmission lubricant type: MERCON automatic transmission fluid. Capacity: 2.8 quarts. - Haynes Repair Manual #36071, 1993-2005 Ford Ranger Pick-ups
I would NOT DRIVE THE CAR. You can start it then change the oil immediatly. Transmisson oil is a great cleaner but not a very good lubricant for an engine.
The advice that I was given is to change the oil annually and chances are your transmission will last the life of the vehicle. With that said, there is a drain plug on the transmission pan. Buy a 1-gallon bottle of Dexron III and you are ready to go. There is a spin-on filter on the same side of the transmission as the drain plug, and I have changed that filter but I don't think that it is necessary unless your transmission is already having trouble. --Ken
I assume that you are referring to a manual transmission as you said oil and not fluid. On the side of the transmission, 1/2 way up, you should see a fill plug. Remove it and insert your little finger to the first joint. If you touch fluid or it runs out then it is ok. If not then fill to the edge.
A manual transmission does not typically use [automatic] transmission fluid, or "ATF." As it is just a gearbox, it is usually filled with "gear lube" oil formulated for the task. Whatever type of lubricant is specified by the transmission manufacturer, it should be changed occasionally due to oxidation breakdown with heat and time. Consult the owner's manual for the proper fluid and interval. It should be much longer than an automatic transmission.
There is no speedometer cable to change. Subaru, like all modern cars, has an electronic speedometer. --Ken