I started the car without any transmission fluid. I thought that it was the oil plug so I drained 5 of the 10 quarts. Would that cause any damage? Engine is 2.5 liter,4 cylinder. Thanks
Maybe.
If there was any noises then almost certainly yeah.
I’m unsure how parking gear works on a Subaru Linetronic (I know it’s Neutral with the output shaft locked, but is the belt pinched or is it un pinched?) , and I’m not sure if a pulley on a Linetronic are suspended in oil (or if it’s delivered to them like on Nissans) - so can’t really say much for certain.
Fill the transmission properly and check if it drives the same - if it does then you’re probably fine.
drive it and see
Fluid level is critical in Subaru CVTs and needs to be checked at the factory specified temperature, read using a scan tool. Follow the instructions towards the end of the fluid change procedure:
https://youtu.be/V4k4KtUG0dI?t=567
