JDM SUBARU TR690JDKAA LINEARTRONIC CVT AWD TRANSMISSION

Replace your damaged or failed Subaru CVT with this JDM Subaru TR690JDKAA Lineartronic AWD transmission from J-Spec Auto Sports.

The most important identifier is:

TR690JDKAA

This transmission belongs to Subaru’s early:

TR690 Lineartronic

continuously variable transmission family.

The strongest technical product relationship is:

Subaru Legacy → 2.5L Non-Turbo → TR690JDKAA → Chain-Type Lineartronic CVT → AWD → 3.70 Final Drive

For U.S.-market 2010–2012 Legacy 2.5i vehicles, the engine should be described as:

EJ-Series / EJ253 2.5L SOHC Non-Turbo

not:

FB25

Because Subaru used multiple TR690 suffix codes during this generation, never purchase a replacement transmission based only on:

TR690

or:

2009–2012 Legacy

The complete suffix code and drivetrain configuration matter.

QUICK DETAILS

• Make: Subaru
• Model: Legacy
• Transmission Code: TR690JDKAA
• Transmission Family: TR690 Lineartronic
• Transmission Type: Chain-Type CVT
• Manual Mode: 6 Simulated Ratios
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Final Drive: 3.70
• Rear Differential: Matching 3.70 Ratio Required
• Primary U.S. Engine: EJ253 2.5L SOHC Non-Turbo
• Target Application: Compatible 2009–2012 Legacy-family 2.5L AWD CVT applications that match TR690JDKAA
• Item ID: 53920
• SKU: MT620
• Condition: Used OEM JDM / Low Mileage
• Actual Product Photos: Yes
• Warranty: 90 Days
• Shipping: Nationwide Freight Shipping
• Installation: Available

TR690JDKAA TRANSMISSION CODE

The most important fitment identifier is:

TR690JDKAA

Use the complete code throughout:

• Product title
• H1
• Short description
• Meta description
• Product specifications
• Image ALT text
• Image titles
• FAQ
• Product schema
• Inventory records

Do not shorten the primary product identity to:

TR690

Subaru produced multiple TR690 variants with differences that may include:

• Final-drive ratios
• Valve bodies
• Sensors
• Electrical configurations
• TCM calibration
• AWD configuration
• Vehicle application
• Production revisions

Therefore:

TR690JDKAA ≠ every other TR690 transmission

IMPORTANT – REMOVE FB25

The live description currently says:

FB25 2.5L

That should be corrected for the U.S.-market 2010–2012 Legacy 2.5i application.

Use:

EJ-Series / EJ253 2.5L SOHC Non-Turbo

The proper U.S.-market relationship is:

2010–2012 Legacy 2.5i → EJ253 2.5L SOHC → Lineartronic CVT → AWD

Do not call this engine:

FB25 SOHC

FB25 is a different DOHC engine architecture.

ABOUT 2009 FITMENT

The current J-Spec listing uses:

2009–2012

For U.S.-market SEO, be careful with 2009.

The redesigned U.S. Legacy generation equipped with Lineartronic is primarily associated with the:

2010 model year onward

Japanese-market production and donor applications can begin earlier.

Therefore, recommended wording is:

2009–2012 JDM / application range – verify exact TR690JDKAA code

For U.S. buyers:

2010–2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i – verify complete transmission code and final-drive ratio

This is more technically defensible than promising universal 2009 U.S.-market fitment.

THIS IS NOT A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC

The current WooCommerce field says:

Gears: 5

Remove it.

TR690JDKAA is a:

Continuously Variable Transmission

It does not shift through five fixed forward gears in Drive.

Subaru’s early Lineartronic provides:

6 simulated manual-mode ratios

on applicable vehicles.

Recommended WooCommerce fields:

Type: Lineartronic CVT

Gears: CVT / Continuously Variable

Manual Mode: 6 Simulated Ratios

CHAIN-TYPE LINEARTRONIC CVT

The TR690 uses a:

chain-and-pulley continuously variable transmission system

with:

• Torque converter
• Lockup clutch
• Primary pulley
• Secondary pulley
• Steel chain
• Hydraulic control system
• Valve body
• Forward/reverse planetary mechanism
• Electronically controlled AWD transfer clutch

This is not a conventional stepped automatic.

TR690 TECHNICAL RATIO RANGE

The early TR690 Lineartronic technical specifications identify approximately:

Forward CVT Ratio Range: 3.525–0.558

Reverse Ratio: 2.358

For applicable manual mode:

1st Simulated Ratio: 3.525
2nd: 2.238
3rd: 1.641
4th: 1.194
5th: 0.850
6th: 0.611

Do not represent these six simulated ratios as six conventional physical gears.

3.70 FINAL DRIVE

The live Item 53920 page identifies:

Final Drive: 3.70

This is one of the most important fitment specifications.

The AWD drivetrain relationship should be presented as:

TR690JDKAA 3.70 CVT + Matching 3.70 Rear Differential

Do not install the transmission with an incompatible rear differential ratio.

Incorrect front-to-rear gearing can create:

• Drivetrain binding
• Tire scrubbing
• Transfer-clutch stress
• Differential stress
• Transmission damage

MATCHING 3.70 REAR DIFFERENTIAL REQUIRED

The live page correctly states that a:

3.70 rear differential

is required.

Keep that statement prominently visible.

Before installation, verify:

• Transmission final drive
• Rear differential ratio
• Rear differential code
• AWD configuration
• Tire size
• Tire circumference

All four tires should also be closely matched in circumference for Subaru AWD operation.

TR690JDKAA VS. TR690JDJAA

Do not automatically treat:

TR690JDKAA

and:

TR690JDJAA

as identical.

Both may appear in similar Legacy-family 2.5L AWD applications and may share a 3.70 final-drive configuration.

However, different complete Subaru transmission codes can involve differences in:

• Valve body
• Calibration
• Wiring
• Sensors
• Production revision
• Donor application
• Electronic compatibility

Match the complete code whenever possible.

TR690JDKAA VS. TR690JHAAA

J-Spec also carries:

TR690JHAAA

Legacy CVTs with a 3.70 final drive.

Do not assume:

JDKAA = JHAAA

simply because both are TR690 units and both may use a 3.70 ratio.

Verify:

• Full code
• Physical case
• Connectors
• Valve body
• Sensors
• AWD section
• Torque converter
• Application
• TCM compatibility

TR690JDKAA VS. TR690JHABA

Do not confuse:

TR690JDKAA

with:

TR690JHABA

Different suffixes may correspond to different vehicle and final-drive configurations.

Always verify the exact transmission before replacement.

TR690JDKAA VS. TR690JHAA / OTHER ABBREVIATED CODES

Never match a Subaru CVT only by an abbreviated code such as:

TR690JHAA

Use the complete physical code whenever possible.

The suffix matters.

LEGACY VS. OUTBACK

Do not automatically advertise Item 53920 as an Outback replacement.

Legacy and Outback TR690 units from the same generation may use different:

• Final-drive ratios
• Complete transmission codes
• AWD gearing
• Electronics
• Vehicle calibration

For example, a Legacy 3.70 unit should not automatically replace a corresponding Outback transmission with a different drivetrain ratio.

Keep this page primarily:

Subaru Legacy

unless the exact Outback code/interchange has been independently verified.

LEGACY VS. EXIGA

Another J-Spec TR690JDKAA unit is listed as an:

Exiga / Legacy

application.

This suggests the JDM donor market may include Subaru Exiga applications.

However, do not make:

Subaru Exiga

the primary U.S. sales target.

For this page, prioritize:

Subaru Legacy TR690JDKAA

and use Exiga only as possible donor-origin context if physically verified.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The live page currently says the transmission includes:

Torque converter, attached sensors and harnesses as shown

Keep this only if those components are physically present on Item 53920.

Recommended wording:

Sale includes the actual TR690JDKAA transmission and components shown in the product photographs.

Potentially included if pictured:

• TR690JDKAA CVT assembly
• Torque converter
• Valve-body assembly
• Attached sensors
• Electrical connectors
• External harness
• AWD transfer section
• Integrated front differential
• External brackets

Only components physically shown or specifically confirmed should be treated as included.

TORQUE CONVERTER

Verify the actual torque converter on Item 53920.

Do not assume torque-converter interchange solely because both transmissions are TR690.

Compare:

• Hub
• Pilot
• Splines
• Overall size
• Application
• Stall characteristics
• Physical configuration

ACTUAL PRODUCT PHOTOS

Use actual product photographs showing:

• Complete transmission
• TR690JDKAA identification
• Bellhousing
• Torque converter
• Main connector
• Valve-body area
• Sensors
• Axle outputs
• AWD transfer section
• Cooler fittings
• Transmission mounts
• Case markings

The transmission-code photograph is especially important.

SERIAL NUMBER FIELD NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

The current live field says:

Serial Number: TR690JDKAA

That is only the transmission code.

It is not a unique individual serial number.

If Item 53920 has a unique production/serial number, photograph it and enter it.

Recommended:

Product Code: TR690JDKAA

Serial Number: [actual unique number]

This improves:

• Inventory control
• Customer confidence
• Google product differentiation
• AI entity recognition
• Duplicate-page management

CVT FLUID

Use the exact Subaru-specified:

Lineartronic CVT Fluid

appropriate for the early TR690 application.

Do not use:

• Conventional Subaru ATF
• Dexron ATF
• Manual transmission gear oil
• Generic universal ATF
• TR580 CVTF simply because it is Subaru CVT fluid
• High Torque CVTF intended for later specific TR690 applications without verification

The safest product wording is:

Use Genuine Subaru Lineartronic CVT fluid specified for the vehicle VIN and TR690 application. Verify the current Subaru service specification before filling.

IMPORTANT – CVT FLUID AND FRONT DIFFERENTIAL OIL ARE SEPARATE

The TR690 CVT fluid and front differential gear oil are separate service fluids.

Do not put CVT fluid into the front differential.

For this generation, Subaru technical information specifies a separate:

75W-90 GL-5 gear oil

for the front differential.

Recommended wording:

CVT: Subaru-specified Lineartronic CVT fluid

Front Differential: Subaru-approved 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil or current superseding specification

Always verify current Subaru service information.

FLUSH THE CVT COOLER AND LINES

Before installing Item 53920:

• Flush the transmission cooler.
• Flush the cooler lines.
• Remove old CVT fluid.
• Remove metal debris.
• Remove clutch/friction material.
• Confirm unrestricted flow.

A failed CVT can contaminate the complete cooling circuit.

Connecting a replacement transmission to contaminated lines can introduce debris into the replacement unit immediately.

Replace a cooler that cannot be cleaned properly.

DO NOT REUSE CONTAMINATED CVT FLUID

Always use fresh correct-specification CVT fluid.

Never reuse fluid drained from the failed transmission.

INSPECT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL

Before installation:

• Drain/inspect front differential oil.
• Check magnetic plug.
• Look for metal.
• Inspect axle seals.
• Check axle openings.
• Verify smooth differential rotation.

Service the front differential separately from the CVT fluid circuit.

INSPECT ACCESSIBLE SEALS

While the transmission is outside the vehicle, inspect:

• Torque-converter seal
• Front pump area
• Axle seals
• Output seals
• Cooler-line seals
• Case seals

Replace questionable accessible seals before installation.

VALVE BODY VERIFICATION

The valve body is one of the most important electronic/hydraulic components in a Subaru CVT.

Compare:

• Valve-body configuration
• Solenoids
• Internal harness
• Main connector
• Sensors
• Pressure-control components

Do not assume every TR690 valve body is interchangeable.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS

Compare Item 53920 with the original CVT before installation.

Verify:

• Main transmission connector
• Connector shape
• Pin count
• Harness routing
• Speed sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Range switch
• Solenoid wiring
• Ground points

Do not force incompatible connectors.

TCM / TCU COMPATIBILITY

A JDM TR690 replacement may require electronic adaptation to the destination vehicle.

Depending on the application:

• Original USDM sensors may need transfer.
• Valve-body components may need comparison.
• TCM calibration may differ.
• Transmission learning may need reset.
• Initialization procedures may be required.

Do not promise plug-and-play electronic compatibility solely from the final-drive ratio.

TCM / CVT RELEARN

After installation:

• Clear transmission-related DTCs.
• Confirm ECM/TCM communication.
• Perform applicable CVT initialization.
• Perform learning/adaptation procedures.
• Confirm inhibitor/range operation.
• Complete a controlled road test.
• Rescan for DTCs.

Use a Subaru Select Monitor or capable Subaru-compatible diagnostic tool when the service procedure requires it.

MULTIPLE HEAT CYCLES

After installation, complete several controlled heat cycles.

During each cycle:

• Monitor CVT temperature.
• Recheck fluid level using the correct Subaru procedure.
• Check cooler lines.
• Check axle seals.
• Inspect for leaks.
• Verify Reverse.
• Verify Drive.
• Scan for codes.

CVT fluid level is temperature-sensitive.

Do not guess the level when cold.

CVT FLUID LEVEL PROCEDURE

Use the Subaru service procedure for the exact application.

The early TR690 CVT requires fluid-level setting within a specified operating-temperature window.

Use diagnostic data to monitor CVT fluid temperature where required.

Do not:

• Overfill
• Underfill
• Set the final level by guessing
• Use a conventional automatic-transmission dipstick procedure

KEEP THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION

Keep the customer’s original CVT until Item 53920 has been:

• Physically compared
• Installed
• Filled correctly
• Initialized
• Road-tested
• Checked for leaks
• Scanned
• Verified for normal AWD operation

The original transmission may provide compatible:

• Sensors
• Wiring
• Brackets
• Mounts
• Cooler fittings
• Valve-body components
• External hardware

INSTALLATION CHECKLIST

Before installation:

• Confirm TR690JDKAA.
• Photograph full transmission code.
• Verify unique serial number.
• Confirm target Legacy application.
• Confirm EJ253 / correct 2.5L engine application.
• Confirm AWD.
• Confirm 3.70 transmission final drive.
• Confirm matching 3.70 rear differential.
• Compare original transmission code.
• Compare bellhousing.
• Compare torque converter.
• Compare electrical connectors.
• Compare valve body.
• Compare sensors.
• Compare solenoids.
• Compare harness.
• Compare axle openings.
• Compare transfer section.
• Compare mounts.
• Compare cooler fittings.
• Inspect accessible seals.
• Inspect front differential.
• Flush cooler.
• Flush cooler lines.
• Use correct Subaru Lineartronic CVT fluid.
• Fill front differential separately with correct gear oil.
• Perform TCM/CVT relearn.
• Verify tire circumference.
• Scan the vehicle.

INITIAL STARTUP

After installation:

• Confirm CVT fluid is filled correctly.
• Confirm front differential oil is filled separately.
• Start engine.
• Allow fluid circulation.
• Slowly cycle P-R-N-D and back.
• Confirm Reverse engagement.
• Confirm Drive engagement.
• Inspect for leaks.
• Monitor CVT temperature.
• Verify cooler circulation.
• Scan for codes.

Avoid hard acceleration.

INITIAL ROAD TEST

Begin with light throttle.

Monitor:

• Reverse engagement
• Drive engagement
• Smooth takeoff
• CVT ratio changes
• Engine RPM behavior
• Torque-converter lockup
• Shudder
• Slipping
• Whine
• Bearing noise
• AWD binding
• Warning lights
• CVT temperature
• Fluid leaks

Then:

• Recheck fluid level correctly.
• Inspect for leaks.
• Rescan all transmission modules.

COMMON TR690 CVT FAILURE SYMPTOMS

Possible symptoms include:

• Shuddering
• Delayed Drive
• Delayed Reverse
• Slipping
• RPM flare
• Abnormal whining
• Bearing noise
• Overheating
• Judder
• Limp mode
• Warning lights
• CVT DTCs
• No vehicle movement

However, similar symptoms may result from:

• Valve-body faults
• Solenoid faults
• Torque-converter problems
• Incorrect fluid
• Low fluid
• Contaminated cooler
• Sensor problems
• Wiring faults
• TCM calibration
• AWD drivetrain problems
• Mismatched rear differential

Diagnose the complete vehicle whenever possible before replacing the CVT.

DO NOT COMPRESSION TEST A TRANSMISSION

Remove the live claim:

Compression Tested

Compression testing applies to engines.

A CVT cannot be compression tested in the engine sense.

Advertise only inspection/testing actually performed on Item 53920, such as:

• Visual inspection
• Fluid inspection
• Case inspection
• Connector inspection
• Rotation inspection
• Pan inspection
• Operational testing if specifically documented

REMOVE UNSUPPORTED “LOWER WEAR BECAUSE JAPAN” CLAIMS

Do not say Japanese transmissions necessarily have:

significantly fewer miles and less wear due to strict Japanese inspection laws

unless the exact transmission mileage and history are documented.

Safer wording:

Used OEM JDM transmission imported from Japan and individually represented by actual inventory photos.

If exact mileage is documented, publish it.

Otherwise use:

Low-Mileage JDM

without inventing a number.

DO NOT CALL THIS AN UPGRADE

The live copy says:

upgrade to this JDM TR690JDKAA

This is primarily a:

replacement transmission

not necessarily an upgrade.

Use:

Replace your worn or failed CVT

instead.

DO NOT PROMISE DIRECT FIT

The live page currently says:

Direct fit for Legacy FB25 AWD models with 3.70 rear diff

Remove that.

First, FB25 is incorrect for U.S. 2010–2012 Legacy 2.5i.

Second, matching the 3.70 ratio alone does not prove complete interchange.

Recommended wording:

Compatible with properly verified Legacy 2.5L AWD applications that match TR690JDKAA, the 3.70 drivetrain ratio and the required electronic/physical configuration.

WHY BUY ITEM 53920?

Item 53920 offers a code-specific genuine Subaru JDM replacement option for compatible Legacy AWD applications.

Key product information:

• TR690JDKAA
• Subaru Lineartronic
• Chain-type CVT
• EJ253 / 2.5L U.S. replacement target
• AWD
• 3.70 final drive
• Matching 3.70 rear differential required
• Actual inventory photos
• Individual Item ID
• 90-day warranty
• Nationwide freight shipping
• Installation available

WHY BUY FROM J-SPEC AUTO SPORTS?

J-Spec Auto Sports has specialized in Japanese engines, transmissions and drivetrain components for more than 20 years.

Customers benefit from:

• Actual inventory photos
• Full transmission-code identification
• Subaru CVT experience
• Individual inventory tracking
• Nationwide freight shipping
• Fitment assistance
• Local pickup
• Installation availability
• Limited warranty coverage

Subaru CVT fitment is code-, ratio- and electronics-sensitive, so detailed verification before purchase is essential.

INDIVIDUAL INVENTORY INFORMATION

Make: Subaru

Model: Legacy

Transmission Code: TR690JDKAA

Transmission Family: TR690 Lineartronic

Unique Serial Number: Not currently listed – photograph and add if available

Type: Chain-Type Lineartronic CVT

Manual Mode: 6 Simulated Ratios

Drivetrain: AWD

Final Drive: 3.70

Rear Differential: Matching 3.70 Required

Primary U.S. Engine Application: EJ253 2.5L SOHC Non-Turbo

FB25: Remove from current U.S. application description

CVT Fluid: Subaru-specified Lineartronic CVT fluid for the exact TR690/VIN application

Front Differential Fluid: Separate Subaru-approved GL-5 gear oil; verify current viscosity/specification

Torque Converter: Included only if physically shown and confirmed

Item ID: 53920

SKU: MT620

Condition: Used OEM JDM / Low Mileage

Warranty: 90 Days

90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY

Item 53920 currently carries a:

90-Day Limited Warranty

subject to J-Spec Auto Sports’ current warranty and installation requirements.

Keep documentation for:

• Correct CVT fluid
• Correct front differential fluid
• Cooler flushing
• Cooler-line flushing
• Seal inspection
• Correct rear differential ratio
• CVT initialization/relearn
• Professional installation
• Diagnostic scan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the transmission code?

TR690JDKAA

What transmission family is it?

Subaru TR690 Lineartronic

Is this a CVT?

Yes.

It is a chain-type continuously variable automatic transmission.

Is it a 5-speed transmission?

No.

Remove the current “Gears: 5” specification.

In Drive, the TR690 uses continuously variable ratios. Applicable manual mode provides six programmed simulated ratios.

What is the final-drive ratio?

3.70

Do I need a 3.70 rear differential?

Yes.

This 3.70 transmission must be paired with the correct matching rear differential configuration.

What engine does the U.S. 2010–2012 Legacy 2.5i use?

The U.S.-market 2010–2012 Legacy 2.5i uses the:

2.5L SOHC EJ-series / EJ253

configuration.

Is this an FB25 transmission?

Do not describe the U.S. 2010–2012 Legacy application as FB25.

The live FB25 wording should be removed.

Will it fit a 2010 Subaru Legacy?

It may fit compatible 2010 Legacy 2.5i AWD applications that match TR690JDKAA and the 3.70 drivetrain configuration.

Verify the original transmission code.

Will it fit a 2011 Subaru Legacy?

Potentially, after confirming TR690JDKAA, final-drive ratio and electronic configuration.

Will it fit a 2012 Subaru Legacy?

Do not order based solely on the year.

Multiple TR690 suffix codes exist. Verify the full transmission code.

Will it fit a 2009 U.S. Legacy?

Do not promise universal 2009 U.S.-market fitment.

Use the complete TR690JDKAA code and vehicle production information to verify.

Is TR690JDKAA the same as TR690JDJAA?

Do not assume so.

They are different complete Subaru transmission codes.

Is TR690JDKAA the same as TR690JHAAA?

No assumption of direct interchange should be made.

Match the complete physical/electronic configuration.

What CVT fluid should I use?

Use the Subaru Lineartronic CVT fluid specified for the exact vehicle VIN and TR690 application.

Do not substitute conventional automatic transmission fluid.

Does the front differential use CVT fluid?

No.

The front differential has a separate gear-oil circuit.

Should I flush the cooler?

Yes.

Flush the transmission cooler and lines thoroughly before operating the replacement CVT.

Does it require relearning?

Applicable Subaru CVT initialization and relearn/adaptation procedures should be performed after installation.

Is the torque converter included?

The live description says it is included as shown.

Physically verify Item 53920 before shipping and make sure the actual product photos support the claim.

Is this transmission compression tested?

No transmission should be described as compression tested.

Compression testing is for engines.

Should I keep my original CVT?

Yes.

Keep it until Item 53920 has been successfully installed, programmed/relearned and road-tested.

ORDER ITEM 53920 – TR690JDKAA LEGACY CVT

Replace your damaged or failed Subaru Legacy CVT with this low-mileage JDM:

TR690JDKAA Lineartronic AWD Transmission

Transmission Code: TR690JDKAA
Transmission Family: TR690
Type: Chain-Type Lineartronic CVT
Manual Mode: 6 Simulated Ratios
Drivetrain: AWD
Final Drive: 3.70
Rear Differential: Matching 3.70 Required
Primary U.S. Engine Application: EJ253 2.5L SOHC Non-Turbo
Item ID: 53920
SKU: MT620
Warranty: 90 Days

Before ordering, verify the VIN, complete original transmission code, engine configuration, final-drive ratio, rear differential, valve body, electrical connectors, sensors, torque converter, AWD system, mounts and complete physical configuration.

Nationwide freight shipping and affordable installation are available through J-Spec Auto Sports.