Can anybody help? Drain transmission fluid on my 2003 subaru forester and when refilling the fluid will not go down to the pan. Help please

Do you have a non sealed transmission ? If yes, have you tried filling it with the vehicle running ?

You have to remove the transmission drain pan to get access to the solenoid you will see it as soon as you remove the filter screen

i'm pretty sure you have to drop the pan then refill through the dipstick

Are you sure you put enough fluid in, recheck it.

yes you do but if you only removed filter and fluid in the pan it should only be around 5 quarts. also make sure you use the right dipstick located on right side of the engine because there is one on the left side for the transfer case which takes gear lube. might want to purchase a transmission funnel makes it easier.

drain the the fluid from the gear box .and refill with a good auto transmission fluid a.t.f. as the fluid breaks down due to heat

You did not mention model or miles. Off hand sounds like fluid. Check level and condition of fluid. If many miles maybe needing to change filter and drain and replace fluid. Hope this helps, good luck and have a good day.

AUTOMATIC
Front differential: 1.3 quarts of 75w-90 gear oil
Transmission:(pan drain and refill only)
4 quarts of Dexron III ATF

MANUAL
(front diff and transmission are same fill point)
3.05 quarts of 75w-90 gear oil

no drain plug, no car or truck has had a drain plug for decades, reason? they want the filter changed with the fluid, so they make you pull the trans pan to drain the fluid, one very messy job.

MY 98 SUBARU FORESTER AT LIGHT IS BLINKING AND SOMETIMES STALLS WHEN STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT