A flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light indicates that the transmission control system has detected a condition that requires attention. The warning is related to the automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT), but a flashing light does not always mean the transmission fluid is currently overheating. The timing of the warning and the symptoms that appear with it help determine what is happening.
An AT Oil Temp warning that appears while driving under heavy load or high-temperature conditions can be associated with excessive transmission fluid temperature. A light that starts flashing immediately after the vehicle is started can point toward a detected transmission fault instead. Sensor and electrical faults, transmission solenoid problems, valve body issues, and other transmission-related failures can also require diagnosis.
Do not ignore a flashing AT Oil Temp light, especially when the Subaru also shifts abnormally, loses drive, produces unusual noises, or develops a burning smell. Continuing to drive with an unresolved transmission problem can turn a repairable fault into more extensive damage.
This guide explains what a flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light means, how serious it is, the problems that can trigger it, how the fault is diagnosed, and what you should do before driving the vehicle again.
What Does It Mean When the AT Oil Temp Light Is Flashing on a Subaru?
A flashing AT Oil Temp light means the Subaru has detected a transmission-related condition that requires diagnosis. AT Oil Temp refers to automatic transmission oil temperature, and the warning system monitors conditions associated with the automatic transmission or CVT. The exact meaning depends on when the warning appears and how the light behaves.
A transmission that becomes excessively hot can trigger an AT Oil Temp warning. Transmission fluid absorbs heat generated as the transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Heavy loads, demanding driving conditions, or a transmission problem can raise fluid temperature beyond its normal operating range. Excessive heat reduces the fluid’s ability to lubricate and protect transmission components, so continuing to operate an overheating transmission can accelerate wear.
A flashing AT Oil Temp light does not always mean the transmission fluid is currently overheating. On a Subaru, the flashing pattern can also indicate that the transmission control system has detected an abnormal condition. This distinction matters because simply allowing the transmission to cool will not correct a sensor, solenoid, valve body, wiring, or internal transmission fault.
The timing of the warning provides useful diagnostic information. A warning that develops after the vehicle has been driven under demanding conditions has a different context from a light that begins flashing shortly after startup. The second situation makes current fluid overheating less plausible because the transmission has not had enough operating time to generate substantial heat. In that case, retrieving transmission diagnostic trouble codes is more useful than assuming the fluid only needs to cool.
The warning should therefore be treated as a starting point for diagnosis rather than a diagnosis itself. The AT Oil Temp light identifies the transmission system as the area requiring attention, while the warning pattern, accompanying symptoms, stored trouble codes, and component testing identify the actual cause.
How Serious Is a Flashing AT Oil Temp Light on a Subaru?
A flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light should be taken seriously because continuing to drive depends on the condition causing the warning. The light does not automatically mean the transmission has failed, but it should not be ignored until the underlying problem is identified.
The first situation is an AT Oil Temp warning without severe driving symptoms. The Subaru may still accelerate and shift normally, with no burning smell, unusual noises, fluid leakage, or loss of drive. Even in this situation, the vehicle should be diagnosed promptly. Normal driving behavior does not prove that the transmission is operating without a fault because the control system can detect an electrical or hydraulic problem before the driver notices a major change in performance.
The second situation involves signs of excessive transmission temperature or abnormal transmission operation. Symptoms such as harsh or delayed engagement, abnormal shifting, unusual RPM behavior, or a burning odor increase the urgency of the warning. Transmission fluid performs lubrication, hydraulic, cooling, and power-transfer functions depending on the transmission design. Excessive heat or inadequate fluid performance can therefore affect several transmission functions rather than producing only a dashboard warning.
The third and most serious situation occurs when the vehicle develops substantial loss of power transfer, severe slipping, violent engagement, grinding or other abnormal mechanical noises, visible fluid leakage, or an inability to move normally. Stop driving when the Subaru cannot operate safely or shows signs of a severe transmission problem. Towing the vehicle prevents additional operation while the cause is unknown and reduces the risk of turning an existing fault into more extensive transmission damage.
Driving decisions should consequently be based on both the warning and vehicle behavior. A flashing AT Oil Temp light with otherwise normal operation calls for timely diagnosis; the same warning accompanied by severe transmission symptoms calls for a more cautious response.
What Causes the Subaru AT Oil Temp Light to Flash?
A Subaru AT Oil Temp light can flash because of four main groups of problems: transmission fluid and temperature problems, sensor or electrical faults, solenoid or valve body faults, and internal transmission problems. The warning light alone does not identify which component has failed. The conditions present when the warning starts, transmission behavior, and stored diagnostic trouble codes are needed to narrow down the cause.
The cause also matters because each problem requires a different response. Excessive transmission temperature may require the vehicle to cool before further diagnosis, while an electrical fault requires circuit testing. A solenoid or valve body problem requires hydraulic and electronic diagnosis, and an internal transmission fault may require more extensive inspection. Replacing transmission fluid or resetting the warning without identifying the cause does not address faults elsewhere in the system.
Can Transmission Fluid Problems Cause the AT Oil Temp Light to Flash?
Transmission fluid and excessive transmission temperature can contribute to an AT Oil Temp warning when the transmission operates outside its intended temperature range. Transmission fluid carries heat away from internal components while also providing lubrication and, depending on the transmission design, supporting hydraulic operation and power transfer. When fluid temperature becomes excessive, the transmission loses part of the thermal protection required for normal operation.
High transmission temperature can develop when the drivetrain is subjected to greater heat or load than it can dissipate effectively. Conditions such as prolonged demanding driving, towing where permitted, steep climbs, and an existing transmission problem can increase thermal stress. A cooling-related problem can make the situation worse because heat generated inside the transmission cannot be removed at the expected rate.
Fluid condition is another part of the diagnosis, but a flashing AT Oil Temp light should not automatically be treated as a request for a transmission fluid change. Fluid that is degraded, contaminated, leaking, incorrectly serviced, or otherwise outside the requirements for a specific transmission can affect lubrication and transmission operation. However, fluid service cannot repair a failed electrical circuit, sensor, solenoid, valve body, or damaged internal component.
Subaru vehicles also use different transmission designs across models and model years, so fluid requirements and service procedures are not interchangeable. The correct fluid specification, inspection procedure, and service method should be determined for the specific vehicle rather than applying a universal ATF procedure to every Subaru.
Can a Bad Sensor or Electrical Problem Cause the AT Oil Temp Light to Flash?
Yes. A sensor, wiring, connector, or related electrical fault can cause the transmission control system to detect an abnormal condition and trigger a flashing AT Oil Temp light. The transmission relies on electronic inputs to determine operating conditions and control transmission functions. Incorrect or missing information can therefore produce a warning even when excessive fluid temperature is not the primary problem.
A transmission fluid temperature sensor is one component involved in this process. Its signal allows the control system to determine transmission fluid temperature and respond to temperature changes. A faulty sensor or an abnormal sensor circuit can provide information that falls outside the expected range. The control module can then store a diagnostic trouble code and activate a warning to indicate that the transmission system requires attention.
Electrical diagnosis must extend beyond the sensor itself. Damaged wiring, corrosion, loose connectors, poor electrical connections, or circuit faults can change the signal reaching the control module. Replacing a sensor without checking its circuit can therefore leave the original problem unresolved when the actual fault is located in the wiring or connector.
The appearance of the warning immediately after startup can make electrical and control-system faults especially relevant to the diagnostic process. A transmission that has been sitting long enough to cool has not generated the same operating heat as one that has been driven under load. Diagnostic trouble codes and live data can help distinguish an abnormal electronic signal from a genuine high-temperature condition.
Can a Bad Solenoid or Valve Body Cause the AT Oil Temp Light to Flash?
A faulty transmission solenoid or valve body can cause a flashing AT Oil Temp light when the fault disrupts transmission control and is detected by the control system. Solenoids regulate transmission functions by converting electrical commands into hydraulic actions. The valve body contains hydraulic passages and control components that direct fluid according to transmission operating requirements.
A solenoid that does not respond correctly can produce a mismatch between the control module’s command and the transmission’s actual behavior. Depending on the transmission and the affected circuit, the driver may notice symptoms such as delayed engagement, abnormal ratio behavior, harsh operation, or other changes in how power is transferred. The control system can record a fault when monitored operation falls outside its expected parameters.
Valve body problems can produce overlapping symptoms because the valve body is involved in hydraulic control. This is why symptoms alone are insufficient to prove that a valve body needs replacement. A diagnostic trouble code can identify the system or circuit where the abnormality was detected, but the code still needs to be combined with the appropriate inspection and testing before a component is condemned.
This distinction prevents unnecessary repairs. A trouble code should guide diagnosis rather than serve as automatic proof that the component named or associated with the code has failed. Wiring, electrical connections, hydraulic conditions, and related components can produce symptoms or fault information that overlap with a solenoid or valve body problem.
Can an Internal Transmission Problem Cause the AT Oil Temp Light to Flash?
An internal CVT or automatic transmission problem can trigger the AT Oil Temp warning, but internal transmission failure should not be assumed from the warning light alone. Mechanical and hydraulic problems inside the transmission can alter operating conditions enough for the transmission control system to detect an abnormality.
Internal problems become more concerning when the warning is accompanied by clear changes in vehicle operation. Severe slipping, loss of drive, abnormal noises, repeated engagement problems, or persistent abnormal transmission behavior provide more evidence of a substantial transmission problem than the warning light by itself. These symptoms justify a more comprehensive diagnosis before the vehicle is driven further.
The correct diagnostic sequence is therefore important. Fluid and operating conditions, diagnostic trouble codes, electrical circuits, sensors, and electronically controlled components should be evaluated according to the fault information before concluding that the entire transmission has failed. This approach separates a repairable external or control-system fault from a mechanical problem that actually requires internal transmission work.
For that reason, a flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light does not by itself mean that the vehicle needs a new transmission. It means the transmission system has reported an abnormal condition. The cause must be identified before deciding whether the appropriate repair involves fluid service, an electrical circuit, a sensor, a solenoid or valve body, or the transmission itself.
Why Is the Subaru AT Oil Temp Light Flashing With Other Warning Lights?
The Subaru AT Oil Temp light can flash with other dashboard warning lights because one detected fault can affect multiple vehicle control systems. Modern Subaru vehicles use electronic control modules that exchange information about engine, transmission, braking, stability, and other operating conditions. When the transmission control system detects a fault, related systems may respond by illuminating their own warning indicators or limiting certain functions.
The Check Engine Light is one warning that may appear with a flashing AT Oil Temp light. This combination does not necessarily mean the engine and transmission have developed two independent problems at the same time. A transmission-related fault can generate diagnostic information that affects other control systems, while an engine-related fault can also influence transmission operation because engine torque and transmission control are coordinated electronically.
Multiple warning lights therefore should be interpreted as a symptom pattern rather than diagnosed independently from the dashboard alone. The useful information is stored in the vehicle’s control modules. Diagnostic trouble codes can identify which system detected the original abnormal condition and provide a more precise starting point for testing.
Do not replace multiple components simply because several warning lights appear together. One electrical, sensor, communication, or transmission-control problem can produce several visible warnings. Reading the relevant control modules before clearing codes preserves diagnostic evidence and reduces the risk of repairing a secondary symptom instead of the primary fault.
How Do You Diagnose a Flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp Light?
Diagnose a flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light by documenting when the warning occurs, checking the vehicle for obvious transmission problems, retrieving diagnostic trouble codes, and testing the system identified by those codes. This sequence moves from observable evidence to component-level testing instead of guessing which transmission part has failed.
The timing of the warning is the first diagnostic clue. Record whether the AT Oil Temp light begins flashing immediately after startup, after the vehicle warms up, during highway driving, under increased load, or after a change in transmission behavior. Also note whether the warning disappears after the vehicle is restarted. These details help distinguish a temperature-related event from a persistent electrical, hydraulic, or control-system fault.
Transmission behavior provides a second set of clues. Record delayed engagement, abnormal shifting or ratio behavior, slipping sensations, unusual noises, burning odors, loss of drive, and any visible fluid leakage. Other illuminated warning lights should also be documented. These observations do not confirm a failed component, but they give the technician context for interpreting stored fault information.
What Should You Check Before Scanning the Subaru?
Check the warning pattern, transmission behavior, visible leaks, unusual odors, recent service history, and other dashboard warnings before scanning the Subaru. These six observations provide context that a trouble code cannot provide by itself.
Start with the conditions under which the warning appeared. A flashing light that begins immediately after a cold startup presents a different diagnostic pattern from a warning that develops after sustained operation. Likewise, a warning that follows transmission service should prompt verification of the work performed, while a warning accompanied by leakage requires the source of the leak to be identified.
Look underneath the vehicle for evidence of fluid leakage without touching hot drivetrain components or working beneath an unsupported vehicle. A burning odor after the warning appears is also relevant because excessive heat or leaking fluid contacting hot components requires attention. Severe slipping, abnormal noises, or loss of drive should move the diagnosis away from continued road testing and toward professional inspection.
Service history can narrow the diagnostic path further. Record recent transmission fluid service, electrical repairs, battery-related work, transmission repairs, or the point at which symptoms first appeared. Providing this information with the vehicle’s model year, model, mileage, and transmission type gives the technician a more complete diagnostic context.
How Do You Check the Subaru for Transmission Trouble Codes?
Check the vehicle for diagnostic trouble codes with scan equipment capable of communicating with the relevant Subaru control modules, including the transmission control system. A basic code reader that retrieves only limited engine-related information may not provide all of the transmission data needed to diagnose a flashing AT Oil Temp warning.
Diagnostic trouble codes identify the circuit, system, operating condition, or monitored behavior where the control module detected an abnormality. For example, diagnostic information may direct testing toward a temperature-sensing circuit, solenoid circuit, transmission control function, or another monitored transmission condition. The exact codes and diagnostic procedures depend on the Subaru model, model year, and transmission.
The next step is to test the system indicated by the retrieved fault information. A diagnostic trouble code is evidence of where an abnormal condition was detected, not automatic proof that a named component needs replacement. A circuit-related code, for example, can result from the component itself, wiring, a connector, an electrical supply problem, or another condition affecting the circuit.
Live transmission data can add another layer of evidence when the scan equipment supports it. Comparing reported transmission temperature and other relevant parameters with actual operating conditions can help identify readings that are implausible or inconsistent. Electrical testing can then be used when the fault information points toward a sensor, solenoid, wiring, or connector problem.
Avoid clearing the codes before recording them. Clearing diagnostic information removes evidence that can help identify an intermittent fault. Record the stored codes and available supporting data first, perform the appropriate tests, repair the confirmed cause, and then verify whether the warning and fault return.
The diagnostic process should ultimately follow a simple chain: warning pattern → symptoms → stored fault information → system testing → confirmed cause → repair. This prevents the common mistake of moving directly from a flashing AT Oil Temp light to an unnecessary fluid change, valve body replacement, or complete transmission replacement.
What Should You Do When the Subaru AT Oil Temp Light Starts Flashing?
Respond to a flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light according to when the warning appears and how the transmission behaves. A warning that develops after demanding driving requires a different immediate response from a light that begins flashing as soon as the vehicle starts. Severe transmission symptoms require the most cautious response.
If the warning appears after the transmission has been operating under substantial load or heat, reduce the load and stop the vehicle in a safe location. Allowing an overheated transmission to continue working generates additional heat when the system is already outside its desired operating condition. Do not assume the problem is resolved simply because the warning disappears after the vehicle cools. A recurring temperature warning can indicate an underlying fluid, cooling, hydraulic, or transmission problem that requires diagnosis.
A different approach is appropriate when the AT Oil Temp light starts flashing immediately after startup. Prioritize fault-code diagnosis when the warning begins before the transmission has had enough operating time to become excessively hot. Record the warning pattern and any other illuminated indicators, then scan the relevant control modules for stored diagnostic trouble codes. Repeatedly restarting the vehicle to make the warning disappear does not identify or repair the underlying fault.
Vehicle behavior determines whether continued driving is reasonable. A Subaru that still operates normally without severe transmission symptoms should be inspected promptly rather than driven indefinitely with the warning active. Keep unnecessary driving to a minimum until the cause is known because a fault can exist before a major change in transmission performance becomes noticeable.
Stop driving and arrange professional assistance when the vehicle cannot operate safely or develops severe transmission symptoms. Loss of drive, severe slipping, violent or unpredictable engagement, significant fluid leakage, a strong burning odor, or abnormal mechanical noises provide stronger reasons to avoid continued operation. Towing is preferable when driving the vehicle could worsen the problem or make vehicle control unreliable.
Do not disconnect the battery or clear diagnostic codes simply to turn off the warning before diagnosis. Stored fault information can provide evidence about the condition that triggered the AT Oil Temp light. Record the codes first, identify the affected system, complete the required testing, and repair the confirmed cause.
How Do You Fix a Flashing AT Oil Temp Light on a Subaru?
Fix a flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light by repairing the condition confirmed during diagnosis rather than replacing parts based on the warning light alone. The appropriate repair can range from correcting a fluid or electrical problem to repairing a solenoid, valve body, or internal transmission fault.
A temperature-related warning first requires identification of why transmission temperature became excessive. The repair should address the source of the heat rather than only waiting for the fluid to cool. Operating conditions, fluid condition, leakage, transmission operation, and relevant cooling functions should be evaluated according to the specific Subaru and transmission involved. A recurring warning indicates that the condition producing the excessive temperature has not been fully resolved.
Electrical faults require a different repair path. If testing confirms damaged wiring, a poor connector connection, corrosion, or another circuit problem, repairing that electrical fault can restore the signal used by the transmission control system. A sensor should be replaced when testing confirms the sensor itself is faulty rather than merely because a trouble code references its circuit.
The same principle applies to solenoid and valve body faults. A transmission code and abnormal operating behavior can direct diagnosis toward these components, but testing should establish whether the problem originates in the solenoid, valve body, wiring, hydraulic operation, or another related part. Component replacement becomes appropriate after the failed part or system has been identified.
Internal transmission repair is required only when diagnosis provides evidence of an internal mechanical or hydraulic failure that cannot be corrected through an external repair. A flashing AT Oil Temp light alone is not sufficient evidence that the complete CVT or automatic transmission needs replacement. Transmission replacement is one possible outcome of a severe confirmed failure, not the default response to the warning.
Can Changing the Transmission Fluid Fix the AT Oil Temp Light?
Changing the transmission fluid can help only when the diagnosed problem is actually related to the fluid or a service condition that the fluid service can correct. A fluid change cannot repair damaged wiring, a failed sensor, an electrical circuit fault, a defective solenoid, or mechanical damage inside the transmission.
Transmission fluid should therefore be inspected within the service procedure appropriate for the specific Subaru. Fluid type and service methods vary by model, model year, and transmission design. Using an incorrect fluid or applying an unsuitable service procedure can create additional transmission problems rather than correct the warning.
A fluid change should also not be used as a diagnostic substitute. If the AT Oil Temp light is flashing because the control system has stored a transmission fault, retrieve the diagnostic information before deciding that fluid service is the solution. The sequence remains diagnose first, identify the cause, then perform the repair that addresses that cause.
When Does the Subaru Need Transmission Repair?
A Subaru needs transmission repair when diagnostic testing confirms a fault that cannot be corrected through a simpler fluid, sensor, wiring, connector, or related external repair. The scope of that repair depends on the component or system that has actually failed.
A confirmed solenoid or valve body problem can require repair or replacement of the affected assembly without replacing the entire transmission. Electrical testing is particularly important before this decision because wiring and connector faults can produce symptoms that resemble component failure.
More extensive transmission work becomes relevant when testing identifies internal hydraulic or mechanical damage. Severe slipping, repeated loss of drive, abnormal mechanical noises, or persistent operating problems can support this diagnostic direction, but symptoms still need to be combined with testing before the repair scope is determined.
After any repair, the final step is verification. Clear the stored fault information after it has been recorded and the confirmed problem has been repaired, then verify that the AT Oil Temp warning does not return under the appropriate operating conditions. Confirming normal transmission behavior is what establishes that the underlying fault has been corrected rather than temporarily hidden.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp Light?
The cost to fix a flashing Subaru AT Oil Temp light depends on the diagnosed fault, because the warning can originate from a relatively small electrical problem or a more extensive transmission failure. There is no single repair price that accurately applies to every Subaru displaying this warning. Model year, transmission type, failed component, parts availability, diagnostic time, and local labor rates all affect the final bill.
Diagnostic testing is the first cost to consider because the AT Oil Temp light does not identify a failed component by itself. A technician may need to retrieve transmission trouble codes, inspect wiring and connectors, evaluate transmission data, and perform electrical or hydraulic tests. Paying for diagnosis before authorizing parts replacement can prevent a much more expensive repair based on an incorrect assumption.
Fluid-related problems can involve service, leak repair, or correction of a previous service issue, depending on what the inspection finds. Sensor and electrical faults can require replacement of a sensor, repair of damaged wiring, cleaning or replacement of connectors, or correction of another circuit problem. These repairs generally involve a different amount of labor and parts than hydraulic or internal transmission work.
Solenoid and valve body faults can become more expensive because access, component design, programming or relearn requirements, and parts costs vary among Subaru transmissions. Internal CVT or automatic transmission damage represents the highest repair category because the solution can involve major transmission work or replacement.
Get a diagnosis for the specific Subaru before using an online repair estimate as a budget. A cost estimate for another model year or transmission can be misleading even when both vehicles display the same AT Oil Temp warning. The warning identifies the system requiring attention; the confirmed fault determines the repair price.
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How Can You Prevent the Subaru AT Oil Temp Light From Coming Back?
Prevent a recurring Subaru AT Oil Temp warning by maintaining the transmission correctly, addressing leaks and operating problems early, and avoiding continued operation when the transmission shows signs of excessive heat or malfunction. Prevention depends on the original cause, so repairing the confirmed fault remains the first requirement.
Use the transmission fluid specification and service procedure required for the exact Subaru model, model year, and transmission. Subaru vehicles can use different automatic transmission and CVT designs, and their fluid requirements are not automatically interchangeable. Following vehicle-specific maintenance information reduces the risk of incorrect fluid, improper servicing, or a maintenance procedure that does not match the transmission.
Address transmission fluid leaks when they are discovered rather than waiting for a dashboard warning. Fluid loss can interfere with lubrication, cooling, hydraulic operation, or other transmission functions depending on the design. The leak source should be repaired instead of repeatedly adding fluid without determining why the level changed.
Driving conditions also affect transmission heat. Sustained high load, steep grades, demanding low-speed operation, and towing where the specific vehicle is approved for it can increase the amount of heat the transmission must manage. A transmission in proper condition is designed to operate within its intended limits, but repeated temperature warnings under normal use justify inspection for an underlying problem.
Pay attention to changes in transmission operation before the AT Oil Temp light appears. Delayed engagement, new noises, abnormal ratio behavior, slipping sensations, fluid leakage, or a burning odor provide information that should not be ignored simply because the dashboard is not yet displaying a transmission warning. Early diagnosis can identify a developing problem before it produces more extensive symptoms.
Finally, treat a previous AT Oil Temp repair as incomplete if the warning repeatedly returns. Clearing a code, disconnecting the battery, or allowing the transmission to cool can make a warning disappear temporarily without correcting its cause. The warning is prevented from returning only when the condition that triggered it has been identified and corrected.
Is the Subaru AT Oil Temp Light the Same as the Check Engine Light?
No. The Subaru AT Oil Temp light and Check Engine Light are different warnings, although they can appear at the same time when vehicle control systems detect related faults. The AT Oil Temp warning directs attention toward the automatic transmission or CVT and its monitored operating conditions, while the Check Engine Light is associated with faults detected through the engine and emissions-related diagnostic system.
The distinction becomes important when both lights are illuminated. Two warning lights do not automatically prove that the Subaru has two unrelated failures. The engine and transmission control systems exchange operating information, and a fault affecting one system can influence how another system operates or responds. This interaction is one reason several dashboard indicators can appear during a single fault event.
Diagnosis should therefore focus on the stored fault information rather than counting dashboard lights. Scan the relevant control modules, record the diagnostic trouble codes, identify which system detected the primary abnormality, and perform the tests required for that fault. This process establishes whether the Check Engine Light and flashing AT Oil Temp light originate from the same underlying problem or separate conditions.
The two warnings also should not be cleared simply to see whether they return. Recording codes and diagnostic data before clearing them preserves evidence about the original fault. Once the cause has been identified and repaired, the warning status can be cleared and the vehicle retested to verify normal operation.
Treat the flashing AT Oil Temp light as a transmission diagnostic warning rather than as another name for the Check Engine Light. When both appear together, their diagnostic relationship must be established from fault information and testing instead of dashboard appearance alone.