Drain and refill the manual transmission with fresh gear oil to maintain proper lubrication and shifting performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug copper washer (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fill plug copper washer (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If possible, drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes to warm fluid and improve drainage (skip if transmission is already hot)
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at front crossmember
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails behind front wheels
6. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission drain and fill plugs
   Position yourself under the vehicle with flashlight. Locate the transmission case (behind the bellhousing, forward of the driveshaft). Identify the drain plug on the lower rear section of the transmission case and the fill plug on the driver's side of the case at approximately mid-height. Both plugs use a square head (commonly 3/4") — verify plug size and use the correct square drive socket or adapter.
2. 2

   Clean fill and drain plug areas
   Use wire brush to clean around both the fill plug and drain plug to prevent dirt from entering the transmission during service. Wipe clean with shop rag.
3. 3

   Loosen fill plug first
   Using a 3/8" drive ratchet with 1/2" square drive adapter (or 1/2" drive ratchet directly), loosen the fill plug first by turning counterclockwise. Remove it completely and set aside. This ensures you can refill the transmission after draining. If the fill plug is seized and cannot be removed, do NOT proceed with draining.
4. 4

   Position drain pan and remove drain plug
   Position drain pan directly under the drain plug with adequate capacity (fluid will flow toward rear initially). Using the ratchet with square drive adapter, loosen the drain plug counterclockwise. Once loose, quickly unscrew by hand and pull away, allowing fluid to drain into pan. Be prepared for fluid to flow with moderate force initially.
5. 5

   Allow complete drainage
   Allow transmission to drain completely until flow stops, typically 10-15 minutes. The transmission should drain approximately 2.5 quarts of old fluid. Move drain pan slightly rearward if needed to catch all fluid.
6. 6

   Inspect and reinstall drain plug
   Inspect the drain plug threads and sealing surface for damage. If equipped with a copper washer, replace with new washer. Clean threads with shop rag. Thread drain plug in by hand until finger-tight, then tighten with ratchet to snug (approximately 25-30 ft-lb, firm hand pressure on ratchet). Do not overtighten in the cast iron transmission case.
7. 7

   Refill transmission with gear oil
   Using fluid pump or squeeze bottle with hose inserted into fill plug hole, add 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil slowly. Fill until fluid begins to seep from the fill hole, indicating proper level. The transmission is properly filled when fluid is level with the bottom threads of the fill hole. Total capacity is approximately 2.5 quarts but fill to level, not capacity.
8. 8

   Reinstall fill plug
   Wipe any excess fluid from around fill hole. If equipped with copper washer on fill plug, install new washer. Thread fill plug in by hand until finger-tight, then tighten with ratchet to snug (approximately 25-30 ft-lb, firm hand pressure). Do not overtighten.
9. 9

   Check for leaks
   Wipe both drain and fill plugs clean with shop rag. Inspect for any signs of leakage around plug threads. If seepage is observed, slightly tighten the affected plug (additional 1/8 turn maximum).
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final check
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and allow to idle. Depress clutch pedal fully and shift through all gears with engine idling, pausing 2-3 seconds in each gear. Return to neutral and shut off engine. Check underneath vehicle once more for any transmission fluid leaks at drain and fill plugs.

Reassembly

1. Dispose of used transmission fluid at appropriate recycling facility or auto parts store
2. Record mileage and date of service for maintenance records

Verification

• No fluid leaks visible at drain plug or fill plug after test drive
• Transmission shifts smoothly through all gears with normal clutch engagement
• No grinding, unusual noise, or difficulty engaging gears
• Fluid level correct (at fill plug hole when checked on level ground)

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