Transmission Service

Drain and refill the Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission with fresh synthetic gear oil to maintain proper lubrication and shifting performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• transmission_manual — 4.2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven.
4. Gather all tools, new crush washers, and transmission fluid before beginning work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Lift the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the front crossmember jack point. Install jack stands under the front subframe mounting points. The rear of the vehicle can remain on the ground for this procedure, but ensure adequate clearance to access the transmission underbody. Verify the vehicle is stable before proceeding underneath.
2. 2

   Locate transmission drain and fill plugs
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. The transmission is located behind the engine bellhousing. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission case (passenger side, facing rearward) and the fill plug on the driver side of the transmission case, approximately mid-height. Clean the area around both plugs with a wire brush and shop rag to prevent contamination during service.
3. 3

   Remove fill plug first
   Using the correct hex socket size (verify against service documentation), loosen and remove the fill plug first before draining. This ensures you can refill the transmission after draining. If the fill plug is seized or damaged, do not proceed with draining until the fill plug can be successfully removed. Remove the fill plug completely and inspect the crush washer condition.
   ⚠Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug. If the fill plug is seized and you drain first, the transmission cannot be refilled.
4. 4

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position the drain pan under the transmission drain plug with adequate capacity for at least 5 quarts. Using the 10mm hex socket, loosen the drain plug slowly. Once loosened, carefully remove the plug by hand, allowing the fluid to drain into the pan. Allow the transmission to drain completely for at least 10-15 minutes. Inspect the drained fluid for metal particles or debris which may indicate internal wear.
5. 5

   Clean and reinstall drain plug
   Once fluid has completely drained, clean the drain plug threads with a shop rag. Inspect the drain plug magnet (if equipped) for metal particles and clean thoroughly. Discard the old crush washer and install a new washer on the drain plug. Thread the drain plug in by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then snug with the 10mm hex socket. Do not overtighten as this can strip the aluminum transmission case threads.
6. 6

   Refill transmission with fresh fluid
   Using a fluid transfer pump, insert the pump nozzle into the fill plug hole. Slowly pump the manufacturer-specified quantity of the Mopar-approved transmission fluid into the transmission, filling until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole. Fill until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole, indicating the transmission is at the correct level. The fill hole serves as the level check - fluid should be at the bottom of the fill hole threads when full.
7. 7

   Reinstall fill plug
   Wipe any spilled fluid from around the fill hole. Install a new crush washer on the fill plug. Thread the fill plug in by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, then snug with the 10mm hex socket. Do not overtighten. Wipe down the transmission case exterior to remove any residual fluid.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle and verify
   Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Dispose of used transmission fluid at an approved recycling facility. Check underneath the vehicle for any leaks from the drain or fill plugs after 5 minutes.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is completed during the procedure with installation of drain and fill plugs.
2. Ensure both plugs have new crush washers installed to prevent leaks.
3. Verify fluid capacity matches specification (4.2 quarts) and fill level is correct at fill plug hole.

Verification

• Start the engine and allow to idle for 1 minute with the transmission in neutral.
• With the engine running and clutch pedal depressed, shift through all gears slowly to circulate fresh fluid through the transmission.
• After test shifting, check underneath the vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage at drain and fill plugs.
• Take a short test drive (5-10 minutes) and verify smooth shifting operation in all gears.
• After test drive, recheck for leaks with the vehicle on level ground.

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