Changing the manual transmission fluid is crucial to keep your automobile in good condition. Over time, the fluid can become contaminated with metal shavings, dust and other debris, which can cause damage to your transmission. So, do you want to change the fluid of your transmission? Are you willing to know How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid?
Changing the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is recommended or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Changing the fluid is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. These steps include locating plugs, removing old fluid and then filling the transmission with new fluid.
However, you should get the best and most suitable fluid for your transmission system. In this article, I’ll discuss step-by-step procedures for changing the manual transmission fluid. Following these steps, you will be able to change transmission fluid which will help ensure your transmission’s longevity and smooth operation.
Why Should You Change Manual Transmission Fluid?
Manual transmission fluid is essential to the smooth operation of a vehicle’s manual transmission system. However, this fluid has a tendency to deteriorate or become polluted with time, which can result in a number of issues that compromise the transmission’s efficiency and durability. It is crucial to comprehend the justifications for replacing your manual gearbox fluid.
Maintaining optimal transmission performance is one of the key justifications for changing your manual transmission fluid. The transmission fluid lubricates the gears and other internal components, enabling smooth operation. The transmission parts may experience more friction and wear when the fluid becomes polluted or low.
This may result in shifting difficulty, gear slippage, and other problems that might impair the performance of the car as a whole. Preventing harm to the gearbox’s components is another justification for changing the manual transmission fluid. The transmission fluid may degrade and pick up dirt, metal shavings, or other debris over time.
The gears, bearings, and other internal parts may be harmed, resulting in expensive repairs or transmission failure. Changing the manual transmission fluid can also assist with fuel efficiency. Over time, improved fuel efficiency and cheaper operating expenses may result from the engine not having to work as hard when the transmission is functioning properly.
How To Change Manual Transmission Fluid?
Now in this section of this article, I will go through the steps to change the manual transmission fluid in your vehicle. So, let’s explore this procedure and change your transmission fluid easily.
Step-01: Elevate Your car
The manual transmission of a vehicle is typically located at the bottom. As a result, to reach the automobile, you should lift it. Depending on what works best, you may either back the car up on ramps or set it up on jack stands. The automobile should be able to maintain a higher level which will assist in emptying the old fluid.
Step-02: Locate the Filling and Draining Plug
The next step is to locate the Filling and the Draining plug on the transmission. The filling plug is typically located at the top, while the draining is located at the bottom of the transmission, but the location may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Refer to the owner’s manual for your car to locate the filling and draining plug.
Step-03: Remove the Filling plug and Draining Plug
Once you have located the fill and drain plug, now you have to drain old transmission fluid. So, all you have to do is remove the fill plug and remove the drain plug. Use a socket set or wrench to loosen and remove these plugs. However, you should put a drain pan under the drain plug before detaching it.
Step-04: Drain Old Fluid and Install Drain Plug
Put a drain pan under the drain plug before completely removing the plug. Remember that the transmission fluid will start to pour out as soon as you remove this drain cap. When it is removed, look at the drain plug. These are often magnetic; therefore, if there is a lot of accumulation on the plug, it may indicate that the gears are wearing down too quickly. Clean the drain plug, then reattach it if there is no accumulation.
Step-05: Add New Fluid to the Transmission
After the old fluid has drained and the drain plug has been installed, it’s time to refill the transmission with new transmission fluid. Refer to the provided manual for the vehicle to determine the proper type and amount of fluid to use.
Pouring oil is difficult since the filling plug is horizontally positioned. So, use a funnel and slowly pour the new fluid into the transmission through the fill hole. To prevent overfilling the transmission capacity and creating a huge mess, check the oil level in the reservoir frequently.
Step-06: Reinstall the Fill Plug
After filling the fluid, you must now reinstall the fill plug. Before reinstalling the fill plug, clean the plug thoroughly. Use a torque wrench to reinsert the bolt and ensure its position. Check the whole transmission area for fluid leaks where the oil may sip before exiting the automobile below.
Step-07: Test Drive the Vehicle
After the transmission fluid has been changed and the fluid level is correct, take the vehicle for a test drive. Shift through all gears to ensure that the transmission is shifting smoothly and that there are no leaks.
Cost of Changing Manual Transmission Fluid
Performing a manual transmission fluid change is essential to maintain the transmission’s health. So, how much does changing the manual transmission fluid cost? The price to change the manual transmission fluid varies by region, automobile type and model, as well as fluid type. However, a manual transmission fluid change costs around $50 to $150.
The cost of a manual transmission fluid change may include the price of the fluid, which can range from $15 to $50, and the cost of labor, which can range from $35 to $100. The labor cost can be affected by factors such as the complexity of the transmission, the accessibility of the transmission, and the experience of the mechanic. However, you can minimize the labor cost by doing it yourself.
In addition to the cost, choosing the right type of transmission fluid for your vehicle is essential. Using the wrong kind of transmission fluid can damage several parts of the transmission. It is recommended to consult the owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the appropriate type of fluid for your vehicle.
How often should manual transmission fluid be changed?
Manual transmission fluid is essential to the smooth operation of a vehicle’s manual transmission system. Over time, this fluid can become contaminated and oxidized, resulting in shifting problems, increased wear, and potential damage to the transmission components. Knowing when and how frequently to change the manual transmission fluid is crucial.
The frequency of manual transmission fluid changes depends on several factors, including the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, driving conditions, and the age of the vehicle. As a general guideline, changing the manual transmission oil/fluid every 30,000 – 60,000 miles or every 2- 4 years is recommended. Nevertheless, this could differ depending on the precise manufacture as well as the model of the car.
Frequent stop-and-go driving, towing heavy loads, or driving in extreme temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of the transmission fluid, which may require more frequent fluid changes. Additionally, older vehicles with high mileage may need more frequent changes to maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of the transmission.
It’s important to note that keeping the manual transmission fluid the same can lead to costly repairs or even transmission failure. Therefore, following the recommended service schedule is crucial as having the fluid changed by a qualified mechanic or at a reputable service center.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, now you may know How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid since I discussed the step-by-step process above. You must replace the fluid whenever the transmission fluid loses its ability to function and stops lubricating, owing to a drop in viscosity grade. This article may help you a lot to replace the old transmission fluid with new fluid and retain the optimal performance of your vehicle.
