Changing your manual transmission fluid is important to keep your transmission healthy and shifts smooth. Over time, the oil loses its critical properties that prevent metal on metal contact. This is a easy do-it-yourself as long as you have the proper tools and ability to get your vehicle off the ground safely. If you are unsure, please visit a certified mechanic.
For an overview of the procedure, check out this DIY video on changing the front differential oil from DIY Dan. While the video doesn’t cover the manual transmission oil, the procedure is virtually the same except you will be draining and filling the manual transmission instead. Detailed steps, parts, and tools required can be found below. Big shoutout to eCarGuides user, Rob Dixon, for allowing us to use his photos for this DIY.
Note: When performing this procedure, it is a good idea to save time by changing out the rest of the drivetrain fluid.
- Mechanic’s Tool Set
- K Tool International Low Profile Jack (3.33 Ton)
- ESCO 10498 Performance Jack Stands (Pair) (4 required)
- Wheel Chocks
- 3/8 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10-80 ft.-lb.)
- Torx Bit Socket Set, T10-T60
- Metric Hex Bit Socket Set, 3mm to 10mm
- Fluid Transfer Pump Kit
- Oil Drain Pan, 6 Quarts Capacity
- Safety Glasses
- Disposable Gloves
Manual transmission drain and fill plugs: 26 ft-lbs
Manual transmission oil capacity: 1.8 liter
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area.
- Starting with a cold engine, drive your car lightly for 5 minutes to get the drivetrain fluid warmed up; this will make it easier to drain the transmission fluid.
- Park your car on a flat surface.
- Gather required tools and parts.
- Put on gloves and eye protection.
Step 2: Raise your vehicle to give yourself extra clearance.
- If you have air suspension, simply raise your car to the highest ride height.
- If not, raise your vehicle with a lift or jack stands; it is very important your car is level during the procedure.
- If using a jack and jack stands, be sure to engage parking brake and use wheel chocks to prevent your car from rolling.
- To get jack stands on the front jack points, jack the vehicle by the center cross member as shown in the photos.
- To get jack stands on the rear jack points, jack the vehicle up be the rear cross member which is just ahead of the rear differential and in between the exhaust pipes.
- Once your vehicle is in the air, give it a hard shove to make sure it is securely supported.
- NEVER rely on a jack to support your vehicle.
- Note: If you have air suspension and decided to jack up the car, you will need to lock the air suspension by starting the car and holding the air suspension button up for 10 seconds. You will see an indicator pop up on your gauge cluster.
Step 3: Remove the underbody trays.
- Remove front underbody trays, which are held on by several T25 Torx screws and 10mm bolts.
- Also remove the panel covering the mid section of the vehicle, which is held on by 10mm bolts.
Step 4: Remove the manual transmission fill bolt.
- Locate the fill bolt which should be located on the right hand side of the transmission (as shown in picture).
- Remove the fill bolt with an 8mm hex bit socket and ratchet (linked in tools section).
- If you cannot get the fill bolt off, STOP and do not proceed with the procedure.
Step 5: Drain the manual transmission oil.
- Place a drain pan under the drain plug, which is located on the bottom of the transmission towards the rear; to access the drain plug, you may need to move the breather hose out of the way (as shown in picture).
- Remove the drain plug using an 8mm hex bit socket and ratchet.
- Allow the manual transmission oil to drain for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Fill the manual transmission with fresh oil.
- Install the drain bolt and torque it to 26 ft-lbs.
- Add ~1.8 liter of oil to the transmission via the fill port using a fluid pump as shown in this video from BleeinJeep.
- As long as your car is level, you’ve reached capacity once the oil starts to drip.
- Install the fill bolt and torque it to 26 ft-lbs.
- Note: We recommend you install new drain and fill bolts; however, if you do not have new ones, make sure your old drain and fill bolts are in good condition before re-using it.
Step 7: Re-install everything in reverse.
- Re-install the underbody panel and lower your car.
- Store the old gear oil in a plastic container, so you can take it to your nearest auto parts store to recycle.
- Clean up your workspace and put all of your tools and supplies away.
- You’re all done!
Robin Dixon says:
Your description of the procedure refers to an AT gearbox which is totally different to the manual gearbox. The fill plug is located on the right side of the gearbox and is a T50 torx bit. The drain is located towards the rear of the gearbox and also uses a T50 torx bit.
eCarGuides says:
Thanks Rob. Updates have been made to the DIY. And much appreciation for allowing us to use your photos.