Changing Manual Transmission Fluid...

[DavidPIL]

Hello all...Well, I've bought into almost every other "change this-replace that" mod so I thought I'd buy into this one as well. I have basic experience with changing fluids in different vehicles but I have no clue about this transmission. I've read several posts so I'm not really looking for what to do as much as I'm looking for photos of which is the drain plug and which is the fill. OK, I do feel rather stupid about this because I see a few bolts which could be the drain plug but I think I've figured that out. I really have no clue where to fill.Also, everyone swears by Redline and AMSOIL. I can't find anyone who has it or who can order Redline MT-90 locally. (Read a post that NAPA carried it... NAPA here was clueless as to whether there was even a "Redline" oil). I'm considering AMSOIL and will order it through the Admin here if I go that way but I had also heard the Valvoline Synth 75-90 was a very good product as well. Any thoughts? I can get that at NAPA for $8.50/quart... And yes, they have 3 in stock. Would it be advisable to purchase cheaper trany oil then... 1. drain what's in there. 2. fill with the cheap stuff, drive for a a bit to blend out the old stuff. 3. drain the cheap stuff then 4. Refill with Synth? I read somewhere that this was the suggested way to clean out the old oil.So if someone could please take a photo (or circle or point on and exiting photo) of the drain and fill points, that would be greatly appreciated.Oh, I've decided to do this change because I've heard it reduced the clunkiness of shifting and with the cold weather, it's getting worse. Thanks!Dave

[cohocarl]

If you feel you need to change the fluid in your manual tranny, might want to check the owner's manual to see what weight and type of oil they recommend. (if that's in the owner's manual) I wouldn't just assume it's 90wt.

[DavidPIL]

Hi cohocarl...Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »If you feel you need to change the fluid in your manual tranny, might want to check the owner's manual to see what weight and type of oil they recommend. (if that's in the owner's manual) I wouldn't just assume it's 90wt. Didn't assume it was 90wt, it's actually 75W-90, (Redline MT-90 is 75W-90 Gear Oil) and it's what was recommended here plus is is also what the owner's manual says as well... Under "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" "Manual Transaxle" - "GM Goodwrench Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid " "SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil"Also, I'm half-way to the mileage where the owner's manual suggests to change the fluid andway so it's not such a waste.So, anyone with a GT do this change, have suggestions on the process or could help me with the photos?Thanks in advance...Dave

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by DavidPIL »Didn't assume it was 90wt, it's actually 75W-90"Cool. I had no idea what weight oil was recommended in these. Some manufacturers are going to a much lighter oil in the gearboxes.

[FusionVGT]

I was suggest checking http://www.newcelica.org and doing a search. I was able to find guides with pictures there. It's pretty easy to do. As for fluid you'll have to decide what works for you. I chose Redline MaxGear, because I like their products and the viscosity was correct.

[DavidPIL]

Hi Fusion... Thanks for that link... Found what I needed. I really wasn't looking for such a large bolt/plug. It's supposed to warm up by the end of the week, I think I'll do the change with Mobil 1 gear oil to flush then order some AMSOIL for the final fill. Thanks again!Dave

[FusionVGT]

I wouldn't waste the time or money trying to flush the transaxle. Just dump the current and refill with whichever brand you prefer.

[DavidPIL]

Hello all again...Well, I found the photos I thought I needed on the Celica site but have found that where there is a 17mm fill plug on the photos, I have what looks to be a Hex plug. Does anyone else have this same plug? Is this the Fill spot? and what is the size of the Hex tool needed to loosen this (so I know which size to get at the hardware store)?Sorry for being so clueless on this...Dave

[FusionVGT]

Can you post the pictures you found? I can't seem to find any now. I do know however that you don't need a hex wrench to do the job.

[DavidPIL]

Hi Fusion...THe link I have is... http://www.everythingcelica.co....html . Where the fill bolt it, I have a plug which needs a 10mm Hex tool to turn. Yeah, I figured it out... THe nice people at Auto Zone let me take a few bits out to my car to see what fit. That fill bolt for me is most definitely a 10mm Hex drive bolt.Dave

[dmitri]

i dunno what a hex bolt is but i think i have an idea what your looking at, and thats the wrong thing. i used a regular ratchet and socket to take the plug out, no special tools.

[DavidPIL]

Hi dmitri...Thanks for replying but it actually was the right thing. I'm not sure whether GM was trying something different on this one or maybe there was some service done to my transmission prior to me getting it (though it only had 161 miles on it with about a 90 mile delivery distance when I picked it up). It was a 10mm Hex drive bolt with the same metal washer as was on the drain plug. A little fluid dribbled out when I opened it. drained, filled, works fine. That Hex bolt is what caused me the most problems because I was looking for a 17mm or 24mm bolt which I couldn't find. FusionVGT led me to a site which had photos of the Celica's tranny and it was nearly exactly where it was there.... though the photo made it look like it was angled slightly to the tranny body, mine was vertical.I can't believe my 6 speed transmission is different than everyone elses but apparently something was different. BTW, I also tried to spray Lithium Grease on the linkage going into the transmission but couldn't BUT I did use it at the shifter linkage under the shifter boot and it shifts MUCH better. Still a little noisy going from 2-3 or 4-5 but 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 is smooth and almost effortless. With the change of the tires this past fall and this minor maintenance item, my Vibe isturning out to be much more than I could have imagined!Dave

[syclnjr]

Hey David I know that this is probabl an old post but I have the same plug as you do, so you are not the only one. Mine is an 04 GT so they may have changed the line later in the year, if this is when you bought yours. Later