Hey guys today i decided i would replace my Manual Transaxel Fluid and take a few pics of the process i went through.

The fluid should be checked every 10,000k's and should be replaced a 40,000k's. In order to check it you need to undo the 17mm filler nut and if the fluid is just below the hole you are fine, if not you need to add more.

Tools needed:

Torque Wrench
17mm Socket (Filler bolt)
24mm Socket (Drain Plug)
Oil Pan
Funnel
Duct tape (Optional depending on funnel choice)
8mm Clear Hose (Available from Bunnings)
Bottle Of Gear Oil (API GL-1 - GL5 SAE 75/85w Gear Oil)

Since you are going to be working under the car you MUST use a jack that complies with safety standards and a pair of jack stands. Also safety glass are ideal. I nor AMC take any responsibility for any injuries or mishaps, if you do not feel confident doing this do yourself a favour and take it to a mechanic.

1) Jack the front of the car up and support it with Jackstands.
2) Undo this 24mm Nut on the bottom of the transaxel housing to drain the fluid.
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3461/dsc00258v.jpg
By peaandham (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/peaandham) at 2010-12-25

3) Once drained tighten the nut to 32nm and then undo the 17mm Nut that is located on the front end of the house which is the filler cap.
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/434/dsc00259cc.jpg
By peaandham (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/peaandham) at 2010-12-25

4) Take the 8mm Clear hose and connect it to the bottom of the funnel (tape it if you have to) put the hose in in the filler hole have the funnel sticking out into the engine bay.

Note: The straighter the hose the quicker this will be.

5) Pour your fluid into the funnel and let it travel into the transaxel housing. It should take about 2.8Litres.
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/4051/dsc00260lv.jpg
By Peaandham (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Peaandham) at 2010-12-25
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5973/dsc00261pl.jpg
By peaandham (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/peaandham) at 2010-12-25

6) When oil starts dripping out of the hole it is full. Re tighten the filler cap. Re-tighten to 32nm.

7) Take the car for a drive and check for leaks.

Good write-up again.

Just a couple of hints (have done this a few times now):

1. AFAIK you shouldn't use GL5 MTF in a Magna or 380 gearbox. GL3 or preferrably GL4 is the go.

2. Make double sure the filler hose you use is well & truly in the filler hole and no chance of falling out. Pour a bit down it to start with, then go back underneath to check it's going in the gearbox and not all over the floor!

3. I use a length of garden hose, about 1 metre, and 'whittle' one end just a little so it jams nice and tight into the filler hole. Much bigger internal diameter than 8mm clear tube, takes way less time to pour the MTF in. Cheap/free too!

4. A 125ml tube of Nulon G70 manual gearbox additive really helps smooth the gear shift.

Good write-up again.

Just a couple of hints (have done this a few times now):

1. AFAIK you shouldn't use GL5 MTF in a Magna or 380 gearbox. GL3 or preferrably GL4 is the go.

4. A 125ml tube of Nulon G70 manual gearbox additive really helps smooth the gear shift.

Really? I went buy what the manual said. I myself used some GL4 Made by Castrol, and i got it from Supercheap Auto for about $45.

I might have to try some of that if you think it really does help.

Edit: I also took some Photos of my Oil change if anyone needs a doco on it.

i like to take the filler plug out first, so you know its not seized before you drain it

I filled up mine through a breather hole on the top! It took like 45 minutes and yes it was a mistake!

nice writeup, i just did this two days ago and filled with redline MT-90.


i like to take the filler plug out first, so you know its not seized before you drain it

me too. nothing worse than draining all the fluid and then discovering you can't put any back in!

+1 for the Nulon G70 additive. Madmagna once suggested it and showed me an empty tube so I knew what to look for.

It has somewhat tamed worn 2nd Gear synchro's on my TJ Sports, after an oil change at transmission place made stuff-all difference. Still a bit stiff when cold, but the Nulon additive has made a world of difference for most driving.

Is that an optima battery? What size is it, I want to get one for my car?

Is that an optima battery? What size is it, I want to get one for my car?
Probally best you PM me for future inquires as i would prefer to not have anything off topic in my tutorials. But yes its an Optima, D34.

Nice guide mate. I don't want to move this thread to DIY and FAQ (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=82) since there's already been some discussion in this one which I'd have to remove.... do you want to copy and paste your OP into a new thread in that section so that it doesn't get lost?