DIY: V6 Manual Transmission Fluid Change

jp129

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This information is purely my experience and serves only for your entertainment. I will not be liable or held responsible in what you do with this information. Please proceed at your own risk.

Tools needed:

4mm HEX/allen socket
7mm socket
9mm socket
10mm socket
Long socket extention for the 9mm socket
Ratchet
22mm Open ended wrench
Brake Cleaner
Long reach funnel
Oil Drain pain
Towels/rags for clean up
3.5 QTS of your favorite transmission fluid (Spec calls for API-GL4 75w80 transmission fluid) - I elected to run Amsoil 75w90 API-GL4 Transmission fluid

Access:
-Remove Rear diffuser using the 4mm hex & 7mm socket
-Remove engine lower cover using the 10mm socket
-Remove top side engine surround covers

Asess current fluid level/fabricate dip stick:
-Locate the transmission fluid fill hole/ transmission oil cooler return fitting
-Thoroughly clean the area around the fitting as to make sure no debris will fall in when you remove the fitting
-Can of brake cleaner seemed to do the trick in short order, blasting the debris away from the fitting
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-Using a 9mm socket and long reach extention, unfasten the bolt holding the fitting to the transmission
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-Fabricate a dipstick as per the service manual
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-With your fabricated dipstick, carefully insert the dipstick and assess your currently fluid level
-Make note of this fluid level as you will be refilling your new fluid to this level
-Once you're done recording your fluid level, take a shop rag or towel and cover/plug the hole to prevent debris or foreign objects from falling in while you work on draining the fluid from underneath.

Draining the old transmission fluid:
-Look for the transmission fluid temperature sensor (it'll be the lowest point on the transmission case with an insulated line running to it

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-Clip the zip tie that's holding the heat wrap around the sensor and slowly peel back the heat shielding to expose the connector
-Positively unlatch the connector and remove the connector from the temperature sensor
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-Now using a box end 22mm wrench, unfasten the fitting from the transmission case. Make sure to have a fuid catch pan ready as fluid will start to drip as you unscrew the fitting
-Take care to retain the sealing rubber washer - mine showed no deterioration, so I elected to re-use. Best practice is always to replace, but I've reused them with no issue - YMMV.
-Tip: Use the fitting as flow control with your hand so that it doesn't splash onto the exhaust Y-pipe or drain too quickly, making a mess
-Drain all the old fluid out. I got about 3.25QTS out.
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-Once all the fluid has been drained, put the fitting back in and snug tight - I couldn't find the torque value, but I usually just do this by feel anyway.
-Reconnect the connector to the temperature sensor. Ensure the latch is positively connected.
-Pull the heat shielding back in place and use a zip tie to secure as it were from the factory

Filling with new transmission fluid:
-Use a long reach funnel or a contraption of your making, put the funnel into the top side fill hole
-Refill roughly what you drained out and periodically check your dipstick to ensure your correct fill level
-Once you reach your previously recorded level, you're good
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-Lube the oil cooler return fitting's o-ring with some trans fluid and re-install the fitting to the transmission
-Snug the 9mm bolt
-Reinstall the engine surround covers, lower engine cover, and diffuser in reverse order.
-Job complete.

Hope that helps!!
 
Thanks for the writeup! Amazing detail! Very much appreciated!

How does it feel? Improvements?
 
I haven't driven the car yet, but will later this week and report back.
 
Finally a good write up on this, thank you so much!
 

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