Published on: March 28, 2023
Written by Gian Camilo / Fact-checked by Harun Khan
Manual transmissions are an important part of many vehicles, especially for those who enjoy driving. Unlike automatic transmissions, which use a complex system of gears and hydraulics to shift gears, manual transmissions rely on a driver-operated clutch and gear selector. This means that manual transmissions require more involvement from the driver, but also give them more control over the vehicle’s performance.
One important aspect of maintaining a manual transmission is regular oil changes. The oil in a manual transmission is responsible for lubricating the gears and bearings, which helps prevent wear and tear on the transmission components. Over time, the oil can become dirty and contaminated, reducing its effectiveness and potentially damaging the transmission. Regular oil changes can help keep your manual transmission running smoothly and extend its lifespan.
What is Manual Transmission Oil?
Manual transmission oil is a type of lubricant used in vehicles with manual transmissions to reduce friction and wear between the moving parts of the transmission. Manual transmission oil is typically a high-viscosity fluid that is designed to operate at high temperatures and pressures and to provide excellent lubrication and protection for gears, bearings, and other components within the transmission.
It is often made from a blend of mineral or synthetic base oils, and may also contain additives such as friction modifiers, detergents, and anti-wear agents to enhance its performance and protect the transmission against wear and corrosion. Proper maintenance of manual transmission oil is crucial for the longevity and smooth operation of a vehicle’s transmission system.
Preparation
Before you begin changing the oil in your manual transmission, it’s important to take some safety precautions and gather the necessary tools and materials.
Safety Precautions
Before you start working on your vehicle, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area with plenty of space to move around. Wear protective gloves and eye goggles to protect your skin and eyes from hot oil and debris. If your vehicle is parked on an incline, use wheel chocks or blocks to prevent it from rolling.
Tools Needed for Oil Change
You’ll need a few basic tools to change the oil in your manual transmission. These include a socket wrench or adjustable wrench, a drain pan to catch the old oil, and a funnel to pour in the new oil. You may also need a ratchet or breaker bar to remove the drain plug, depending on how tight it is.
Materials Needed for Oil Change
In addition to the tools, you’ll need some materials to complete the oil change. These include new oil (check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct type and amount), a new drain plug washer or gasket, and cleaning supplies to clean up any spilled oil or debris.
Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand before you begin, and take your time to ensure everything is done correctly. With the right preparation, changing the oil in your manual transmission can be a straightforward and rewarding task.
Locating the Drain Plug and Refill Plug
The next step in changing the oil in your manual transmission is to locate the drain plug and refill plug. These are two important components that you’ll need to access in order to drain the old oil and refill it with new oil. Here’s what you need to know:
Explanation of Drain Plug and Refill Plug
The drain plug is a bolt located on the bottom of the transmission housing that allows you to drain the old oil. The refill plug, on the other hand, is typically located on the side of the transmission housing and allows you to refill the transmission with new oil.
Locating the Drain Plug
The location of the drain plug can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. In general, it’s located on the bottom of the transmission housing, near the back of the transmission. Look for a bolt that’s larger than the others and has a hexagonal or square head. If you’re not sure where the drain plug is located, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or do a quick online search for your specific make and model.
Locating the Refill Plug
The location of the refill plug can also vary depending on your vehicle. It’s typically located on the side of the transmission housing, near the top. Look for a bolt that’s smaller than the drain plug and has a hexagonal or square head. Again, if you’re not sure where the refill plug is located, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or do a quick online search.
Once you’ve located these components, you’re ready to move on to the next step: draining the old oil.
Draining the Old Oil
Draining the old oil is an important step in changing the oil in your manual transmission. This process involves removing the drain plug and allowing the old oil to drain out of the transmission. Here’s how to do it:
Warm Up the Transmission
Before you begin draining the old oil, it’s a good idea to warm up the transmission by taking a short drive. This will help to loosen any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the transmission.
Position the Drain Pan
Place a drain pan directly underneath the drain plug to catch the old oil as it drains out. Make sure the drain pan is large enough to hold all the old oil.
Remove the Drain Plug
Use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to remove the drain plug. Be careful not to drop the drain plug into the drain pan, as it can be difficult to retrieve.
Allow the Old Oil to Drain
Allow the old oil to drain out of the transmission completely. This can take several minutes, so be patient. Once the oil has stopped flowing, clean the drain plug and replace the washer or gasket if necessary.
Reinstall the Drain Plug
Use your wrench to tighten the drain plug back into place. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the threads on the drain plug or transmission housing.
Clean Up Any Spilled Oil
Use cleaning supplies to clean up any spilled oil or debris around the drain plug.
Once all the old oil has been drained, you’re ready to move on to the next step: refilling with new oil.
Refilling with New Oil
After draining the old oil from your manual transmission, the next step is to refill it with fresh oil. This process involves accessing the refill plug and adding new oil to the transmission.
Select the Right Type of Oil
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or do a quick online search to determine the type of oil recommended for your transmission. It’s important to use the right type of oil to ensure proper lubrication and prevent damage to your transmission.
Access the Refill Plug
Use your wrench to remove the refill plug from the side of the transmission housing. Set the plug aside in a safe place where it won’t get lost.
Add New Oil
Use a funnel to add the new oil to the transmission through the refill hole. Be sure to add the recommended amount of oil, as overfilling can cause damage to your transmission. Check the oil level with a dipstick or by observing the oil level through the refill hole.
Reinstall the Refill Plug
Once the new oil has been added, reinstall the refill plug and tighten it securely with your wrench.
Check for Leaks
Start your vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes. Check for any signs of leaks around the drain plug and refill the plug. If you notice any leaks, tighten the plugs further or replace any damaged gaskets or washers.
Clean Up Any Spilled Oil
Use cleaning supplies to clean up any spilled oil or debris around the refill plug.
Remember to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or do a quick online search for recommended maintenance intervals, as regular oil changes can help prolong the life of your transmission.
Testing the Transmission
Testing your manual transmission after an oil change is a crucial step to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Here’s an expanded section on testing the transmission after a manual transmission oil change:
Check the oil level: Start by checking the oil level to make sure it is at the correct level. Use a dipstick or observe the oil level through the refill hole. If the oil level is low, add more oil as needed.
Check for leaks: While the engine is running, check for any signs of leaks around the drain plug and refill plug. If you notice any leaks, tighten the plugs further or replace any damaged gaskets or washers.
Test drive: Take your vehicle for a short test drive to make sure the transmission is functioning properly. Listen for any unusual noises, such as grinding or whining, and pay attention to how smoothly the gears shift. If you notice any issues, stop driving immediately and inspect the transmission.
Check the shifting: While driving, test the shifting by changing gears several times. Pay attention to how smoothly the gears shift, and if there is any grinding or hesitation when shifting. If there are any issues with shifting, stop driving immediately and inspect the transmission.
Repeat the test drive: After testing the shifting, take your vehicle for another test drive to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Always follow the recommended maintenance intervals for your vehicle’s manual transmission to keep it in top condition.
Final Thoughts
Changing the oil in your manual transmission is an important maintenance task that should not be overlooked.
Preparing for the oil change by gathering the necessary tools and materials, locating the drain plug and refill plug, and draining the old oil are all crucial steps in the process. Refilling the transmission with the recommended type and amount of oil, testing the transmission for proper function, and checking for leaks are also important steps.
Regular oil changes can help prolong the life of your manual transmission and keep it functioning properly. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or do a quick online search to determine the recommended maintenance intervals for your specific vehicle.
With proper maintenance and care, your manual transmission can provide reliable performance for years to come.