how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

[Harrison]

i've heard of people refilling their manual tranny fluid when they take out their shifter. Can you fill it from up-top inside the car? or do you have to change it from underneath with that fill plug? the problem i have is trying to figure out how i'm going to get the fluid up there in that space? i know you have to use some sort of pump tool to pump it up there, but i dont have access to one. anyhow, is there a way to do it from the topside when u take the shifter off?

[cam98aro]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

im sure there is a way, because it is open in there.

all you would need to do is hook a hose to the bottle of tranny fluid and put it in the drain plug somehow, and fill it up.. you wouldnt even need a pump

[hockeyman]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

Yes, remove the shifter and you can fill it up through the hole.
If you're doing it yourself, try this:
-Drain all of the old fluid
-Get the car on a level surface and remove the top (fill) plug.
-Put a drain bucket under the trans.
-Remove the shifter and begin filling through the shifter's hole. It may take a bit longer because the fluid must travel through a small opening.
-Once the fluid begins to trickle out of the top hole, it's basically full. Reinstall the plug and shifter, then you're ready to go :banana:

The toughest part is getting back under the car to reinstall the top plug. I usually jack the car up ~slowly~ on the passenger side and slide under. This way the fluid will flow to the opposite side of the trans and doesn't pour out of the opening.

[Harrison]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

i appreciate the help. im gonna try it out tomorrow after work. all i need to take out the drain/fill plugs is a 1/2 inch ratchet? or 3/8?

[99camaro-3.8]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

its a 3/8 hole. just take a ratchet and put a 3" extension on it and youll be good to go

[SilverRS96]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

let me know how u make out on doin that...i gotta add some to mine i think

[cam98aro]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

let me know how u make out on doin that...i gotta add some to mine i think

dont see how, unless you dont have a manual.

manual trannies are completly closed, unless you have a crack/hole in your transmission, you are not low

[98 3.8]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

You really don't need a pump to do it from under. I just stuck a plastic hose onto the top of my bottles and squeezed the fluid in. Worked like a charm. :)

[Harrison]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

dont see how, unless you dont have a manual.

manual trannies are completly closed, unless you have a crack/hole in your transmission, you are not low

Im not in the position to agree or disagree with you right now being as i havn't had the chance to take a look. According to other various members on the board however, you can fill it from the topside if you take the shifter off. I hope you can atleast....gonna be a pain to take the console/shifter off to find out i cant do it. can anyone else verify it from experience?

[99camaro-3.8]

Re: how to change manual tranny fluid from the top?

yes i have done it. in fact i just did it today when i put my new transmission in. really taking apart the console is not a big deal. its a total of 9 bolts to get the whole console off and then 8 more on the rubber shift boot and then 4 more on the shifter. really easy to do.