Manual Transmission Fluid Change

[matt87951]

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2001 Limited PT Cruiser, and I am approaching the 70k mile mark on the car, and I was wondering where the transmission fill plug is at? Does anyone know? I know the drain is on the bottom, but without pulling the car apart, I don’t think I can find the fill spot on top.

Has anyone changed their Manual Fluid? I know some people say its not really needed to change the manual fluid, however I know the suggested change period for my 944 turbo's transmission is around 25k miles, so I would assume the PT Cruiser would be in need of an transmission oil change by now as well.

If anyone has done this, what transmission fluid did you use? Did you use just the normal Mopar stuff? Or did you use synthetic oil like one from Mobil One, or Redline or some other brand?

Thanks,
Matt

[matt87951]

No one has changed their Manual transmission fluid?? [:I] Does anyone have a Haynes manual that they can look in quick for me at least, so I know where to start looking for the filler plug for the transmission?

Thanks,
Matt

[shil]

I've used the Mobile 1 synthetic in another car and liked it. Haven't yet changed the fluid in my 5-speed PT.
Once you do find the filler plug, make sure that you can get it open BEFORE you drain the old stuff. Would not be good to drain the tranny and be unable to fill it again.

[matt87951]

quote:Originally posted by shil

I've used the Mobile 1 synthetic in another car and liked it. Haven't yet changed the fluid in my 5-speed PT.
Once you do find the filler plug, make sure that you can get it open BEFORE you drain the old stuff. Would not be good to drain the tranny and be unable to fill it again.

Yep, I always make sure I can open the fill before draining it. Thanks for the reminder though. That’s one of the reasons I want to know where about the fill plug is, so I can see how easy the job will be.

I will probably end up using Mobil 1 synthetic unless someone else knows of better oil. Does anyone know what weight the stock transmission fluid is?

Thanks,
Matt

[purple04]

2003 manual says the fluid is ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid. Illustration shows drain and fill plugs above and below where the right axle goes into the transaxle, on the same plane. Fill is around 2 quarts. Both plugs are torqued to 29-35 ft. lbs.

ATF is fairly common in modern manual trannys.
Good Luck