Here's a general outline of the process. Remember this is a general guide and specifics will vary greatly depending on your vehicle's make, model, and year. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for precise instructions and torque specifications.
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Have jack stands to securely support your vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Gather Supplies: You'll need a drain pan large enough to hold the transmission fluid, a socket wrench (likely a 17mm or 19mm, but check your manual), a new transmission fluid filter (if applicable – some don't have one), new transmission fluid (the correct type and quantity specified in your manual), a funnel, rags, and potentially a torque wrench.
* Warm-up (Optional but Recommended): Running the car for a short while warms the fluid, making it flow more easily.
2. Access the Drain Plug:
* Locate the Drain Plug: Your vehicle's service manual will show the location of the drain plug on your transmission. It's usually located on the bottom of the transmission case.
* Secure the Vehicle: Safely jack up the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands.
3. Drain the Fluid:
* Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan under the drain plug.
* Remove the Drain Plug: Carefully loosen and remove the drain plug using the appropriate socket wrench. Be prepared for hot oil to flow out – it may be messy. Let the oil drain completely. This could take a significant amount of time (30 minutes or more).
4. Replace the Drain Plug:
* Clean the Drain Plug: Clean any debris or old gasket material from the drain plug. Apply a new crush washer (if your transmission uses one – many do) before reinstalling the plug.
* Tighten the Drain Plug: Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer's specified torque (consult your service manual). Over-tightening can damage the plug or the transmission case.
5. Fill the Transmission (If Applicable):
* Locate the Fill Plug: The fill plug is usually located on the side or top of the transmission case. This is often more difficult to reach than the drain plug.
* Remove the Fill Plug: Carefully remove the fill plug.
* Add New Fluid: Use a funnel to add the correct type and quantity of transmission fluid specified in your service manual. You'll likely need to check the level by periodically removing the fill plug. Some transmissions have a dipstick; others require adding fluid until it flows out of the fill hole.
6. Reinstall the Fill Plug:
* Clean and Install: Clean the fill plug and reinstall it, tightening to the manufacturer's specified torque.
7. Check Fluid Level (If Applicable):
* Check Fluid Level: Once you've refilled the transmission, check the fluid level according to your vehicle's manual.
8. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle.
Important Considerations:
* Transmission Fluid Type: Use the *exact* type of transmission fluid specified in your vehicle's service manual. Using the wrong fluid can severely damage your transmission.
* Torque Specifications: Always use the correct torque specifications when tightening the drain and fill plugs. Over-tightening can strip threads, while under-tightening can cause leaks.
* Filter Replacement: Some manual transmissions have a filter that should be replaced during a fluid change. Check your service manual.
This is a simplified overview. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications. Incorrectly performing this procedure can cause significant damage to your transmission. If you are unsure about any step, seek professional help from a qualified mechanic.
