Manual Transaxle Fluid

[Vel Crowe]

I'm going to buy some manual transaxle fluid today and change it, I don't think it has ever been done on my car (170,000 Kms). I have the Haynes manual, so I have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done, but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions when doing it. Also, what fluid do you all use? In the Haynes book, it says to use MERCON automatic transmission fluid, regardless of whether or not the car is a standard or auto. What does this mean for me when I go and buy the stuff? Can I buy any old automatic tranny fluid? I'm 17 and I've never done this before, so I'm a little wary of the process!

Suggestions and tips are appreciated!

Aaron

[skeeters_keeper]

hey, another 17yr old 8)

i did mine for the first time yeasterday. just used generic ATF, folowed the hanyes manual, super simple. a long funel would be handy when refiling it i used an old STP bottle w/ the botom cut off... was quite a pain. other than that very straight fwrd.

when i drained the old stuff it looked like dirty engine oil...

[Vel Crowe]

Awesome.

I'm going to buy ithe ATF this afternoon and do it tonight. I just realized that you also have to buy a new drain plug washer/seal too. Is this a generic deal or do I am I going to have to find a festiva-only plug? By the way, now that you've flushed the system, do you feel the difference when shifting or does the addition of new fluid go unnoticed?

By the way, (other 17 year old) I read your helps the other day and I've visited your website in the past, your "articles" are quite helpful. I'm in the process of ripping out every interior panel and packing it with building insulation, what a HUGE difference in sound! I drive a lot of highway miles, so any sound improvement is a good thing!

Thanks dude,

[skeeters_keeper]

hey, glad i could be of any help

i didn't replace the washer. who actually does? lol... of course if your's is bad you may need to but mine was in fine condition, and my guess is so is yours.

quick question tho, are you using the "fiberglass" type insulation? or that other stuff (i forget what its called...) either way i'm sure it makes it a lot better, i know it improved mine.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

For excellent noise control, try "E-A-R" brand yellow foam earplugs. They costs about 25 cents/pair in quantity and can be used multiple times before disposal, and each one comes in a little cardboard container that keeps them clean. I use them for long-distance driving and as a passenger on airline flights -- they cut out engine and wind noise, but not voice frequencies.

[Vel Crowe]

I have used earplugs from time to time . When I first put on new studded winter tires my Festiva sounded like a Land Rover on retreads! Very noisy (at least until I wore my studs down...). I've packed the interior rear panels with insulation and am going to also pull the door panels off, as well as the panel on the hatch. I've already noticed a large difference simply by filling the rear panels with insulation.

I believe I am using fibreglass type of insulation, though I could be wrong. My dad bought a whole bunch last summer and we have a good amount left over from the original project so I'm putting it to good use 8)

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

I'd be somewhat concerned about breathing in fiberglass particles. I believe the tiny fibers can get caught up in the lungs and cause long-term problems. E-A-R also makes their foam in sheet form in many varieties, including some with a thin layer of lead (but thin enough that airplanes can still fly with it), which really deadens sound. And no, I don't own stock in the E-A-R company.

I notice that my LX, even with its partially-cloth panels and seats is much quieter than my all-vinyl L of the same year.

[freshtiva]

I have some practical advise, Get the engine semiwarm before you drain the fluid. Let it drain good. Then add the proper amount of transaxle fluid. The tranaxle fuild level dipstick is on the speedo cable and not easy to read. Use this method to ensure proper fluid level. Buy a transmission funnel, you dont need a new drain plug or seal. The funnel will come in handy later.

[Vel Crowe]

Thanks for the tip. I ended up driving over to Dawson Creek tonight, which is an hour's drive away from Chetwynd. I bought the fluid but I didn't have time tonight to change it. I'll do it tommorow. Thanks alot for the tip!

About the insulation, I haven't actually checked the packaging, even though I am fairly sure it is fibreglass based. Still, is it really a big deal to have fibreglass insulation behind the panels? Its not like its going to be exposed. Good point though, I hadn't thought about the ramifications of the fibreglass.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

Why take any chances with breathing?

BTW, what will fiberglass do if it gets wet?

[David88]

BTW, what will fiberglass do if it gets wet?

Stay wet! Mold, mildew and rust out any metal it is in contact with.

[DontFearTheReaper]

I have some practical advise, Get the engine semiwarm before you drain the fluid. Let it drain good. Then add the proper amount of transaxle fluid. The tranaxle fuild level dipstick is on the speedo cable and not easy to read. Use this method to ensure proper fluid level. Buy a transmission funnel, you dont need a new drain plug or seal. The funnel will come in handy later.

Transaxle fluid dip stick... I have had my gear assembly out twice and cannot see any kind of a line or mark. Is there something I am missing? Do I just need to keep fluid level above the gear teeth?

[mechanicaldj]

Transaxle fluid dip stick... I have had my gear assembly out twice and cannot see any kind of a line or mark. Is there something I am missing? Do I just need to keep fluid level above the gear teeth?[/quote]



look at this pic:

[emot]

why would it be advised to use auto fluid in a manual car? would there be harm in using manual tranny fluid in a manual tranny festy?

[mechanicaldj]

why would it be advised to use auto fluid in a manual car? would there be harm in using manual tranny fluid in a manual tranny festy?

what is manual transmission fluid?

the owners manual says ATF