How do I check manual transmission fluid

GTVAPSAMTIK · 09-25-2009, 07:34 PM

Hey all, I just got myself 2003 Mustang GT with 105k Miles on it. I am trying to get myself fimiliar with the car. How do you check your manual transmission fluid in this car, Where is the fluid reservoir located at and how do you add fluid to it?

I open the hood and cant seem to find it anywhere. Also my Clutch is really hard while pressing it down, should I worry about this or have it checked out ? I called Firestone and they can flush my oil and install new filter for around $180.

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cliffyk · 09-25-2009, 08:33 PM

Flush what oil and "install new filter"? There is no transmission fluid filter on a manual transmission???

The "reservoir" is the transmission, you check the level through the fill hole on the left side of the tranny--the fluid level should be about 3/4" below the bottom of the fill hole. However it's easier to just drain the old fluid and add 3.0L (3.2 qts) of Mercon ATF (yes, it does use ATF) or other similarly rated fluid. I use Royal Purple's Synchromax, GM's Synchromesh is also used by many.

As to the clutch, it is much stiffer than most small car clutches--that's why it's called the "man-pedal"...

se8504 · 09-26-2009, 12:47 AM

this is a good question that i was about to post as well. for the record i would rather drive off a cliff before id take my car to a firestone...even my beater.

good looking out cliffyk, you always have great responses to the threads! +100

Sxynerd · 09-26-2009, 08:59 AM

$180? Are they retarded or just trying to rip you off?

tankerman1981 · 09-26-2009, 03:13 PM

well no need to check it would just change it out... even if u have someone else do it shouldnt run more than 60-70 bucks.. deinately not 180

StriderTacticaL · 09-26-2009, 04:39 PM

Make sure they are aware that you have a manual transmission as most places seem to assume you would have an automatic. I remember a long time ago I called Pepboy's and asked them for a quote on labor to change my tranny fluid and they said $125...and I said oh really? but it's a manual transmission...and then they just said "oh then thats $35". I think automatic transmissions have filters(?).

97dustang · 09-26-2009, 08:32 PM

to check your transmission fluid you must lift the car on a jack and put jack stands under, then get a creeper and roll under the car, you will need to take a 3/8 ratchet with you. on the passenger side of the transmission there will be two plugs. One will be at the very bottom of the trans and one will be about half way up the side, i believe it says fill beside it. The first thing you do is take the top one out, then take your pinky and slide it in the hole and try to curl it down, you should feel fluid, if you feel fluid your trans fluid is full, if you dont feel fluid you need to add, but you should probably change the fluid not just add it. To change it after you have removed the fill plug break the bottom plug loose, scoot a drain pan under and remove it completely, wait for it to drain all the way then put the bottom plug back in tighten it and get a fluid exchange gun or suction gun whatever you want to call it, and start to add transmission fluid through the top hole until it starts to come out of the top hole, then put the top plug in and tighten it and your done.

cliffyk · 09-27-2009, 01:36 AM

Be aware that on the 3650 transmission the recommended fill (3.0L, 3.2 qts) places the fluid level well below the fill hole--3/4" or so.

97dustang · 09-27-2009, 09:36 AM

^^^ Thanks, i was told to fill it until it comes out of the fill hole then just put the plug back in.

nascrchi · 09-27-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffyk

Be aware that on the 3650 transmission the recommended fill (3.0L, 3.2 qts) places the fluid level well below the fill hole--3/4" or so.

Same thing with the t-45?