Transmission Fluid

I have a question. Spydie is now at 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometers). Would it be time to change the transmission fluid? If so, what weight is good? Seems like since it has gotten cold, it's a little hard to shift. Thanks for any advice. v v

Wow! You've put 40,000 kilometers on that car? You just got it. ;>)

The shifting problem could well be the linkage rather than the lubricant. Check that first to confirm everything is in line and working properly. The joints and bushings should be lubed with a lithium or similar lubricant more often than the tranny oil changed.

However, if the linkage is in good shape, it would probably be a good idea to switch the gear lube out. You will need a 17mm allen wrench available at your FLAPS or Sears and 3-4 litres of 90 weight lube. Most tranny manufacturers will recommend against synthetic because it oozes past the seals. Since it is not in a high temp location, regular oil will work well.

Loosen the drain plug at the bottom and once empty replace the drain plug. Loosen the fill plug (with the 17mm allen wrench) located midway up on the passenger side and fill until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Tighten down the fill plug and have fun.

Hello Vicki, how have you been.

I'd like to ad to Terry's post. Remove the fill plug "FIRST"
Once that plug is out, remove the drail plug.

The reason-- Every once in a while the fill plug won't loosen. If that happens and you've drained the oil, you're in a world of hurt.

Terry--Yes, the car will be 3 years old exactly on Thanksgiving Day! I'll get my mechanic to look at the bushings and linkage first.

Larry--hey! Your "world of hurt" comment was funny. I wonder how many people have found themselves in that position? I've been sort of out of commission almost the whole month of October and into November battling a relapse of this rare leukemia I have. The chemo kicked my ass, so I was laid up for several weeks. Now I'm almost back to normal. Just tired. Guess what I missed most? Driving my car! The weather was nice. Looking at it sitting there was torture!

Anyway, if anyone is looking for a good charitable cause, I can tell you from experience that the leukemia foundation uses its funds for research to find treatments for cancers that used to kill people and now don't. When I'm in remission, I sometimes forget that.
v v

Dang Vicki, I thought we hadn't heard from you because in our uncouth way, we'd offended you... Sorry you were down and REAL glad you're back!

Time for a drive girl!
angela

Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear about the relapse but glad to hear that you're better.

Stay healthy!!!!!


Regarding the world of hurt. I've seen it happen several times and in the 'early' days, it happened to me. Fortunately I had a 4 foot piece of pipe to use as leverage on the 17mm allan head wrench.

Removing the fill plug before the drain plug is just one of those things you should do instinctively. Kind of like putting on your socks before you put on your shoes.

Thanks Angela and LJ for the well wishes. If my relapses continue to be 7 years apart, I can handle that. Gives me plenty of time to drive you-know-who.

The most challenging time of year for daily driving this car is coming up so wish me luck. It's just a good thing I'm sort of hot natured to begin with! And I crocheted me a new neck muffler while I was laid up. That will come in handy. v

Maybe you could crochete an new muffler for your car and have it ceramic coated?

Vicki,

I forgot to mention that if you have the stock exhaust system on your Beck, if will have to be removed so they can get to the bottom drain plug on the transaxle.