Chapter 9 Vehicle Maintenance, Fluid Service, and Recycling 143 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Manual Transmission Fluid Service To check the fluid in a manual transmission, locate and remove the transmission fill plug, Figure 9-10. It is normally on one side of the transmission. Generally, warm fluid in a recently driven vehicle should be even with the fill hole. When the transmission fluid is cold, the fluid can be slightly below the fill hole. Some manufacturers suggest that manual trans- mission fluid be changed periodically others do not. If a fluid change is needed, remove the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission case and allow all the fluid to pour into your catch pan. Replace the drain plug and install the right type and quantity of fluid. Lubricate the gearshift mechanism and clutch release as described in service literature. Differential Fluid Service To measure the fluid level in a differential (rear axle assembly), remove the fill plug. It will normally be on the front, back, or side of the differential. See Figure 9-11. The lubricant should be even with the fill hole when hot. When cold, it should be slightly below the fill hole. Subaru Figure 9-8. Usually, the transmission pan must be removed to drain the fluid. A few pans, however, have a drain plug. Do not spill hot fluid on yourself. Screwdriver Automatic transmission Attaching screw Filter Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 9-9. Some manufacturers recommend periodic replace- ment of the automatic transmission filter. It is located inside the transmission pan. Tighten all fasteners to specs when assembling. Fill plug Gear oil Drain hole Manual transmission Drain plug Chrysler Figure 9-10. A manual transmission will have a fill plug for checking the fluid level. The fluid should be almost even with the hole when the fluid is warm. Check the service manual for details. Differential drain hole Axle Differential fill hole Drive shaft Subaru Figure 9-11. The differential fill hole allows for a check of the lubricant level. Do not accidentally remove the drain plug.