Checking and Filling Transaxle Lubricant

Because the manual transaxle oil is not contaminated by combustion by-products, the lubricant does not need to be routinely changed. There is no dipstick to check the oil level, and there should be no need to check the level or fill the transaxle unless leaks are detected. The oil filler and checking hole is angled downward. This means that oil will run out of the checking hole, even when the transmission is filled to the proper level. Checking transaxle lubricant level always requires replacing some of the lubricant.

Check and fill the transaxle with the car on level ground. Place a drain pan under the oil filler plug, which is located on the left side of the transmission and use a 17 mm hex wrench to remove the plug as shown in Fig. 7-5.

Fig. 7-5.

Oil filler plug removed to check transaxle lubricant level. Use 17 mm hex wrench to remove plug.

Allow the oil to drain off until it is level with the edge of the filler hole. If no oil flows out when the plug is removed, add oil until it is level with the edge of the hole. When the level is correct, reinstall and torque the oil filler plug to 25 Nm (18 ft. lb.). Remove the speedometer drive cable from top of the transaxle and pour 0.5 l (.53 US qt.) of gear lubricant into the transaxle as shown in Fig. 7-6. Then, reinstall the speedometer drive cable.

Fig. 7-6.

Transaxle lubricant being filled though speedometer drive cable hole. After level is even with drain plug hole, install plug and add another 0.5 l (.53 US qt.).