I'm about to change the transmission fluid (manual). Service manual says I need to replace the filler plug and washer for the drain plug. Are these standard things that I can get at autozone, or do I need to order them from somewhere?

Also, what does everyone use to get the oil in the transmission? An oil suction gun?

 

I would take it somewhere you acn get a BG systen flush done. I don't think it's necessary to replace the plug bolt but the washer I would. You should be able to get the washer at a Mazda dealership. But like I said I would find a good tranny shop and get the flush service done and help save your syncros.

 

If you mean by an oil suction gun, the fluid pump device sold at local auto parts shop, the answer is yes.

 

Is there a part number for the gasket and plug, or will the dealer know what I'm talking about? I also need the gasket for the oil plug; any suggestions on replacements for that?

I can't take the car anywhere to get this stuff done (as much as I'd like to) because I don't trust anyone around here to touch my baby.

 

How do they do a flush on a manual? I only thought you could flush an auto...like through the cooler lines.

Brandon

 

I'm in the same corner I want to change the trani fluid. I heard RedLine MTL is the way to go.

"Is Help wanted
Always Help Needed"

 

I have never heard of anyone replacing the plugs.

 

Ive changed the oil heaps of times and not the plug or the washer and its never leaked.

I just use a clear hose running from the engine bay to the filler hole to feed the oil back in. Faster then those little pumps.

 

Thanks for the info. DBreeze: Glad to see I'm not the only one trying to figure this out.

I'd really like to see a "how to" on maintenence stuff like this. I know its supposed to be simple, but nothing ever really is. I have problems understanding the pictures in the service manual. Anyone got photos of the important places?

 

I say take it to a shop and have them do it. But watch them. I brought mine to a shop to have the trans drained and filled with redline. I brought my own redline for them to fill up. I was suppose to have extra.

Heres the dialog:
Shop guy: We ran out of fluid, you didn't bring enough.
Me: errrr...yeah I did, let me see.
*I walk into the shp with them*
Me: errrr....it goes in this hole guys
Shop guy: oh
*Shop guy opens up my filler hole and a good quart of my redline drains out.*
*I shoot him a grumpy look, he looks at the floor"

 

i dont trust mechanics... my mom sent her car into jiffylube for a oil change a LONGGGGGG time ago and they didnt properly screw the nut right and her oil gushed out like haflway out the shop

needless to say they didnt charge her anything but ever since then we've been very cautious of mechanics

 

Redline is the way to go. Made as much difference as stock vs. short shift.

 

Did the engine oil on Saturday and the Transmission fluid on Sunday. Took my time, no problems. To any other newbies like me: no reason to fear this. Just check the service manual to make sure you're pulling the right plugs. It's kinda messy getting the fluid into the transmission though (I used the oil suction gun). I didn't replace the plug or washer with new parts since, once cleaned up (and polished a little - sorry, I'm so ****) they looked good. Maybe I'll find out if I can get them from the dealer and replace them next time.

Shifting feels a little smoother with the redline, but not a huge difference.

Oh, and I also shined up the plate that covers the transmission. No one can see it of course, but now *I* know it's shiny.

Thanks for the help.

 

So what kind of juice did you go with? I just put NEO in mine, but have not driven it yet.

 

what did you use to remove that square tranny fill plug?