DIY - changing your transmission fluid/oil, M/T 7afe Options

[Batman722]

I changed the transmission fluid/oil in my 7afe recently and Manny (presure2) took some pics - thanks Manny
I was having some slight grinding going into 2nd gear in higher RPMs and I figured changing the tranny fluid would be a great idea. Since it has been changed, no more grinding

tools needed : ratchet, 24mm socket, 3-4qts transmission fluid/oil, oil drain pan, jack/stands
time : 30min - 1hr, depending on your mechanical skill level

DO NOT attempt this when engine is hot, wait until the engine is very cool/cold.


first you need to loosen this bolt (fill plug) with a ratchet and the 24mm socket

bolt removed


it is located here, it is facing the front of the car. The transmission is circled in yellow and the arrow is pointing to the bolt location

the bolts are usually very tight and could be difficult to loosen

next, jack up the front of the car (putting it on jack stands is always safer) and with the 24mm socket you need to loosen this bolt (drain plug)

Remove drain plug. The drain plug is located directly under the transmission. You may need to remove some of the plastic under the engine for easier access. Be sure to put the oil drain pan under the bolt when removing because the old fluid/oil will be pouring out.

now after the old oil has drained out (10 min later), replace the drain plug - make sure it is secure - and lower the car.

My personal choice
Pennzoil Synchromesh


pour 3-4qrts of the Synchromesh into the fill plug hole (you might want to use a long funnel or pour/squeeze from the bottle into the hole) until full - it will start pouring back out. I used just less than 3qrts



Once full, replace fill plug - make sure it is secure - and wipe up the excess that has spilt.

Done.

Notes :
- be sure to dispose of old fluid/oil properly
- according to the BGB - 7a transmission refill = 3.5qrts, 5s transmission refill = 2.6qrts
- this procedure should be the same/similar for both 7afe and 5sfe

[Bricy]

Ive done mine with Synchromesh and it shifted like a dream afterwords. Just some advice though, those bolts WILL give you a hard time but with some PB blaster and some good 'ol muscle they will come right out. Also if your previous owner was like mine then that fluid is still the original that came in the car. When I drained the old fluid out it was a burnt copper color and smelt something awful. It might have been overkill but I changed the fluid drove it for about 2 months or so and then changed it again and the fluid looked a lot better. And a pick for my tools of the trade