*HOW TO: Change Manual Transmission Fluid* (Video)

[MagneticGT]

It's actually a half inch below the filler hole. Right out of the 2015 Owners Manual:

"For vehicles with a the I4 or V6 engine, the correct manual transmission fill level is at the lower edge of the filler hole. For vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, the correct manual transmission fill level is 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the edge of the filler hole."​

It would probably be a good idea to stick to the Ford recommendations.

So the whole measure, eighth inch below fill line stuff is not necessary? Just go until it seeps out the fill hole?

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[HoosierDaddy]

Id say it was weird that you had a different result, but that seems to be normal with this transmission.

Yeah, I think it varies a lot because of manufacturing tolerances, etc.. I think the only thing that will be noticeable to everyone, and even that may just be a small amount to some, is that the syncros perform better, especially when cold.

I got a very good MT82 in my S550 compared to a mediocre one in my S197 and all I can feel is the syncros working better and not much better once warmed up. Of course you can't feel some improvements to the lifespan of the parts.

I'm glad I did it.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Did I hear correctly in the video that you just used ramps? Did you only have the front end elevated or was the rear on jack stands? I've heard others say the car needs to be level to do this fluid change. :shrug:

Well it needs to be level to use the documented test for proper fill level. But if you know how the tilt effects that, no problem unless the car is so tilted it starts running out at half full. LoL

 

[Seatown Stang]

Did I hear correctly in the video that you just used ramps? Did you only have the front end elevated or was the rear on jack stands? I've heard others say the car needs to be level to do this fluid change. :shrug:

Nope, I used jack stands in the front set to the lowest height. This should be fine, since the height is still pretty level. If you are worried about it you could choose to lower the car and pump the fluid in from inside the car(remove the shifter bezel and feed the line into the fill hole. I could not do this because I have an aftermarket shortthrow and that area is fully closed off with dynamat.

 

[vernonator]

It's actually a half inch below the filler hole. Right out of the 2015 Owners Manual:

"For vehicles with a the I4 or V6 engine, the correct manual transmission fill level is at the lower edge of the filler hole. For vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, the correct manual transmission fill level is 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the edge of the filler hole."​

It would probably be a good idea to stick to the Ford recommendations.

Agreed - I did mine this past weekend (put it up on jackstands) and replaces with 3qts of Royal Purple, even with just under 3qts (pump stick did not get all the way to the bottom of the last bottle) it did not "run out the fill hole".

Now I am not sure how you would know its 1/2" below the filler hole without some sort of camera/dip stick. :headbonk: I just went by volume.

 

[Seatown Stang]

Agreed - I did mine this past weekend (put it up on jackstands) and replaces with 3qts of Royal Purple, even with just under 3qts (pump stick did not get all the way to the bottom of the last bottle) it did not "run out the fill hole".

Now I am not sure how you would know its 1/2" below the filler hole without some sort of camera/dip stick. :headbonk: I just went by volume.

What was the outcome? You notice a difference?

 

[vernonator]

Seatown - it makes a (IMHO) big difference, MUCH less notchy especially when cold. Smoother when warm - Its another one of those "Why did Ford cheap out" on the tranny fluid, is a full synthetic THAT much more than the dino they use?

Its an easy fix on jack stands, and would be simple with a lift - go do it.

 

[Tribefan]

Does the fluid help quiet down the whining of the transmission at all?

 

[Seatown Stang]

Does the fluid help quiet down the whining of the transmission at all?

Yep it does make a difference. It doesn't completely eliminated however.

 

[2morrow]

OP, great "How-to" thanks for posting

 

[jimmybuffit]

I used the same stuff and found a major difference. It was really worth doing. Thanks for the vid

 

[2morrow]

So I just changed the Tranny fluid and I noticed that it took all 3 Quarts. I was surprised that it didn't start overflowing after the proper amount was reached.

Has anyone had this happen on their MT-82 equipped cars?

I'm about to take out 8 ounces...

 

[boardkat]

So I just changed the Tranny fluid and I noticed that it took all 3 Quarts. I was surprised that it didn't start overflowing after the proper amount was reached.

Has anyone had this happen on their MT-82 equipped cars?

I'm about to take out 8 ounces...

yep, mine took 3qts of MT-85 too, on a level surface, with no bleed out of the fill hole. i wouldn't worry.

 

[2morrow]

yep, mine took 3qts of MT-85 too, on a level surface, with no bleed out of the fill hole. i wouldn't worry.

Thanks! I was a little worried with the possibility of foaming.

Let me pick your brain a little bit though...

Everywhere I look (especially the manual) states 2.7 qt. The difference being roughly 8 oz.
I see that you participate in motorsport events, do you change your fluids frequently?
Have you noticed evidence of fluid breakdown? Burnt smell?

Thanks again for your help, I'm just trying to gather more info on this.

 

[boardkat]

Thanks! I was a little worried with the possibility of foaming.

Let me pick your brain a little bit though...

Everywhere I look (especially the manual) states 2.7 qt. The difference being roughly 8 oz.
I see that you participate in motorsport events, do you change your fluids frequently?
Have you noticed evidence of fluid breakdown? Burnt smell?

Thanks again for your help, I'm just trying to gather more info on this.

yep, 2.7qt was my understanding too. in contrast to the transmission, there is little tolerance for overfill in the diff - made that mistake once and ended up with unexpected reduced grip on the RR at an event. became pretty obvious why when i saw fluid coating the wheel well!

i change and test all my fluids frequently. surprisingly, transmission rarely shows any breakdown/contamination. the same can't be said for my engine, diff and brakes!

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