Tranny fluid change: how did I screw that up?

nosfed · 06-06-2001, 06:28 PM

Ok, I have a T5, and I've put about 15K on it since I got it in august. Yesterday, while I was doing the pins/bushings, I decided to change the tranny fluid. This should be the simplest maintenance ever, but... now when I drive the tranny clicks.

Here's what I did: with a 3/8" ratchet opened and drained from the bottom right side. Next, pumped in dextron III until it ran out of the hole left by removing the 15mm bolt with the funny spring on the driver's side. I allowed the excess to run out and put in the bolt. The guys at autozone looked it up and said it should take 2 3/4 qts, which is exactly what it did.

I feel like a dolt after this. I've done more in depth projects than I care to remember, and I can't get this right. Please help.

06-06-2001, 06:43 PM

The bolt with the funny spring? You didn't remove the reverse shift fork bolt did you? There's another fill plug on the right side (same side as the drain plug) that you should have removed and pumped the fluid in through. If you removed the reverse fork bolt, you may have problems. If the fork dropped, there's no way to fix it other than to drop the tranny and open up the case so that you can reassemble it properly.

I've seen it done before, so don't feel too bad. Its going to take some work to fix though.

------------------
Jeff Chambers
T/S #3
11.611 Seconds/116.7 MPH
Chambers Racing Team

Mr 5 0 · 06-06-2001, 08:34 PM

Sadly, I have to agree with Jeff.

You removed the 'wrong' plug and will have the problems he described.

I know it won't help much, but for what it's worth, you are not the first guy to make this mistake.

nosfed · 06-06-2001, 09:37 PM

Oh that's not what I wanted to hear. Now that you mention it, when I put in the tube from my pump, I heard something fall. I guess I'll have to go out tomorrow and get a manual. This will be the last time I ever try to maintain this pos.

Thanks for the help guys I appreciate it.

nosfed · 06-06-2001, 09:55 PM

deleted message, answered it myself.

[This message has been edited by nosfed (edited 06-07-2001).]

06-06-2001, 06:28 PM	#1
nosfed Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: wichita ks Posts: 79	Tranny fluid change: how did I screw that up? Ok, I have a T5, and I've put about 15K on it since I got it in august. Yesterday, while I was doing the pins/bushings, I decided to change the tranny fluid. This should be the simplest maintenance ever, but... now when I drive the tranny clicks. Here's what I did: with a 3/8" ratchet opened and drained from the bottom right side. Next, pumped in dextron III until it ran out of the hole left by removing the 15mm bolt with the funny spring on the driver's side. I allowed the excess to run out and put in the bolt. The guys at autozone looked it up and said it should take 2 3/4 qts, which is exactly what it did. I feel like a dolt after this. I've done more in depth projects than I care to remember, and I can't get this right. Please help.

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06-06-2001, 06:43 PM	#2
jchambers Guest Posts: n/a	The bolt with the funny spring? You didn't remove the reverse shift fork bolt did you? There's another fill plug on the right side (same side as the drain plug) that you should have removed and pumped the fluid in through. If you removed the reverse fork bolt, you may have problems. If the fork dropped, there's no way to fix it other than to drop the tranny and open up the case so that you can reassemble it properly. I've seen it done before, so don't feel too bad. Its going to take some work to fix though. ------------------ Jeff Chambers T/S #3 11.611 Seconds/116.7 MPH Chambers Racing Team

06-06-2001, 08:34 PM	#3
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Sadly, I have to agree with Jeff. You removed the 'wrong' plug and will have the problems he described. I know it won't help much, but for what it's worth, you are not the first guy to make this mistake.

06-06-2001, 09:37 PM	#4
nosfed Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: wichita ks Posts: 79	Oh that's not what I wanted to hear. Now that you mention it, when I put in the tube from my pump, I heard something fall. I guess I'll have to go out tomorrow and get a manual. This will be the last time I ever try to maintain this pos. Thanks for the help guys I appreciate it.

06-06-2001, 09:55 PM	#5
nosfed Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: wichita ks Posts: 79	deleted message, answered it myself. [This message has been edited by nosfed (edited 06-07-2001).]