manual trans: how do you know when its low??

[kismatik]

How do you tell when your manual trans needs fluid?

 

[pugsy]

Not sure about Ex's (mine is Auto), but my 5-speed Dakota has a fill plug on the tranny. You just take the fill plug out, and make sure the level is up to the opening. I'm assuming an Explorer manual would be the same.

 

[techieman33]

Yeah it's the same. Should be on the passenger side if I remember right.

 

[Jason94sport]

Yes it is, but you would normally not need to add anything unless there's a leak somewhere. It's a closed system.

 

[Noved87]

it is still a good idea to check. mine had one quart in it but no visable leaks

 

[old mechanic]

I agree that even tho there are no visible leaks it and ALL fluids should be checked as part of your 3,000-5,000 mile servicing.
Over time fluids can evaporate or leak unnoticeably.

 

[RangerX]

There's two plugs on the drivers side. Make sure you check thru the upper one. The lower plug is the drain.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It is a good idea to check your differential fluid at the same time you check the transmission fluid while you are underneath your vehicle. Both have fill plugs. It's possible to install a low fluid level dummy light on both of them. The system is similar to the low oil light which trips when the engine's oil level is low. I have this set up on my van. It tells me to add engine oil when it goes 2 quarts low.

 

[Ranger379]

ya they are on the drivers side, they are a large plug, like 1inch or something cant remember, but its good idea to check it every now and then, make sure your on level ground and it should be to the top of fill plug, i also like to check make make sure they are tight evey now and then, especialy when it gets change, and always check it after u have it changed by someone else lol

 

[Bwana Bob]

Yes, and don't forget when topping off, that the Mazda manual transmisssion needs Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), not 85-90 weight gear oil. Synthetic ATF works best. I believe the Mitsubishi transmission uses heavy gear oil, but I don't think many of these were used in the Ex. Check your owner's manual.

Bob

 

[Ranger379]

ya i dont think any of the mitsu trannys where ever put in the explorers, just the rangers, correct me if im worng but i think explorers only have the mazda m5od, (i put Dexron III/ Mercon ATF in mine)