Chevrolet Camaro 2010-2015: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid
It is reasonably common that a manual transmission gets a bit harsh to shift after some years of usage, especially after being used by performance oriented drivers. Sometimes the gearbox needs to be rebuilt, but other times it helps a lot to simply change the transmission fluid. Continue reading to find out how.
This article applies to the Chevrolet Camaro (2010-2015).
A gearbox that resists shifting or makes shifting harsh can be an indication that the gearbox needs to be rebuilt. However, there is sometimes a much cheaper alternative that might cure the gearbox. Simply changing the transmission fluid could do the trick. Replacing the transmission fluid is cheap and relatively easy, so in case you experience any transmission issues, a good first step is to replace the transmission fluid.
There is also a recommended service interval for transmission fluid in your service schedule. Replace the fluid at least as often as recommended. Some people replace the transmission fluid twice as often as recommended, and since it is cheap and relatively easy to replace, why not?
Materials Needed
- Jack and jack stands
- Rubber hose and funnel
- 2 quarts of transmission fluid
- 24mm wrench
- Torque wrench and 24mm socket (optional)
- Drain pan holding at least 2 quarts
Step 1 – Jack up your car
Jack up your car using the dedicated jacking points and put it on jack stands. Since you want the car to be reasonably level when refilling the transmission fluid, you have to jack up both the front and the rear end of your car, then put them on jack stands.
Step 2 – Drain the old transmission fluid
Put a drain pan under the transmission and get under the car to remove the drain plug using a 24mm wrench. Then allow the transmission fluid to drain out from the transmission completely.
Once the transmission fluid has drained completely, screw back the drain plug and tighten it snug tight. Not too hard, but hard enough to secure the plug.
Pro Tip
If you are really unsure about how hard to tighten the drain plug, you can use a torque wrench and a 24mm socket to make sure the plug is tightened according to factory specifications. Check your workshop manual for the correct torque.
Step 3 – Refill with new transmission fluid
When the old transmission fluid is drained and the drain plug is back in place, it is time to fill the transmission with new transmission fluid. Pop the hood open, then get under the car and remove the filler plug from the transmission using a 24mm wrench.
Put a hose in the filler hole in the transmission and guide the hose up through the engine bay. Press a funnel into the end of the hose in the engine bay to make it easier to fill transmission fluid. Then pour transmission fluid into the transmission using the funnel and hose.
Figure 4. Drain plug in place and hose in the filler hole. 
Figure 5. Funnel and hose.
You need about 1.9 quarts to fill the transmission up to the filler plug. However, you don't really have to worry about the exact amount, since, if you overfill the transmission, the excess fluid will run out from the filler hole. This means that you can pour in transmission fluid until you see a small amount coming out from the filler hole. Then the transmission has the correct amount.
Once the transmission is filled up with transmission fluid, remove the hose and funnel from the filler hole in the transmission and re-screw the filler plug. Tighten the filler plug snug tight.
Pro Tip
If you are really unsure about how hard to tighten the filler plug, you can use a torque wrench and a 24mm socket just like for the drain plug above. Check your workshop manual for the correct torque.
Step 4 – Clean up and lower your car
Now it is time to clean up any spillage of transmission fluid and get your car back on the ground.
Featured Video: How to Change Transmission Fluid
Related Discussions
- How to Choose an MTF - LS1Tech.com
- Slight Grind in All Gears - LS1Tech.com
