How to Replace the Manual Transmission Fluid for Buick Excelle?
4 Answers
Different models require varying amounts of fluid and have different replacement intervals. Please refer to the user manual and maintenance manual for specific instructions. Below is the replacement procedure for the 2008 Buick Excelle: 1. Prepare the following tools in advance: two sets of jacks and safety stands, a flat-head screwdriver, a ratchet wrench, an extension bar, a 17mm and a 13mm socket, a basin, a plastic funnel, cardboard, work clothes, an empty bottle, manual transmission lubricant, and sealant. 2. Park the car securely, engage the handbrake, and remove the key. Place a brick behind each rear wheel to prevent the car from rolling backward during the operation. 3. Use a jack to lift the front of the car and place safety stands behind the jack. 4. Lay cardboard under the car and place a basin to catch the draining fluid. 5. Use a ratchet wrench, extension bar, and 13mm socket to loosen the 10 bolts on the transmission oil pan counterclockwise. 6. Remove the transmission oil pan. 7. Clean the contact surface of the transmission oil pan and apply sealant to the pan. 8. Wait 5-10 minutes for the sealant to dry slightly, then reinstall the oil pan. Tighten the bolts gradually, starting from the middle and moving to the ends. 9. Open the hood and use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the plastic cap on the pressure relief valve. 10. Use a ratchet wrench, extension bar, and 17mm socket to loosen the manual transmission pressure relief valve counterclockwise. 11. Pour the manual transmission lubricant into an empty bottle using a plastic funnel, then pour it into the manual transmission through the funnel. 12. Check for any leaks around the oil pan, which are generally uncommon. If everything is normal, reinstall the pressure relief valve and cap, then remove the safety stands and jack.
I just changed the manual transmission fluid for my Excelle a couple of days ago, with the key being locating the correct drain and fill holes. First, warm up the car to make the old fluid flow more smoothly, then turn off the engine and use a jack to level the car body. Look for the bolt with a square recess (usually a 17mm wrench) at the bottom of the transmission and place a pan to catch the old fluid. The fill hole is located at a higher position on the side of the transmission, requiring a funnel connected with a hose. Use GL-4 standard 75W-90 gear oil, approximately 1.8-2L in volume. A reminder: don’t use excessive force when tightening the bolts, as the aluminum transmission housing is prone to stripping. Finally, remember to drive a few kilometers to check for any leaks.
Actually, changing the manual transmission oil is just three steps: draining the old oil, adding new oil, and checking. The drain plug on the Excelle is located at the very bottom of the transmission, while the filler hole is on the side at a higher position. The tricky part is the awkward location of the filler hole, so it's recommended to buy a 40cm long thin hose with a funnel. Just use the OEM-specified viscosity for the oil, and don't fall for merchants pushing premium oils. If you're doing it yourself, prepare a measuring cup and a torque wrench for peace of mind—both insufficient and excessive oil can damage the transmission. But honestly, the working space is too tight; without a pit or lift, it's better to just go to a repair shop. The small labor fee saves a lot of hassle.
The replacement interval for manual transmission fluid is typically around 60,000 kilometers. For the Excelle, key operation points include: park the fully warmed-up vehicle on level ground, unscrew the drain plug to completely drain the old fluid (note the fluid temperature may be very high). The fill port is located beside the left front axle of the transmission, requiring a special angle to insert the funnel hose. Fill until fluid overflows indicates full capacity - GL-4 grade 75W-90 full synthetic gear oil is recommended. During the process, ensure all screw gaskets are replaced as old gaskets lose sealing effectiveness. After completion, conduct a low-speed test drive to check if gear shifting feels smoother.
