How to Replace the Manual Transmission Fluid in a Cruze?
3 Answers
The method for replacing the manual transmission fluid in a Cruze is as follows: 1. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature; 2. Remove the drain bolt to allow the transmission fluid to flow out; 3. After the old transmission fluid has drained, reinstall the bolt; 4. Add new transmission fluid; 5. Start the car and perform gear shifting operations; 6. Check if the transmission fluid level is normal. Taking the 2018 Cruze as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4666mm, width 1807mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase 2700mm, fuel tank capacity 52l, and luggage compartment capacity 430l.
I've changed the manual transmission fluid several times myself, and I believe the key lies in preparation and attention to detail. First, find a level spot to park, safely jack up the front wheels, and don't forget to place support stands to prevent slipping. Prepare the new fluid—it must be GL-4 or GL-5 specification, don't get it wrong. Last time I cheaped out and bought regular engine oil, and the transmission rattled for days. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission, carefully loosen it with a wrench, and place a drain pan to catch the old fluid. While it's draining, check the color of the old fluid—if it's too dark or has metal shavings, it means the transmission is heavily worn and needs immediate repair. Once drained, tighten the plug, then pour new fluid into the fill port in the engine bay. Pour slowly and don't rush—stop when fluid starts overflowing from the fill port. Wear gloves throughout the process to avoid getting dirty. It's recommended to change the fluid every 50,000 kilometers to ensure smooth shifting and extend the vehicle's lifespan.
As a regular car owner, I found it quite worthwhile to learn how to change the transmission fluid myself. The first step is to park the car in a garage or a safe place, and use a jack to support the chassis to ensure it doesn't wobble. Locate the small drain bolt at the bottom of the transmission, gently loosen it to drain the fluid into an old pan. After the fluid stops flowing, tighten the bolt to prevent leaks. Then move to the engine compartment to find the fill hole, usually covered with a plastic plug. Remove it and slowly pour in new fluid using a funnel, making sure to buy the correct viscosity like SAE 75W-90. Don't rush when pouring; stop once the fluid starts to overflow. After the change, start the engine and shift through all gears to let the fluid evenly coat the gears. This method saves money and gives peace of mind, though beginners should have a friend help with tools. Remember to check the transmission condition every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
