
The method for changing the manual transmission fluid of a Excelle is as follows: 1. Unscrew the drain nut at the bottom of the transmission; 2. Drain the old transmission fluid and then tighten the nut; 3. Open the driver's door and pull the hood release lever; 4. Lift the hood and open the transmission fluid filler cap; 5. Add new transmission fluid. Taking the 2020 Buick Excelle as an example, it belongs to the compact car category, with body dimensions of length 4468mm, width 1765mm, height 1469mm, a wheelbase of 2611mm, a fuel tank capacity of 40 liters, and a curb weight of 1070kg. The 2020 Buick Excelle features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a compound torsion beam rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, producing a maximum horsepower of 107PS, a maximum power of 79kW, and a maximum torque of 133Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

















As someone who frequently works on cars, I know that changing the oil in a Excelle manual transmission requires a step-by-step approach. First, drive the car onto level ground, turn off the engine, and let it cool down—hot oil can burn you and isn’t safe. Then, lift the car with a jack or secure it on ramps, crawl under the chassis to locate the drain bolt at the bottom of the transmission, and use a 17mm wrench to slowly loosen it while placing an oil drain pan underneath. Letting all the old oil drain out may take about 20 minutes. Once the oil is fully drained, tighten the bolt to prevent leaks. Next, add new oil through the side fill port—this requires a funnel or hand pump to inject GL-4 grade 75W-90 gear oil, approximately 1.8 liters until full. The position of the inspection hole is crucial during this process; once filled, test for overflow to confirm completion. Don’t cut corners by using cheap oil, as it can cause gear shifting to stick and damage the gears. I recommend changing the oil every two years or 40,000 kilometers—developing this habit can save you from costly major repairs. Prepare tools like wrenches, gloves, and cleaning cloths beforehand. For beginners, the first attempt might be chaotic, but with practice, it can be done in about half an hour.

As a DIY enthusiast who loves saving money by doing things myself, changing the manual transmission oil on my Excelle is super easy. Park the car on a slope or secure it properly to prevent rolling, then locate the small bolt at the bottom of the transmission, unscrew it to drain the old oil. Collect the black oil in a bucket for recycling. Tighten the bolt back, and use a hose to pump new GL-4 oil into the side oil hole—about 2 liters is enough. The key is to buy the right brand of oil; don’t cheap out. The manual has the specifications. The first time took me 40 minutes, but now it’s down to just 15 minutes. The tools needed are just a wrench and a funnel, costing only a few bucks. It’s way cheaper than paying hundreds at a shop, plus you learn a skill. Remember to change it every 30,000 km to keep the car running smoothly and avoid gear wear. Safety first—wear gloves and make sure the car is stable before crawling underneath.

When changing manual transmission fluid, safety must be the top priority. With over a decade of driving experience, I always emphasize ensuring the car is securely lifted using proper jack stands or ramps to prevent collapse. The engine must be completely cooled before operation to avoid hot oil splashes causing burns. Locate the drain bolt at the bottom of the transmission, loosen it, and allow all the old fluid to drain completely. Then, carefully identify the fill hole (don't mistake its location) and add an appropriate amount of new GL-4 fluid. Always wear gloves and safety goggles during the process, and dispose of used oil properly. For a Excelle, this procedure isn't overly complicated, but beginners should consider professional assistance for added security - any mistakes could lead to oil leaks, component damage, or compromised driving performance.

Brief guide for Excelle manual transmission oil change: Park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, and let it cool for safety first. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission under the chassis, loosen it to drain the old oil completely, then tighten it back. Next, add approximately 2 liters of new GL-4 75W-90 oil through the side filler hole, using a funnel or small pump until the oil level is correct. Change every 30,000 to 50,000 km to extend lifespan and save money. DIY with prepared tools makes it easy. Choose the right oil type and avoid random brands to prevent internal part corrosion.

Last time helping my buddy change the manual transmission fluid on his Excelle: We jacked up the car, crawled underneath to locate the drain plug, loosened the bolt, and dark oil drained for a full half hour. After tightening the bolt, we used a small pump to fill it with new GL-4 oil from the side until full, then checked. The whole process took an hour but taught us the hard lesson that mismatched fluid causes gearshift roughness. Changing every two years keeps the car running smoothly with fewer issues.


