Checking the level, topping up and changing the oil in the gearbox

Periodically (but not less than once per 15,000 km of run) check the oil level in a manual transmission or the fluid level in an automatic one. The design of the gearbox does not provide for oil changes during the entire life of the vehicle. However, sometimes the need to change the oil may arise (for example, when switching to a different viscosity oil, when the quality of the working fluid in the automatic transmission deteriorates after it has overheated, when the gearbox is being repaired, etc.). Techniques for checking the level, topping up and changing oil (liquids) in mechanical (automatic) box are different, so they are shown separately for each of the boxes.

Note. Drain oil (liquid) recommended for 15 minutes after driving, until it has cooled down and has good fluidity.

Notes:

• Fill the manual transmission with API GL4 SAE 80W-90 or SAE 75W-90 oil. The manufacturer recommends replacing the factory-filled oil with SAE 75W gear oil if the vehicle is operated for a long time at an ambient temperature below -30°C.
• For an automatic transmission, the manufacturer recommends a working fluid.

To check the oil level, top up or replace it in manual transmission perform the following operations.

You will need: socket heads «at 13», «at 17», syringe.



1. Loosen the oil level plug located on the side of the gearbox housing and remove the plug.


2. The oil level should be at the edge of the hole or slightly below it (you can reach the surface of the oil with a screwdriver or your finger).



3. If the oil level is too low (cannot be controlled with a screwdriver or finger), remove the cap from the oil filler plug located on top of the shift housing..



4.... loosen the plug..



5.... and turn it inside out.

Note. The oil filler plug also acts as a breather, so check the cleanliness of the holes in it.

Attention! Operation of the vehicle without a protective cap is prohibited! In its absence, road dirt will enter the gearbox.

6. Fill the oil with a syringe into the hole in the gear shift housing until it emerges from the control hole. Screw on the control hole plug.

Note. The plug has a magnet to collect metal wear products, clean it before installing the plug.

7. Replace the oil fill plug.



8. An oil drain plug is not provided in the design, therefore, if it is necessary to change the oil, place an oil drain container under the gearbox, unscrew the bolts securing the lower gearbox cover...



9.... and drain the oil.

10. Remove cover and gasket.

11. Wipe the cover and gasket with a clean rag to remove any remaining oil.

Note. Replace the gasket with a new one each time the bottom cover is removed.

12. Install the bottom cover of the gearbox and fill in the oil as it was done when checking its level and topping up (see paragraphs. 1–6).


To check the fluid level, top up or replace it in automatic transmission perform the following operations.

You will need: square wrench «for 8», syringe.

1. Warm up the working fluid in the gearbox to an operating temperature of 70–80°C by doing a short trip.

2. Install the car on a flat horizontal platform and brake with a parking brake.

3. Pressing the brake pedal and keeping it pressed, alternately set the selector lever to all positions from «P» (parking) before «D» (forward movement), pausing briefly in each position to fill the torque converter and hydraulic system with fluid. Then set the selector lever to the position «N» (neutral). Release the brake pedal.

4. Place a wide container under the gearbox to collect the fluid.

5. Turn out a stopper of an opening for filling of a working liquid. At a normal level, it begins to flow out of the hole or you can reach its surface with your finger.

6. If the level is low, add fluid with a syringe in the same way as you did for a manual transmission (see above in this subsection), until it begins to flow through the hole. Wrap the plug with a torque of 45 Nm.

7. To replace the fluid, remove the fluid drain plug and drain the fluid. Wrap the plug with a torque of 45 Nm.

8. Fill in the working fluid in the same way as it was topped up when checking the level (see paragraphs. 5 and 6 above).

Note. When the liquid is completely drained, the estimated volume of the newly poured liquid will be 4 liters.