Standard transmissions, also known as manual or stick shift, have been around since the invention of the automobile. The transmission case encloses a series of sliding gears that are selected by the driver via a gear shift lever that protrudes into the passenger compartment. The gears are lubricated by transmission fluid. Since a manual transmission is not hydraulically operated like an automatic, the fluid required may be different and may not require the same maintenance regimen.
Park the vehicle on level ground and shut the engine off. Apply the parking brake. Allow time for the transmission to cool down enough to touch it. Crawl under the vehicle and locate the transmission.
Locate the transmission fluid filler plug midway up the side of the transmission case. Do not confuse the filler plug for the drain plug, which is located at the bottom of the case.
Insert the square end of a ratchet wrench into the filler plug. Rotate the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the plug. Remove the wrench and continue twisting the plug by hand to remove it.
Insert a clean finger into the hole after removing the filler plug. If the fluid level is not at the bottom of the hole, fluid must be added. Insert the nozzle of a bottle of transmission fluid into the hole and squeeze enough in to bring the level to the bottom of the hole.
Replace the transmission filler plug and tighten it with a ratchet wrench until it is fully seated. Wipe up any spills on the side of the transmission case with a rag.
