The transmission fluid in both a manual and an automatic transmission has the same purpose: to lubricate and cool the parts inside the transmission. Transmission fluid breaks down over time and will need to be changed. You can check the fluid level on a manual transmission in just a few minutes.
Crawl under the vehicle and locate the transmission fill plug. On all manual transmissions there is a fill plug and a drain plug. The drain plug on a manual transmission is generally located on the bottom of the transmission pan. The fill plug will be right above the fill plug. (The fill plug on some manual transmissions is located above the drain plug in the center of the transmission.) The fill plug will either be a bolt head or it will have a square hole in the center of the plug.
Loosen and remove the transmission fill plug. Some transmission fill plugs require a 3/8 ratchet and some transmissions require a 3/8 ratchet and a socket. If the fill plug has a square hole in it, put the square part of the 3/8 ratchet inside the square hole and loosen and remove the plug. If the drain plug is a bolt head, take a socket and rachet of the proper size and loosen and remove the bolt.
Stick your finger inside the fill hole. The fluid should be at the level of the fill hole. If it is not, you will need to add transmission fluid. Manual transmissions require gear oil or regular motor oil.
Wipe off the transmission fill plug and put the plug back in the fill hole. Screw the fill plug back tight and then finish tightening with the ratchet or ratchet and socket.
