Transmission Fill Plug
 

Anyone have any advice about how to remove the transmission fill plug on a 2000 2.7 5-speed? I have a 17mm hex key and a 17mm hex socket. The fill plug is partially stripped (rounded edges) and I cannot break it loose. I cannot break it loose with arm strength or a hammer.

I know I will require a new fill plug, but what are my options for removal? Should I keep trying to remove it and risk further stripping the plug? Would it be better to admit defeat and have a mechanic remove the plug? If I have the mechanic remove the plug, should I have them do the whole job or just remove the fill plug?

I bought the car from a Lexus dealership a few months ago and the car went through a multi-point inspection, but with the plug being partially stripped and frozen in place I don't think they checked it. I'm not sure if the fluid was ever changed and first and second are hard to shift into when cold.

Alex

Please put the hammer away and order some Kroil from Kano Labs.
Penetrating-Lubricating Oils
Use a little every day(the Boxster not you!) and tap the plug before use to try to loosen up the corrosion.Be patient.

Use WD-40, PB Blaster, or similar and let it sit for a day.

Then try again. Use a long handle on the hex socket to get good, solid leverage.

If still no joy, I'd throw a little heat onto it with a propane torch. Of course, you need to be careful, but a little localized heating (not glowing red!) of the plug shouldn't be too risky. its amazing what a little heat will do to loosen up a fastener.

One other thing you can do. Tighten it a little. If it moves, its ready to be removed.

It's been changed
 

Otherwise it wouldn't be this way. I changed my 6S fluid at 75K and now mine is sluggish changing until I get a mile or two down the road (especially in cold weather). Keep at it and good luck....Kroil is wonderful stuff