transmission maintenance
 

Any thoughts on maintenance intervals for transmissions?
Mine is low mileage (17,000 on a 2001 5-speed). The 30,000 mile work is a long way off.
Any benefit in changing transmission fluid/filters etc. based on AGE as opposed to MILEAGE? Open for comments -
If this has been covered before, let me know.

Hi,

The Service Interval is 90k mi., but for a low mileage Car, I would change it every 5-6 years. It is a sealed system, so it is not suceptible to the type of Dirt and Moisture your Motor Oil is. Were it not for the fact that it is essentially a Transaxle (meaning it shares it's lubricant with the Crown and Pinion in the differential - unlike the Tip S models) I'd probably go longer. Remember to use Hypoid Gear Lube because of this too. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Again, it goes back to your long term intention with the car. If this is a keep forever car, I would change the manual transaxle fluid at 60K and use the finest synthetic recommended for your car.

With a tip, I would use a 50k change interval.

If not keeping the car, hmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!

There may be another reason for changing the fluid. I was having a slow 2nd gear syncro issue, especially when cold. I figured I'd change the fluid with some highly regarded synthetic and see what would happen.

Well, I'm glad I did because the Trans feels better than new. I really think they should consider better fluid from the factory.

BTW, it's a 2003 S with 12,000 miles. I used Specialty Formulations MTL-R - Synthetic Manual Transmission Lube and can highly recommend it.