transmission maintenance

[limoncello]

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.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by limoncello

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

[Brucelee]

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!!!!!!!!!!

[mjw930]

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.