The transmission oil should be hot before it is drained. If the engine is at normal operating temperature, the transmission oil should be hot enough.
Raise the car and support it properly on jackstands so that you can safely work underneath. You will probably not have enough room to work if the van is not raised.
The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission. Place a pan under the drain plug and remove it. Keep a slight upward pressure on the plug while unscrewing it, this will keep the oil from pouring out until the plug is removed.
CAUTION The oil will be HOT! Be careful when you remove the plug so that you don't take a bath in hot gear oil.
Allow the oil to drain completely, this may take several minutes. Clean off the plug and replace it, tightening it until it is just snug 27 ft. lbs. (37 Nm).
Remove the filler plug from the side of the transmission case. It is on the front side. There is usually a gasket underneath this plug. Replace it if damaged.
Fill the transmission, with the proper lubricant, through the filler plug hole. Refer to the Capacities chart for the amount of oil needed to refill your transmission.
The oil level should come right up to the edge of the hole. You can stick your finger in to verify this. Watch out for sharp threads!
Fig. 1:
Insert new gear oil into the manual transmission through the fill plug hole
Replace the filler plug and gasket and tighten to 27 ft. lbs. (37 Nm). Lower the van, and check for leaks. Dispose of the old oil in the proper manner.
