🔧 BRZ - Manual Transmission Fluid Change

On your BRZ, the manual transmission fluid lubricates the gears and synchronizers so it shifts smoothly and stays cool. Changing it is a simple drain-and-refill service, but the car must be level and you must loosen the fill plug first so you don’t get stuck with an empty transmission you can’t refill.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-1.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the car with jack stands, not the jack.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool—on your BRZ it runs close to the transmission.
• ⚠️ Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses; gear oil smells strong and can irritate skin/eyes.
• ⚠️ Always remove the fill plug first; if it’s stuck, stop before draining.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) x2
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 6-quart)
• 10mm hex bit socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
• Shop rags
• Brake cleaner spray

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Manual transmission gear oil (75W-90, GL-4) - Qty: 3 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug crush washer - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Drive 10–15 minutes to warm the fluid (it drains faster), then shut the engine off.
• Raise the front with a floor jack and support with jack stands. If you lift the rear too, keep the car level front-to-rear so the fill level is correct.
• Gather your fluid transfer pump (a hand pump that pushes new fluid into the fill hole).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the fill and drain plugs

• Slide under the car with safety glasses and a light.
• On the transmission case you’ll find two recessed hex plugs: the fill plug (higher) and the drain plug (lowest point).
• Use a 10mm hex bit socket with a 3/8-inch ratchet to verify the hex fully seats in the plug. Push hard to avoid stripping.

Step 2: Loosen the fill plug first

• Place the drain pan under the transmission area (in case of drips).
• Use the 10mm hex bit socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to break the fill plug loose, then snug it back in by hand (do not remove yet).
• If the fill plug will not loosen, stop here—don’t drain the transmission.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Move the drain pan directly under the drain plug.
• Use the 10mm hex bit socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug and let the fluid drain completely.
• Wipe the drain plug clean with shop rags. If the plug has a magnet, clean metal fuzz off it (a light paste is normal).

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Install a new drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench with the 10mm hex bit socket and torque to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
• Clean any spilled fluid with brake cleaner spray and shop rags.

Step 5: Remove the fill plug and pump in new fluid

• Use the 10mm hex bit socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the fill plug.
• Install the fluid transfer pump hose into the fill hole.
• Pump in 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil until it begins to slowly seep back out of the fill hole (this is the correct level when the car is level).
• Go slow near the end to prevent overfilling.

Step 6: Reinstall the fill plug with a new crush washer

• Install a new fill plug crush washer on the fill plug.
• Thread the fill plug in by hand first.
• Use a torque wrench with the 10mm hex bit socket and torque to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags and a light spray of brake cleaner.

Step 7: Lower the car

• Use the floor jack to lift slightly, remove the jack stands, then lower the car to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and, with the clutch fully pressed, shift through all gears while parked (don’t force it).
• Take a short 5–10 minute drive and confirm smooth shifting and no unusual noises.
• Park and check underneath for leaks around the fill and drain plugs.
• Dispose of used gear oil at a recycling center/auto parts store that accepts waste oil.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$350 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $135-$260 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.