Help needed: Manual tranny fill plug won't budge :(
 

Hi everyone, I need advice on getting the tranny fill plug loosened on my SE 5 speed. First off, I want to make sure that the fill plug uses a 'standard' counterclockwise rotation to loosen it. If it's not, please let me know. I've tried the most common techniques to loosen it but no luck. Tried two impact wrenches both battery and corded. Tried using heating the bolt with a butane torch. Tried hammering it with a mallet. Nothing :( The good news is that the tranny is out of the car since I'm replacing the clutch. Any and all advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I just changed my clutch. I tried to loosen the fill plug while the transmission was out just like you did. It wouldn’t budge. You have to wait until the transmission is back in to get the proper leverage. I used a half inch breaker bar with no socket. I would not suggest using a impact wrench on the fill plug.

weld a socket on it

Thanks for the advise, me and my brother were able to loosen the fill plug using the old pipe trick. It was a b***h to remove but we got it done. Who ever worked on the trans before used loctite on the plug when they tightened it back.

Dang that happened to me as well previous owner didn't put the gasket back on so it was like seized. 10-20 mins later with a chisel set and a hammer and the sucker came off 20 bucks for the replacement

Nice work!

Cilantro and basil for me, what is your preference?

For future reference.

If you find that the official drain plug gets stuck like that

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) can be unbolted, then gently pulled out slightly. Hold it in place to keep from dumping all the fluid out of the transmission very quickly indeed.

Don't ask how I know this. Lol.

I can testify that the VSS is a very good way to remove all the fluid.

That’s good to know, but OP had an issue with his fill plug being stuck, not the drain bolt.

man i'd be slathering that fill plug with anti-sneeze like the tin man from the wizard of oz, just being careful to not the get the end dirty so as not to get any in the trans.