So I am wondering if the car has to be absoultely level to drain out all the transmission fluid? I wanna change it in my drive way but I only have 2 ramps which would raise the front. Can I still do it?

ALSO, does anyone know if the 2000 MAX se, manual, has a dipstick for the trany fluid? IF SO, can I refill the fluid by pouring it into the dipstick or do I have to refill into the drain plug?

 

that depend how much of an incline you have on the car. If you're on the ramp, then you're fine. You refill the tranny through the dipstick.

 

If you are DRAINING, it does not HAVE to be 100% level, but you are not going to get all the old fluid out. I use a process of jacking up each side to kinda "wiggle" the car to get as much out as possible. I have it jacked up to remove the drain bolt but then lower it to the ground to drain. Then raise 1 side for like a couple minutes and then the other.

To FILL it you HAVE to be as close to level as possible as you do NOT use the dipstick tube, as there ISNT one on a manual tranny car. There is a 1/2" inverted socket (you use a 1/2 ratchet with no socket on it to open/seal the plug) on the front of the tranny to fill it with.

When you fill it up, take of the intake scoop part (with the temp sensor in it) and go buy a funnel with a tube on it (about 2') and you will be golden. I have done this twice now and its as easy as change my motor oil...but no filter to deal with...hehe.

 

Thanks a lot, this clears up much but I have another question. Whats this "take off the intake scoop part"? What does the inverted socket open? Isnt that the fill hole. So why do I have to take off the scoop part?

Thanks.

 

Taking off the scoop part just makes it easier for the whole process. You "dont" have to do it. Just when filling it, when I take the scoop out, I can sit the funnel/tube right by the battery and fill the funnel as the contents drain into the tranny. Only a matter of convienence as it takes about a minute to remove the scoop.

The socket, as you correctly stated, opens the fill hole. I open it once I remove the drain bolt to allow air to move and drain quicker.

Take a peek from the bottom and the top and youll see what I mean and how taking the scoop off makes it easier.