I need to drain and replace the fluid in my Formula's 5 speed Getrag transmission but I can't find any documentation about how to do this. Would anyone be willing to provide a brief walk-through of the process? I read the fluid info on the Ogre's Cave so I think I'm square on which fluid to use (the Synchromesh, right?). Refilling process would be helpful as well.

Thanks in advance!

Find the drain plug which should be below or on the side of the case below the axles. On the 4sp it's on the bottom of the case.

To fill you remove the VSS sensor by cleaning around it then taking out the 10mm bolt that holds it in. Pull it slowly straight out so the plastic speed gear does not fall off. If t does you need to carefully fish it out of the opening. I use one of those springy claws that you can get for a $1 at the parts stores.

On the short shaft of the VSS you will see two lines for the oil level that you use as your dipstick to check as you add oil. You can take the gear off while your testing and put it back on when done. It just pulls off the shaft. Be sure you seat the VSS all the way back in when checking the level.

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 05-17-2008).]

Thanks so much! Do I need to use a hand pump to pump in the new fluid through the VSS port or is there a horizontal fill cap/port somewhere that I'm missing?

Oh, I forgot, I don't have a Getrag, but I remember they are suppose to have a small dip stick on them somewhere. At least some of them do.

Here is a post with information about the trans differences.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/063783.html

The syncro bottles usually have a small spout so I just get the bottle down to the VSS hole and squirt it it.
You might be able to use the dip stick hole on the getrags...

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 05-17-2008).]

I think you're right (I might have read that somewhere too). Either way, how do I fill the case?

Added to the above post. Just squirt it in one of the holes. Use a funnel if you have to.
figure on about three quarts it think.

According to my Chilton's manual, fill it through the dipstick hole, up to the level of the hole. Approximately 2 quarts for the Getrag.

Thanks to all for the info. I had to drive to three different parts stores to get enough of the Pennzoil Synchromesh fluid. The draining/refilling was no problem after that but it did take nearly 3 quarts to fill up to the "full" line on the dipstick. Thanks to all for the help!