Grande Punto 1.2 & 1.4 8v manual gear oil level check/ top up / change

This doesn't have to be a regular check but pays to check it every now and then... or if you suspect you have a gear oil leak..

Also oil is a known pollutant and a criminal offence to dispose of oil down the drain it must be disposed of safely and legally
For your nearest disposal point) look here: http://www.oilbankline.org.uk/ Or call 08708 506 506


so first park the car in a safe traffic free area WITH THE CAR AS LEVEL AS POSSIBLE


tools needed...


drip tray

12mm hex (alan key or a 12mm hex socket and ratchet)

funnel with flexi end


bit of rag


if fussy a pair of latex or similar gloves


correct gear oil (see owners handbook)

SAE 75W-85 grade synthetic base lubricant.
FIAT 9.55550-MX3 certification

TUTELA CAR
TECHNYX
Contractual Technical
Reference N° F010.B05


apply the handbrake


the 12mm hex bung is a taper fit and is the level check and top up point





(there is another 8mm drain plug at the lower back of the gear box near the differential to drain all the oil should you wish to do a full change (capacity is 1.5kg of fluid according to the handbook)



If your car comes with a undertray remove this now your looking on the passenger side (uk) of the car for this




remove the 12mm hex bung with a alan key or ratchet with 12mm hex socket




now if you remove the bung you should get a dribble of oil escaping

if this happens your level is fine and just needs the bung cleaning with a bit or rag and nipping back up however if none escapes you need a top up

At this point stick your little finger in the hole angled downwards this should give you an idea of how much oil there is in the box if you cant get any oil on your finger you have a bad leak and should investigate where the oil is escaping to/ from as not only is this a sign of a problem it can also be dangerous to other road users if your car is loosing oil all over the road...


once any leak had been found/ delt with its time to top up with your flexi funnel in place....









fill slowly then when oil starts escaping from the filler then stop filling remove the funnel and allow any excess to drain away into your drip pan....





next clean up the top up plug and screw back in hand tight before nipping up with the alan key ( torque to 2.3 to 2.8 DaNm)






then wipe clean any drips (and refit under tray if fitted)



(see a nice easy task that can save you a lot of money and heartache)

So for what ever reason you want to change the oil having seen a member recently say his oil was black after 20,000 miles i thought i would change mine since its just flipped 19k.......

anyways ive now got an evo but its the same gear bag as the older gp i showed above... so,,,,,,,

tools needed..



Jack / axle stands/ wheel chocks (not pictured)

2ltrs of the correct gear oil (see handbook) (SAE 75W-85 API GL4 Plus To Fiat 955550 specification

12mm hex key (or socket)
8mm hex key (or socket)
ratchet / wobble bar (if using socket)

Release oil

Rags,

Oil pan,

Gloves (the stuff stinks)

optional is hydraulic oil thread sealing compound (the original fitment of the plug has blue thread locking / sealing compound on it)

and a bottle to recover the old oil



First Securely jack chock and stand the car so it wont land on your head when your under it........

get some release oil on the drain and fill plugs ASAP. and ideally leave to soak in for a little while..

next remove the 12mm hex level plug from the front of the gear box as
if you was checking the level see first page...





now position the oil pan under the drain point and using a 8mm hex key undo Do not use a poor quality alan key you dont want to damage it.. If its stuck do not go mad try more release oil or with the top level plug removed warm with a heat gun to soften the thread sealant TAKE CARE NOT TO CRACK THE CAST HOUSING OF THE GEAR BOX!

its just to the left hand side of the car near the rear gear box mount





and remove the 8mm drain plug beware the oil will drain under some pressure...... and it STINKS


leave to drain,,,,

once fully drained clean the 8mm hex drain plug and apply a bit of sealent to the threads.... eg Loctite 569 and torque to 16nm

Now lower car so it sits level...

Now ensure all equipment is scrupulously clean you dont want dirt getting into your gear box!

Position flexi funnel into filler / level check hole


and fill with Aprox 1.8l of the appropriate gear oil

once "full" you will have oil begin to leak from the fill point (so ensure your funnel isnt making a tight seal) And your drip pan is under the filler to catch it


ensure that the car is level when doing the level checking on fill up if its still jacked it wont be correct....


then refit 12mm hex plug and clean up the mess you have made :devil: