Can any members here please help me, i have a 2015 Panda cross 1.3mj with a 5 speed manual box, i cannot locate the drain or filler plugs on the PTU, my Fiat manual states its a different oil to the transaxle, any help, a diagram or photos etc would be greatly appreciated, many thanks.....
Technical 2015 cross PTU filler and drain plug locations?
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Technical 2015 cross PTU filler and drain plug locations?
Hi there... take a look at the photo in the post here: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/how-do-you-change-or-top-off-gear-oil.488755/post-4606686
The label is pointing at the gearbox level plug, but you can also see the PTU and a plug on that (lower centre of the photo, where the blue crayon line is, part of the factory QA check). I suspect (but don't know for sure) that is the PTU drain plug (given its right at the bottom). Somewhere (and I've not found it yet, even with this forum's very good 'search' tool at the top right of the site) was a reference to it being filled from the top via a breather?
The label is pointing at the gearbox level plug, but you can also see the PTU and a plug on that (lower centre of the photo, where the blue crayon line is, part of the factory QA check). I suspect (but don't know for sure) that is the PTU drain plug (given its right at the bottom). Somewhere (and I've not found it yet, even with this forum's very good 'search' tool at the top right of the site) was a reference to it being filled from the top via a breather?
Good evening Herts Hillhopper,
Thank you very kindly for your reply and the photo, thats very helpful, i changed the oil in the transaxle and rear diff using the correct Fiat Tutela oils, my local Fiat main dealer could not even help with the PTU filler and drain plug locations even though i purchased the lubricants from them at at cost of £62?.....yes i can see the drain plug in the photo so i will now get the car back up on the axle stands and look where the breather is located etc then order the correct oil....once again thank you for all your help....best regards, Steve........
I wonder if the photos in this auction listing might help too? To be honest, I can’t even work out which way round this is, but it might help? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12516110...7IgYlu5wJJbCD-Zzcr3bxuc6CX96tEqRoC7w0QAvD_BwE
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Hi Herts Hillhopper,I wonder if the photos in this auction listing might help too? To be honest, I can’t even work out which way round this is, but it might help? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125161100427?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338343596&toolid=10001&customid=eb:g:vms:eb:125161100427;CjwKCAjw8sCRBhA6EiwA6_IF4WRSvkg73M2nZivv_0Ikoa7IgYlu5wJJbCD-Zzcr3bxuc6CX96tEqRoC7w0QAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjw8sCRBhA6EiwA6_IF4WRSvkg73M2nZivv_0Ikoa7IgYlu5wJJbCD-Zzcr3bxuc6CX96tEqRoC7w0QAvD_BwE
Thank you very much for the link to the photos, it was very useful, and much appreciated.....
Best regards,
Steve
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Good morning Herts Hillhopper,
Yes i can see the drain plug on the second photo, so the filler plug / vent must be above that somewhere?
I will check under the car probably next week, then order the correct oil, shop4parts do not have it stock, neither does my local Fiat dealer?
I found the link to changing the rear brake pads and discs not an easy job!
Thanks for all your help and advice its greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Steve
The arrow in the second photo is supposed to be pointing to the side of the PTU case nearest the exhaust, which I think is where the filter plug (labelled in the fist photo) is. I suspect the exhaust is in the way, and wonder if that's why that bend has a clamp at either end, to allow it to be removed to reach the PTU filler? (Given the complexity of removing the rear disks, I would not put this past Fiat as a solution!)
By the way - I've wondered whether in fact the same oil could be used in all three locations - each is basically calling for an SAE 75 synthetic gear oil, according to the owner handbook? I bet a dealer doesn't use each of three subtly different versions - surely the bottom one (citing a newer API code) would suffice for all? [steps back, waiting The Great Oil Debate...]
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Good morning Herts Hillhopper,
I have no idea why Automotive Engineers design vehicles that are so difficult to repair and maintain?
My handbook shows 3 different oils for the transaxle, PTU, and rear diff, ive checked and the specification for the oil appears different, as im keeping the car long term im going to use Fiat parts and lubricants.
I need to jack the car up and locate the PTU filler and drain plugs, i also need to purchase a brake rewind tool kit and some extended Alken key sockets so i can change the rear brake pads and shoes, unfortunately im having to build up all my tools again.....
Thanks for all your help,
Best regards,
Steve
I
Good prices for the Tutela gear oils here: https://www.graysparts.co.uk/category/selenia_oil
Hi again Steve
When you do get to find the PTU filler (on the side?) maybe you can take an post some photos so fellow 4x4 owners (me!) know where to look for it :0
Thanks
Pete
Hi Pete,
Hi Pete,
Grays do not have the PTU oil in stock and neither does shop4parts so im going to have to make a few calls and check Amazon and Google etc.
Yes i will take some photos of the PTU drain and filler plugs and post them on this forum, im glad to help out.
Thanks for your help,
Best regards,
Steve
I had a quick look under my 4x4 today, and can see the fill/level plug on the PTU casing. This photo is taken from near the drivers side wheel, looking across towards the passenger side. The front of the car is to the right and the propshaft bolts are to the left. There does appear to be space between the exhaust and PTU to remove that plug.
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Good afternoon Herts Hillhopper
Thank you for the information and the photograph thats very helpful, from the photo it looks like i can access the filler plug with perhaps a 3/8" drive socket allen key, or perhaps just an allen key?
The filler plug on the transaxle was difficult to access and very tight, it would appear that Fiat had used a threadlock type compound on the threads?
Best regards,
Steve
The PTU is located to the left-hand side as viewed from the front of the vehicle.
The drain plug is located at the front and is easily accessible.
The filler plug is on the left-hand side of the PTU casing as if looking towards the right-hand wheel.
It is located just below the exhaust pipe so space is restricted here.
Both the filler and drain plus require an 8mm hex key.
The listed Fiat oil is Tutela transmission multi axle SAE 75W-85 (which is very difficult to obtain)
However - there is an identically specified oil available from Westway lubricants (75W-85 synthetic gear oil, £10.50 including delivery for 1L, which is sufficient to complete 2 oil changes as the oil quantity is just over 400ml)
www.westwayoils.co.uk
I used an oil syringe to refill the unit.
The sump guard needs to be removed first by removing the 8 screws, using a 10mm socket.
Please see the attached photos for help (including the before & after for oil colour!)
The drain plug is located at the front and is easily accessible.
The filler plug is on the left-hand side of the PTU casing as if looking towards the right-hand wheel.
It is located just below the exhaust pipe so space is restricted here.
Both the filler and drain plus require an 8mm hex key.
The listed Fiat oil is Tutela transmission multi axle SAE 75W-85 (which is very difficult to obtain)
However - there is an identically specified oil available from Westway lubricants (75W-85 synthetic gear oil, £10.50 including delivery for 1L, which is sufficient to complete 2 oil changes as the oil quantity is just over 400ml)
Westway Oils
Engine Oil, Hydraulic Oil, Motor Oil, Gear Oil, 2 Stroke, 5w30, 10w40, 5w40, 0w30, 0w20, 5w20, 10w50, 15w50, 10w60, Westway Lubricants, Westway Oils
www.westwayoils.co.uk
I used an oil syringe to refill the unit.
The sump guard needs to be removed first by removing the 8 screws, using a 10mm socket.
Please see the attached photos for help (including the before & after for oil colour!)
Thank you Steve - good to know you found an alternative oil source as I too have failed to find the Tutela one. I’ve not ventured to check the level - although I believe it was checked when serviced at 36000 miles last year (by an independent Fiat specialist). In theory, it’s a sealed for life oil, but there are times when I think I can hear what I assume is the PTU sounding a little less smooth - so sometime I’ll get there. It’s now on 41000 miles (at four and a half years old).
Also good to confirm the fill and drain are as we ‘speculated’ earlier in this thread.
Also good to confirm the fill and drain are as we ‘speculated’ earlier in this thread.
Hello again Herts Hill Hopper,
I found “Westway Lubricants” extremely helpful, I checked their specification of the oil and it was identical to the Tutela and far less expensive with free trackable delivery, their 5w30 engine oil is over £30 less than the Tutela for 5 litres!
The PTU is NOT a sealed for life unit as there are both drain and filler plugs, and no oil will last that length of time, it will break down and become contaminated causing wear to gears and bearings.
Also the drain plug is fitted with a magnet to attract any metal particle’s luckily mine was relatively contaminant free.
My Panda has completed just under 48,000 miles and as you can see from my photos the old oil from the PTU was very dirty and smelt old, it definitely required changing,
1 litre is sufficient for 2 complete oil changes so at £10.50 it’s not expensive, so I recommend that you change your PTU oil ASAP.
Changing the oil in the transaxle and the rear differential unit are easy jobs and again “Westway lubricants” sell the exact same specified oil which is available in stock and FAR less expensive than the Tutela brand!
Thanks for all your help and advice,
Best regards,
Steve
I’ll rephrase that slightly. Fiat makes no mention of needing to change it in the first 120,000 miles of actions shown in the service book - only that the level there and in the gearbox and rear diff should be checked every 36,000 miles. However, I agree, it would be good to change it sooner than that
The Panda Nut
Nutty about Pandas Infected by Panda virus and OPD
This is a great post as are teh responses thanks to all.. Photos are really useful. Thanks!I wonder if the photos in this auction listing might help too? To be honest, I can’t even work out which way round this is, but it might help? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125161100427?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338343596&toolid=10001&customid=eb:g:vms:eb
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