Technical Gearbox oil change, 2010 van

[windyjools]

I want to change the gearbox oil on my 2010, Ducato 2.3, 120hp van. I can see the drain plug (the hex headed socket at the bottom of the gearbox), but can't see where to refill the gearbox! Can anyone advise please? Thanks in advance.

 

[gareth111278]

Some gearboxes fill down the reverse switch hole, if you can find out how much oil it needs & locate the reverse switch this might be an option?

 

[taffybloke]

Mine is a 3.0 ltr so not the same. I had to remove the air filter housing and then you could see and reach the fill plug its about 2/3rds up the gear box and I think from memory its a hex socket also. Its a fill hole not a fill/level so only put in the correct amount as stated in the handbook. I think on mine it was 2.9 ltrs

Mike

 

[Peter James]

I want to change the gearbox oil on my 2010, Ducato

Why? - when the manufacturer says its not necessary?
You seem to think you know more the manufacturers do, but you don't even know how to refill it

 

[windyjools]

Why? Because I believe it is worth doing! I have changed the gearbox oil on all my previous vehicles and it has improved the gear change noticeably.
Fiat don't 'recommend' lubricating the bearings on the sliding door, or modifying the windscreen scuttle to stop water ingress, so I may not know better than Fiat, but I believe that some things are worth the effort to maintain, or improve my van. If you choose not to do it, that's ok, there are lots of things that I don't know how to do on the van, some I won't attempt, some I will try to find out, then I'll decide which I think is within my limited expertise to attempt!

 

[rolopolo]

Well worth changing the gear oil, I have mine done each year, never had a gearbox issue in 500,000 miles in 3 ducatos,
Unfortunately I couldn't tell you were the fill hole is,
As for scuttle grill,
Yeah fiat arnt interested, and I'm about to fit a brand new pair of grills, modified with more drain pipes & a P seal across top edge, and joint fixed together,
Hopefully that will stop the water ingress that's caused me 5 weeks off the road since Xmas due to electrical issues
Will post pics on new thread later,
Hoping it will stay sunny!

 

[GrandeGuy]

Worth doing because as I've found in my box fiat and GM oil ain't the greatest stuff, use castrol Syntrans, fantastic stuff.

 

[Peter James]

Fiat don't 'recommend' lubricating the bearings on the sliding door, or modifying the windscreen scuttle to stop water ingress

Well thats a new one on me too. In 40 years as a mechanic I can't ever recall seeing a service schedule that did not include lubricating the doors. And Fiat have modified the scuttle on later vans.

 

[Peter James]

Well worth changing the gear oil, I have mine done each year, never had a gearbox issue
Unfortunately I couldn't tell you were the fill hole is,

Couldn't you tell us how you refilled it either?

 

[rolopolo]

No mate, i pay the garage to do it

 

[windyjools]

Well thats a new one on me too. In 40 years as a mechanic I can't ever recall seeing a service schedule that did not include lubricating the doors. And Fiat have modified the scuttle on later vans.

Perhaps with your experience, you can enlighten us on how you would suggest the gearbox oil could be refilled?

BTW, I only lubricate the bearings, if I lubricate the door, it really annoys my other half, especially if she gets oil all over her frocks!!!!

 

[windyjools]

An update on the updates!
I contacted these guys today http://www.essanjay.co.uk/
They confirmed the gearbox can be refilled through the breather hole on the top of the gearbox. On the 2.3l 2010, it's 2.7l, as per the handbook.
They are very helpful, and specialise in Fiats, so I recommend them if you need help and are in their area.