A good time to have the manual transaxle fluid checked is when the engine oil is changed. A transaxle leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your retailer's service department and have it repaired as soon as possible. The manual transaxle fluid does not require changing.

Because this operation by be difficult, you may choose to have this done at a Saturn retail service facility. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.

Check the fluid level only when the engine is off and the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Allow sufficient time for the transaxle case to cool.

Then, follow these steps:

1. The manual transaxle dipstick is designated with a red handle and is located below the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and battery assembly.
2. Clean and brush the area surrounding the dipstick handle to prevent debris or contamination from entering the transaxle. Next, flip the handle up, pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way and remove it.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It must be in the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. Note: Fluid may appear at the bottom of the dipstick even when the fluid level is several pints low.
5. If the fluid level is in the cross-hatched area, push the dipstick back in all the way. Then, flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the stops that follow.

Only use Saturn transaxle fluid (P/N 21005856). DEXRON®-III may be substituted if Saturn transaxle fluid is not available.

1. Remove the dipstick by pulling the dipstick out.
2. Using a long neck funnel, add fluid at the dipstick hole.

Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up into the middle of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick.

3. Push the dipstick back on all the way.

Add only enough Saturn transaxle fluid (P/N 21005856) to bring the fluid level up into the middle of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. DEXRON®-III may be substituted if Saturn transaxle fluid is not available. It doesn't take much, usually less than a pint. Do not overfill the transaxle.

No maintenance is required for the transaxle fluid. However, it you are servicing your transaxle, follow the procedure below for changing the transaxle fluid:

Note: An automatic transaxle is depicted in this photograph. The manual transaxle plug location is similar to that of the Automatic transaxle.

1. Place a suitable container, large enough to hold 2.6 US Qt. (2.5 L), under the drain plug and remove the drain plug.
2. Allow the old fluid to completely drain from the transaxle and then reinstall the drain plug.

Tighten
Tighten the drain plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

3. Remove the dipstick, and using a long neck funnel, refill the transaxle with Saturn transaxle fluid (P/N 21005856). DEXRON®-III may be substituted if Saturn transaxle fluid is not available.
4. Check the fluid level to make sure it is in the middle of the cross-hatched area on the dipstick.