Peace of Mind Trans Oil Q

2016 Fiesta ST

I just pulled the trans, replaced the clutch, slave cylinder/TOB, axle seals, and trans oil yesterday. Plenty of oil came out the axle housing holes, and we drained the rest until a light drip from the drain hole. No way to know how much came out, but we put 2 full bottles minus an ounce or two of Motul Multi DCTF back in it and it still didn’t pour out the hole. I was told to fill until I could feel the oil with my finger inside the hole but still couldn’t fell it as best I can tell even after all oil filled. Did I overfill? I know the capacity but am now paranoid cause it didn’t come out pour hole even after 2 bottles.

I replaced mine when I did my CV axle. I pretty much followed the same steps as you—just drained it and added two liters. No issues, and that was a couple of weeks ago.

I need a new clutch. My friend’s shop can do it for $1500 in labor if I provide the clutch I want.

That’s pretty expensive, though. I’d prefer to do it myself, but I know I probably won’t finish it in one go since I’ve never removed a transmission or done anything like that. I mentioned that I just did the passenger-side CV axle, and it wasn’t too bad. However, when I did my spark plugs and coils, I dropped a socket extension between the battery and engine under the intake pipe and couldn’t find it. I gave up after an hour of searching and taking things apart.

So maybe I’m not ready for the clutch job just yet. I don’t have a place where I can leave the car disassembled for two days. It has to be done in one shot.

You can’t overfill them; I’d prefer putting in “too” much rather than too little. Was the car level, or was the front raised higher than the rear?

But yeah, it’s a ventilated manual transmission, so if you overfill, the excess oil will just be pushed out through the vent. If you underfill it, though, it can cause damage.

I just did mine too. I poured in 2 bottles of Valvoline “Synchromesh” since it was the only option I could find locally. I couldn’t find anyone else who had used it, but I drained it (only got 1.4 liters out) and refilled with the Valvoline. The transmission feels better than ever, and the car seems happy, so I’m sticking with it. Personally, I’m more comfortable with 2 liters than running 1.7 and hoping no oil leaks out.

Honestly, I think people overcomplicate this. It’s a Fiesta transmission, not a Bentley. I’m sure it’ll be fine. (These are just my thoughts, and I’m not exactly an expert, so take it with a grain of salt lol)

I tend to overthink things too, but honestly, you don’t need to worry. Just drain it, then fill with the full 2L, and you’re all set. I used the same Motul Multi DCTF a few months ago, and haven’t had any issues. The transmission feels much smoother after the fluid change as well.

Nah, you’re fine, mate. Technically, you’re supposed to measure the distance from the fill hole to the top of the fluid, and there’s a special tool for that. But honestly, just adding the full 2L will work fine.

How long did the job take you? I’m sure mine will need it eventually, it’s a 2016 with over 130k miles now.