Does a 1997 Toyota Tercel stickshift have transmission fluid that should be checked?

Question

Does a 1997 Toyota Tercel stick shift have transmission fluid that should be checked?

I know this is a dumb question.Does a 1997 Toyota Tercel stick shift have transmission fluid that should be checked?Or any fluid?

Answer 1

Yup.  There's a bolt on the side of the tranny that you can pull to check the level.  You'll need to look in the service manual to be sure which bolt it is, though.  If the oil is level with the bottom edge of the bolt hole, you're good.

To make matters worse, you're expected to add oil through the same bolt hole.  You'll want a funnel with a hose, or a turkey baster.

Follow-up: My '87 Toyota truck has never been drained and refilled.  I just check the level every couple of years and top up as necessary.  It has never needed much.  At 127K miles your car is overdue for a tranny fluid level check in my opinion.

Answer 2

Standard transmission cars don't have (automatic) transmission fluid in them, as an automatic transmission does. The fluid in an automatic transmission is actually what causes the whhels to move. The torque converter in an automatic transmission has "fins" that are (semi-) directly attached to the engine, and thus spin when the engine is going. These fins cause the fluid to spin with them, thus transferring power to the gears in the transmission, which cuases the wheels to go.

In a standard transmission, the gears are connected to the motor when they are engaged, thus the need to use the clutch when not moving. Standard transmissions do contain a lubricant, usually gear oil, which should be checked occasionally, but od not leak as easily as an automatic transmission, and therefore do not require maintenance as often.

To check the fluid levels in a standard tranny is kind of an involved task. It is best to check the service manual for that particular vehicle. Going from experience, most standard trannies have a "pipe plug" on the side of them, which can be unscrewed. When this is unscrewed, you simply insert your smallest finger in the hole, and feel the level of the fluid. If the fluid is even with the bottom of the hole, it is good. If it is lower than that, more needs added. Refer to your service manual to determine the tpe of fluid to add (generally gear oil), and add it in the same hole. When it starts running out the hole, the level is good. Replace the plug, and off you go.  

Answer 3

it sure does. if you look at the front of that transmission, the side closest to the front bumper, you should be able to locate a 24 mm bolt. remove that and there is where you check the level. it should just barely dribble out if the car is warm and level.