JStin

I'm trying to change the fluid in my differential on a 2001 Prizm.

I've found the drain plug & level check plug.

My question is how do I get the new fluid in the diff. after draining the old? Getting the new fluid in the side level check plug looks like it would be a pain, & it's supposed to be at or above the hole. How do I get it above the hole if the bolt is out? Can I remove the vent on top & refill that way?

Thanks!

JStin

Why yes JStin that's a very fine way to change the differential fluid in a '01 Prizm, you are obviously a very intelligent person.

The '01 has a drain plug, a level check plug and a suitable fill hole via the vent on top.

I jacked up the front driver side to allow clearance to slide under the car and loosen the level check plug on the back side of the differential. I needed a socket on a swivel & about an 18" extension. I'd say about 4 oz's of Dexron III came out.

I pulled the front driver side wheel to allow a better view and access to the level check plug. I couldn't get a socket & ratchet on the plug through the wheel well but I could reach in & finger tighten/loosen it quickly.

I removed the vent on top of the diff. and slowly poured in a small amount of D.III which caused the same small amount to come out of the level check hole. This confirmed the availability to use the vent as a filler hole. If you have a good sized syringe & tube you could use the check hole. But since 4 ozs of fluid came out when loosening the plug I wanted to over fill the hole the same amount. You'll need a very small tipped funnel or tube & pour slowly as the vent hole is pretty small.

Now drain the diff. using the allen plug on the bottom. The capacity is about 1.5 qts. The fluid was not a bright clean red & looked like a change was in order. (the car has 73k miles on it.)

Put the bottom plug back in, fill to check hole, quickly finger tighten check plug through wheel well, add another 4 ozs, slide under & tighten up the check plug, put the wheel back on, leave mess for later, go watch Bear game.