Driver Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 Not sure if anyone is still interested in Smart Cars. I have a 2016 Smart Passion with manual transmission. I have 30,000 miles and want to change the transmission fluid. Not sure how to drain and refill ? Or what weight oil to use or how much oil is needed ? Thanks for your help. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolsen Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 There is no need to change transmission oil unless contaminated. My Smart is from 2002, has clocked 255,000 km and still running on original transmission oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadwing Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 At this site, everyone is interested in smart cars. It is also one of the most active smart car sites around. Hang in there. There will most likely be a few more replies before the night is done. As Tolsen mentioned, unless the original oil has been contaminated somehow, there should be no need to change it. BTW, 255,000 kms. = approximately 158,500 miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWM Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 I've watched a cple videos on changing the trans oil on smarts on You Tube. I agree shouldn't need changing unless fouled up. I believe the smarts came with synthetic oil in the trans from factory, if not would be the only reason to change it IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smart142 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Good info from evolution..... https://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=engine&mod=305 Your 451 takes 75w90 gear oil - 2.3 litres. Many say that it is not necessary to change. I personally change it in the 450 and 451 and it always comes out dirty. According to evolution the 75W90 gear oil '' Gear oil burns off when it gets hot. If you use gear oil, keep an eye on the levels.'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolsen Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Transmission has inside it a rather strong magnet that collects ferro metallic particles from the oil. The oil will turn darker as it ages but still retains its lubrication properties. Change your oil if you are worried but you can also help the planet by filtering and reusing your oil. I filtered my oil through kitchen roll paper. Crackle tested oil to check for water. Used oiled soaked filter paper as fire starter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 The 2016 car is a Renault gearbox. I believe you have to pump the oil out and refill it via the breather. There's no drain plug as they're not intended to have fluid changes. That aside, theres nothing stopping you doing a cha ge if you want to, although at 30,000 miles it really is pointless unless the car has been underwater or somesuch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alacazam Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Hi ! Facing the same dilema, recently bought a 2005 CDI with 55,000 km. No clue if the transmission oil was ever changed... car history is foggy at best... What do you suggest ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolsen Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 5 hours ago, alacazam said: Hi ! Facing the same dilema, recently bought a 2005 CDI with 55,000 km. No clue if the transmission oil was ever changed... car history is foggy at best... What do you suggest ? Yours has a drain plug so just change oil if you prefer but there is no point changing unless oil is contaminated by water. Main issue with the 450 transmission is some rubber sealed internal bearings that over time dry out of grease causing bearing to wear out making an unbearable noise. Renewing oil will will have no effect as oil cannot go past the rubber seals on these bearings. See the state of the ball in bearing above! I have therefore removed all rubber seals inside my transmission to allow oil to lube every bearing. Transmission has in a strategic location a rather large magnet. This collects steel chips and particles. Photo shows magnet in my transmission. I removed it a couple of years ago and gave it a good clean. I strongly recommend you all do same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alacazam Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Wow tolsen, never expected this. You obviously know how to teardown a transmission which is beyond my competencies. How would I know if there is water contamination in the oil ? I would imagine water droplets would show at the top ?.. What's the best way to check for this ? Were I to change the oil, reading this article on the topic https://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=engine&mod=305#suprex , I would argue that ATF is the best choice over 75w90 (pls advise). ps: I am new to Smart cars, so bear with me, pls. Thanks for the pictures ! Will have to put this on the agenda, likely to cost more than the value of this car, unless I can find a friendly specialist.... Sorta wonder about the reason for these rubber seals. Bad design ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolsen Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 It is very simple to test for water in oil. Just do a crackle test. Use your wife's frying pan to test. Pan must be very hot. The crackle test is extremely sensitive and costs nearly nothing but watch out for the rolling pin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willys Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Hmmm....I've peeked inside my transmission and it doesn't look anything like as clean as that does...lol. Nothing seriously bad in oil or visually looking at it so far, but, this is very very similar to a motorcycle's transmission from the bikes I've worked on.....so it's coming apart soon....lol. That ball did it for me.....looks more like a cannon ball than a bearing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaceya2 Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 I asked the dealer to change the manual transmission fluid but they said no need to be changed. However, I don't believe there is a transmission fluid which does not need to be replaced. I will change by myself once the warranty is over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willys Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 Oil is very cheap compared to worn out mechanical pieces like those bearings in the above pictures!!!! Also that bearing should be replaced plain and simple......crazy not to change it out especially if you have it apart like that...I'm hoping it was replaced and then butchered to get more lube to it...? Simply put, changing the oil is better than doing nothing...IMHO.... I also wouldn't tell dealership and change it before or as you see fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.