Manual Transaxle Fluid Change

Overview

This procedure outlines how to change the manual transaxle fluid in your Porsche 944 S / S2 with the 16v engine. Regularly changing the fluid—recommended every 60,000 miles (96,560 km)—keeps the transaxle running smoothly, improves shifting, and reduces noise, especially when cold.

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Tools Required

• 17mm (11/16 inch) Allen head socket or hex key
• Jack stands and floor jack (or ramps)
• Drain pan (at least 1 gallon or 3.8 liters capacity)
• 4 feet (1.2 meters) of hose (any type)
• Funnel
• Torque wrench

Parts Required

• Transmission fluid, approximately 2.75 quarts (2.6 liters) – Recommended: Hypoid transmission oil SAE 75W-90 (API GL5 or MIL-L 2105 B) or SAE 80 (API GL or MIL-L 2105), or alternatives like Redline Synthetic MTL, Swepco 201, or Mobil 1 75W/90 gear oil

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Warm Up the Transaxle

1. Drive your Porsche 944 S / S2 for 5–10 miles (8–16 km) to warm up the transaxle fluid. This makes it easier to drain.

Step 2: Raise the Vehicle

2. Lift the rear of the car using jack stands or ramps. Jack stands are preferred for extra working space around the transaxle.

Step 3: Remove the Fill Plug

3. Locate the fill and drain plugs on the left side of the transaxle. The fill plug is the upper one.
4. Use a 17mm (11/16 inch) Allen head socket or hex key to remove the fill plug. Do this first to ensure you can refill the transaxle after draining.

Step 4: Prepare the New Fluid

5. Warm the new transaxle fluid to help it flow better. Place the fluid containers in front of a halogen heat lamp for about 20 minutes. Do not use a microwave.

Step 5: Drain the Old Fluid

6. Position a drain pan under the transaxle, below the drain plug.
7. Remove the drain plug with the 17mm (11/16 inch) Allen head socket or hex key and let the old fluid drain completely.

Step 6: Reinstall the Drain Plug

8. Once drained, reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to 24 Nm (18 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

Step 7: Fill the Transaxle with New Fluid

9. Route 4 feet (1.2 meters) of hose from above the left rear wheel, over the exhaust, to the fill hole on the transaxle.
10. Insert a funnel into the hose and pour in approximately 2.75 quarts (2.6 liters) of new transaxle fluid until the level is 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 inches) below the fill hole—or up to the bottom of the hole if preferred.

Step 8: Reinstall the Fill Plug

11. Install the fill plug and tighten it to 24 Nm (18 ft-lbs) with a torque wrench.

Step 9: Lower the Vehicle

12. Lower the car off the jack stands or ramps.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Check for leaks around the fill and drain plugs after driving a short distance.
• Ensure shifting feels smooth and there’s no unusual noise from the transaxle.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• YouTube