Tranmission oil change

jim123 · 07-01-2009, 05:20 AM

I want to change the oil in the tranny. Just not sure how much goes back in. I will catch the old oil and replace that amount. Just wanting to know if anyone else has changed the tranny?? If so any tricks to it? Is there a differant sump for the transmission and the differantial? The drain plug is easy to find so is the filler plug like on other cars and you just fill the oil till it runs over the edge when filling it back up..
Thanks for the help!!!

**jwight** · 07-01-2009, 08:33 AM

Here's the guidance from evilution (always a good place to start): Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia smart 451 info is about 3/4 way down the page.

jim123 · 07-01-2009, 03:21 PM

Thanks!!!!

EdwardDennis · 07-02-2009, 05:14 PM

I'd suggest you invest in a bottle pump--if you presently don't have one. At $7.00, or so, it's sure handy when doing gear oil changes.

chieftmc · 07-03-2009, 06:25 PM

minutes ago and there were small pieces of metal (I'd call them more of "flecks". in it

I HIGHLY recommend that owners change the tranny oil EARLY in your car's life to give it a long, long life!

I would think that 1 change would be all you would have to do for the life of the car. I think I will be changing mine again at 50K or so

You do NOT need a pump of any kind. The quart bottles fit in just fine

MotoPC · 07-05-2009, 07:42 AM

Has anyone found a source for the purchase of Castrol BOT328?

**jwight** · 07-05-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoPC

Has anyone found a source for the purchase of Castrol BOT328?

This was covered in a 2008 thread - info from Castrol notes that the BOT328 spec is for fluid supplied to the OEM, not for subsequent retail sales. So, the transmission fluid to look for is 75w90 API GL4 (referenced on here somewhere.)

Quote:

Castrol response to BOT 328 inquiry....
FWIW:

Here's the email response I received this morning from Castrol NA regarding my inquiry about BP Castrol/Burmah BOT 328 lubricant (verbatim. and in its entirety):

"Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

BOT fluids are not available to our distributors or retail customers. We
supply these fluids to OEM's for factory fill. We have developed and
manufacture oils for a number of customers under their brand. The companies
and the specifics of their oils is confidential information that we cannot
share. Please contact your OEM for more information and assistance in
obtaining this fluid and if they cannot or do not carry it, your OEM should
be able to make a recommendation for the appropriate alternate product.

Thank you again for your interest in Castrol, The Technology Leader!

Castrol Consumer Relations"

MotoPC · 07-05-2009, 10:04 AM

Thanks jwright! I guess it will be Redline MTL..

SuperGeek · 07-05-2009, 10:43 AM

chief, just curious - does the transmission feel any different after changing the fluid? I know it's only been a day but when you get around to driving, I'm curious. I don't like metal floating around and would gladly spend $100 to prevent even a day's downtime under warranty. Time is valuable.

But I've never even changed my own oil, let alone gearbox fluid -- I'd get someone with experience to do it because I can't even make cereal properly.

Padawan · 07-05-2009, 11:22 AM

MotoPC - If you go with Redline fluid, you'll want to use the MT-90, as MTL is not the correct viscosity as specified by smart. You can also purchase the OEM Castrol BOT 328 from your local smart centre, but it is roughly double the price of the aftermarket fluid.

SuperGeek - Have faith in yourself! You can definitely do this, and it won't cost you anywhere near $100. Just follow the online tutorial, and you will be fine.

As for a difference in transmission feel, I didn't notice anything significant after changing mine at roughly 5000 miles. I noticed some very fine metallic "dust" (the fluid sparkled) but no large flecks. Either way, I think changing out the fluid after several thousand miles is a good idea and a very easy DIY project.