Checking the oil level in a manual transmission (Opel Vectra B)

Contents: Maintenance work ⬇ Transmission oil of the correct grade ⬇

Maintenance work

In the gearbox, lubricants are consumed differently than in the engine, but they can also leak through leaky areas. If there is no oil-soaked dirt crust on the gearbox housing, this maintenance item is not required. Otherwise, the oil level must be checked. The threaded plug of the oil control/filler hole is located on the left in the direction of travel in models with a working volume of 1.6 liters, and on the right in the direction of travel in the Vectra with a working volume of 1.8/2.0 liters, at half the height of the gearbox housing next to the drive shaft.

Raise the vehicle to a horizontal position.
Unscrew the threaded plug of the inspection/oil filler hole.
If a little oil is already pouring out, then the oil level is normal.
Otherwise, insert your little finger or a piece of wire bent at a right angle into the threaded hole and check whether the lubricating fluid level reaches the bottom edge of the hole: the oil level is sufficient.
If the oil shortage is greater, top up with the prescribed grade of transmission oil at a gas station or car service center.

Left: this is how the oil filter (1) is unscrewed using a strap wrench (2). The photo shows the oil filter of an 8-valve engine with a working volume of 1.6 l.

Right: shown here is the filter (arrow) for the 1.6L 16V engine.

Left: in Vectra with 1.8/2.0 l engine, the threaded plug of the inspection/oil filler hole (arrow) of the manual gearbox is accessible from below under the bottom of the car.

Right: the oil level/filler plug (arrow) in the Vectra with the 1.6L engine is located on the left side of the gearbox. It is accessible from the wheel arch.

Tip: Pouring very viscous transmission oil through the side hole yourself using amateur tools is a real test of patience. A funnel with an angled drain hole or a soft plastic bottle with a curved mouthpiece, which you can squeeze to pump in preheated oil, is suitable for this purpose.

Transmission oil of the correct grade

The long-life oil in the manual transmission is replaced only after the transmission has been repaired. The filling volume, depending on the transmission, ranges from 1.6 to 1.9 liters. Since transmission oil is exposed to high pressures, Opel prescribes the use of oils with viscosity class SAE 80. They must meet the following specifications: