How to change the oil in a Lada Vesta box

All car owners know about the need to change the engine oil of the Lada Vesta. Replacement is regularly done every 8 - 10 km. What can you say about changing the oil in the Lada Vesta gearbox? The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of transmission on a particular car. The Lada Vesta may have two of them, since the new one didn’t come out. In domestic manual transmissions and AMTs, transmission oil is filled in accordance with the regulations at the appropriate maintenance facility. But in a new Lada Vesta gearbox, the oil would not need to be changed at all. Is it so? And how to check the oil level in a manual transmission? Read the article - we will try to figure it out.

Does Vesta need to change transmission oil?

According to the technical regulations for the imported GFL13 box, oil is filled for the entire service life. However, experienced owners claim that the factory transmission oil of the Lada Vesta needs to be replaced after break-in (5000 km). Fans of Logan and other owners of the same Renault JH3 510 MT gearbox claim that with the “original” lubricating fluid, the gearbox is noisy and does not engage gears well. Most often, the semi-synthetic “French” is replaced with the fully synthetic Castrol Syntrans Transaxle (75w-90 GL4+), as well as the semi-synthetic ELF Tranself NFJ 75w-80.

In any case, no one has canceled the laws of physics. Any liquid wastes its potential. The Lada transmission loses its viscosity, protective, temperature and other properties. During operation of the machine, the lubricant becomes contaminated with decay products of rubbing pairs, which begin to act on the mechanism as an abrasive. The following factors indicate that an oil change is necessary:

the box begins to operate noisily for no other apparent reason;
The gears switch on and off indistinctly.

Manual transmission Lada Vesta. Technical data

The manual transmission installed on Lada Vesta cars was developed by the Renault-Nissan concern and is designated JH3. The gear shift mechanism is driven by a cable. The weight of the box is 35 kg. When installing this gearbox on Renault cars, the manufacturer recommends using Elf Tranself TRJ 75W-80 or Elf Tranself NFJ 75W-80 oil, but since this brand is not easy to find on the shelves of our car stores, you can always use another proven oil with similar characteristics.

The technical documentation indicates the recommended oil, which must meet the quality requirements of GL-4 according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) classification. Oils of the GL-4 standard must contain about 4% additives that prevent scuffing of the gearbox mechanisms.

What kind of oil to pour into the gearbox

In this matter, the principle “more expensive means better” does not work. It is important to know what oil manufacturers recommend for each specific box. To do this, we first determine the Lada Vesta gearbox index using the VIN code:

GFL13 indicates the discontinued Renault JH3 510 MT - and only the number 3 indicates this;
GFL11 is the designation of the VAZ-21807 manual transmission;
GFL12 – automated transmission of Lada Vesta.

Now, according to the index, we will select the fluid for each transmission:

GFL11 – for the Vesta manual transmission, the recommended lubricants are ZIC GFT 75W-85, TRANSELF NFJ 75W-80, Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil 75W-90, ZIC G-FF 75W-85;
GFL12 – suitable for the Lada Vesta robot are SHELL TRANSAXLE OIL, ROSNEFT KINETIC, LUKOIL TM-4, TNK TRANS KP SUPER;
GFL13 – no replacement.

Help: if you want to fully understand the decoding of the VIN Code on the Lada Vesta, then read this article

Review of Manufacturer Prices

Name / article / viscosity grade	Price in rubles (liter)
Mobile 1 SHC (75W/90)	From 650
Lukoil TM-5 (75W/90)	From 370
Castrol Suntrans Transaxle (75W/90)	From 550
Mobile GX (80W)	From 600
Lukoil TM-5 (85W/90)	From 350
Lukoil PSNT (75W/90)	From 350

Read also: What size tires are on the Lada Largus
*prices are as of 03/11/19.

Is washing necessary, which one to choose?

It is necessary to flush an automatic transmission:

after long-term operation with old oil;
when replacement deadlines are delayed;
frequent use of equipment under load.

Tranself 75W-80

In all other cases, it is enough to limit yourself to the usual replacement according to the “drain-fill” principle. However, the manufacturer does not prohibit washing the “robot” every time the fluid is changed. The decision is made by the car owner individually.

How to check the oil level in an AMT and manual transmission box

Every 15 thousand kilometers you should check the transmission fluid level of the Lada Vesta box. To do this, use a 17-size wrench to unscrew the level control plug. It is located on the top of the gearbox housing near the junction of the gearbox input shaft with the flywheel. Simply put, there are no other traffic jams there, you won’t get confused.

The lubricant level should reach the bottom edge of the filler hole. If it is significantly lower, the transmission fluid should be added to the level. Note that the Lada Vesta gearbox is filled with TM-4-12 SAE 76W-85 GL-4 at the factory.

What kind of liquid was added from the factory and in what volume?

To fill the automatic transmission with oil, you will need 2.2 liters. There are canisters on sale with a minimum volume of 1.0 liters, respectively, purchase three pieces, you will have some left over for refilling.

AvtoVAZ fills production models of Lada Vesta 1.6 (1.8) with transmission fluid of the TM-4-12 SAE 76W-85 GL-4 class. This oil is semi-synthetic based, all-season, and contains a number of imported additives to improve performance properties.

Gear oil for manual transmissions

The grease is intended for use in the temperature range from -40°C to + 40°C. Exceeding the limits contributes to a change in the molecular composition of the liquid and a decrease in quality.

Experts do not recommend refilling mineral-based gear lubricant, since it is characterized by a smaller temperature range and poor quality of chemical additives and components.

Why do you need to change transmission fluid?

Lada Vesta transmission oil consists of a petroleum base and special additives, which, over time, not only cease to perform their intended functions, but also disintegrate. This process is accelerated by an aggressive driving style, abrupt or untimely gear shifting. “Waste” oil ceases to protect the parts of the Vesta gearbox and cool friction pairs. In addition, metal shavings settling at the bottom are carried throughout the mechanism, which can contribute to the occurrence of scuffing and rapid wear of the main pair.

It is recommended to change the transmission fluid on domestic Lada gearboxes once every five years, or, with active driving, every 75,000 km. If the lubricant has not been changed for too long, the gearbox should be flushed before adding fresh oil.

Great owner review

The owner of a Lada Vesta (gagarinec) decided to find out which oil for the VAZ 21807 manual transmission is better to choose.

During the operation of his car, he changed the oil in the transmission several times, each time filling in a new brand of oil. Here are his observations:

Oil ROSNEFT Kinetic MT 75W85 GL-4. This is the factory option. Nothing drastic happened, except for updating the gearbox oil.
Castrol Syntrans Multivehicle 75W90 GL-4. I expected improvements in work, but nothing much has changed.
UAZ 75W85 GL-4 (LUKOIL). It seemed that it was getting better, but time passed and it became clear that, if there were any improvements, they were at the placebo level.
Castrol Syntrans Transaxle (Castrol Transmax Manual Transaxle) 75w90 GL-4+ (15d705), I liked the option with this oil the most. Shifts became somehow “oilier”, i.e. not dry, with steps and bumps, as if there was water in the gearbox, but soft, as it should be in a normal gearbox.

As a result, he settled on the latter option. What gear oil can you recommend?

Factory oil

The Lada Vesta, produced by AvtoVAZ from the factory, is filled with transmission fluid TM 4-12 Tatneft Translux 75w85 API GL-4. This is a semi-synthetic liquid that operates in a wide temperature range - from -40 to +45 degrees, which is optimal for Russia. If you plan to change the lubricant, then it is advisable to do this not immediately, but not after 100 km. It is better to change the gearbox oil after the car has driven 4 or 5 kilometers.

The planned replacement of lubricant in the VAZ-21807 gearbox, as well as in the AMT, is due after 75,000, with aggressive driving after 35,000.

How to check the oil in the box

The engine must be cold during the test. The measurement is taken through the filler channel on the side of the crankcase. The hole is closed with a plastic or metal lid with a sealing gasket.

Changing the oil in the Lada Vesta box

Unscrew the plug (plastic - by hand, metal - with a key set to “17”). There is no dipstick, so you put your finger or a screwdriver into the neck. Filling to the bottom edge of the filler tube is considered correct.

Replacing fluid in manual transmission Lada Vesta

On a warm Lada Vesta we drive onto a pit or lift. The used liquid must be drained immediately, because when it cools down it becomes more viscous and leaks worse.

First, we de-energize the Lada by removing the terminal from the battery;
We remove attachments that obstruct the path to the filler hole: air filter, pipes;
We unscrew either the control plug with a size 17 wrench, or the reverse switch, having first removed the wires from it (wrench 22). The location of the switch is more convenient for filling oil.
We go down, dismantle the technological hole for draining the oil from the gearbox or completely remove the engine protection (key 14 or 17);
We substitute a container for “working off” with a volume of 2.5 liters (2.2 to be precise);
Using a 17 wrench, unscrew the drain plug in the crankcase;
We wait for some time, let the liquid drain completely;
Screw the plug into place;
We insert a hose with a clean funnel into the switch or control hole, change the oil to the lower edge of the control plug or, more simply, until lubricant flows out of it;
After all the manipulations, close all the holes and check them for leaks. Then we install the protection in place. We remount the VF Frets, the removed pipes and terminals.

How to change the oil in a manual transmission

When changing the oil in a Lada Vesta with your own hands in the manual gearbox, first warm up the engine and place the car on a flat horizontal surface above the inspection hole.

Sequencing:

Disconnect the battery by disconnecting the negative terminal.
Remove equipment that interferes with access to the filler hole.
Remove the control plug.
Now you need to crawl under the car and remove the engine cover. Afterwards, rip off the plug of the hole through which the used lubricant is drained, so that later it will be easier to unscrew the plug manually.
Next, place an empty container for the waste liquid.
Remove the drain cap in the crankcase.
When the waste has completely flowed out, wipe the plug with a rag and screw it into place.
Through a sleeve with a funnel or a special syringe, fresh material is pumped into the control hole until the oil begins to flow out of the neck.
Close the holes and check their tightness.

Finally, the protection, removed equipment, and pipes are installed. Using the same algorithm, filling can be done through the reverse sensor. Then do a break-in, and after traveling 200-300 km, measure the level and check the unit for leaks.

If the brand of oil is changed, the box is washed with a special inexpensive mineral washing material with detergent additives. The liquid is poured into an empty box after removing the old lubricant, the engine is allowed to run for 20 minutes at idle speed, then drained.

Thematic video can be viewed at the link:

What you will need

To work independently in a garage, you need a standard locksmith set of keys and various screwdrivers. You will need a syringe or a 20 mm hose with a funnel for pumping oil. Empty waste containers and rags will also come in handy.

Replacing fluid in automatic transmission robot Lada Vesta

We drive 5-10 km;
We fix Vesta on an overpass, inspection hole or lift;
We remove the technological hole or protection of the vehicle’s internal combustion engine;
We disconnect the battery terminals, the clamps of the air pipes, and remove the air filter to the side;
We unscrew the transmission fluid control plug of the car’s automatic transmission;
We take a container for old oil with a volume of more than 2.5 liters;
Using a size 8 square wrench, unscrew the drain plug with the rubber seal;
We drain the liquid completely, to do this you should wait a little;
Screw the plug into the drain hole;
Using a clean 20 mm long hose and a funnel, pour transmission oil to the lower mark of the Vesta control window. Please note that the lubricant that is poured into the Lada robot is different from the mechanics;
We install the level control plug in place;
We assemble the attachments and put the car engine protection in place.

Changing the oil in automatic transmission (AMT) Lada Vesta

We warm up the car, drive a few kilometers, and place it on an inspection pit (hydraulic lifting mechanism).
We dismantle the engine protection.
We remove the terminals from the battery, remove the air filter and pipes.
We first unscrew the control plug, then the drain plug, and grind off the waste.
We wait for the oil to drain and tighten the plug.
We fill the automatic transmission with new fluid in a volume of 2.5 liters. We use a hose and funnel.
We assemble attachments.

Flushing the Lada Vesta gearbox

This operation is recommended when using the “old” fluid for too long, as well as when the condition of the old lubricant is assessed as: “very dark” or “with metal particles”. Cleaning is not difficult:

We drive into the inspection ditch, turn off the engine, remove the terminal from the battery;
Remove the protection, air filter and pipes;
We remove the lubrication control plug from the Vesta gearbox;
We unscrew the drain bolt and drain the old transmission;
Screw in the bolt;
Through the control hole, fill the gearbox with flushing fluid with a volume of 1-1.5 liters, close the hole;
We lift one or two driving wheels at once, while the machine must be firmly fixed;
We start the engine, engage second gear for 5 - 10 minutes;
Drain the liquid by unscrewing the drain plug and let it drain;
Close the drain hole;
Fill the box with new lubricant to the lower edge of the control window;
We screw in the bolt (plug), install the VF and its pipes in place, and put on the terminals.

Replacing the transmission fluid of a Lada 2180 is not a tricky matter, however, it is very important. If you know how and when to change fluids correctly, what lubricant to use, and most importantly, apply all this in practice, then the 2180 gearbox will serve you for a long time and properly.