How to Check the Transmission Fluid in a 2006 Suzuki Forenza

by Justin Cupler

Suzuki released its compact sedan, the Forenza, in the 2004 model year, and its production lasted through the 2008 model year. The 2006 model year Forenza came in two trim levels, Base and Premium, both of which came standard with a 126-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission; both trim levels also had the option of adding in a four-speed automatic transmission in the manual's place. Neither of the Forenza's available transmissions have a dipstick to check the fluid level -- you must check it via a check-and-fill plug on the transmission.

Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

Step 1

Drive the Suzuki for about three miles to circulate the fluid through the transmission, then park the vehicle on a level surface. Place the vehicle in "Park," engage the parking brake and leave the engine running.

Step 2

Raise the front of the Forenza off the ground, using a floor jack, and position jack stands under the Forenza's subframe. Lower the Suzuki onto the jack stands.

Step 3

Crawl under the vehicle and locate the transmission fill plug on the passenger's side of the transmission, under the drive axle.

Step 4

Set a drain pan under the fill plug and remove the plug, using a ratchet and Suzuki tool No. DW260-070. If fluid flows from the hole, the level is correct. If fluid does not flow from the filler hole, add automatic transmission fluid ESSO LT71141, using a flex-neck funnel, until it flows from the filler hole.

Step 5

Clean the fill plug with a clean, lint-free cloth and hand-tighten it into the filler hole. Tighten the fill plug to 33 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and Suzuki tool No. DW260-070.

Step 6

Raise the Suzuki off the jack stands, using a floor jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

Checking the Manual Transmission Fluid Level

Step 1

Park the Forenza on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle, using a floor jack, and position jack stands under the subframe. Lower the Forenza onto the jack stands.

Step 2

Crawl beneath the vehicle and locate the transmission check-and-fill plug on the driver's side of the transmission, just behind the drive axle.

Step 3

Position a drain pan under the check-and-fill plug and remove it, using a ratchet and socket. Insert your finger in the hole and feel for the transmission oil. The correct level of the oil is at the base of the check-and-fill hole.

Step 4

Cut the end of the nozzle off a bottle of SAE 80 transmission oil, using a utility knife, and insert the nozzle into the check-and-fill hole, if the level is low. Squeeze the bottle to start the flow of oil into the transmission. Repeat this step until oil flows from the check-and-fill hole.

Step 5

Clean the check-and-fill plug with a clean, lint-free cloth and hand-tighten it into the transmission. Tighten the check-and-fill plug with a ratchet and socket -- take care not to over-tighten the plug.