Can Am Renegade Transmission Oil Change

You’re blasting through a mud pit, the engine is roaring, and suddenly you feel it—a hesitant, clunky shift. Or maybe you hear a faint whine from the drivetrain that wasn’t there last weekend. These are the moments that can turn an epic ride into a long walk back to the truck.

Your Can-Am Renegade’s transmission is a masterpiece of engineering, but it takes a beating. Every hard launch, every climb, and every deep water crossing puts immense stress on its internal gears and bearings. The single most important thing you can do to protect it is regular maintenance.

We promise this guide will give you the confidence and know-how to perform a flawless can am renegade transmission oil change right in your own garage. You’ll save money, learn more about your machine, and ensure it’s ready to conquer any trail.

We’ll cover why it’s crucial, the exact tools and fluids you’ll need, a detailed step-by-step process, and pro tips to avoid common mistakes. Let’s get those hands dirty.

Why a Can Am Renegade Transmission Oil Change is Non-Negotiable

Thinking of skipping your next transmission fluid service? Think again. That gear oil is the lifeblood of your Renegade’s gearbox, and its job is far more complex than just simple lubrication. Understanding the why makes the how that much more rewarding.

Here are the core benefits of can am renegade transmission oil change that directly impact your ride and your wallet:

Prevents Catastrophic Wear: Fresh gear oil creates a strong protective film over moving parts. Old, broken-down oil allows metal-on-metal contact, leading to rapid wear of expensive gears and bearings.
Ensures Smooth Shifting: Contaminated oil can cause sticky or rough gear changes. Clean fluid allows the internal components to engage smoothly and predictably, just like they were designed to.
Reduces Heat Buildup: Transmissions generate a massive amount of heat. Gear oil is critical for pulling that heat away from vital components. As oil ages, it loses its ability to cool effectively, increasing the risk of overheating and damage.
Removes Harmful Contaminants: Over time, tiny metal particles from normal wear accumulate in the oil. This metallic sludge acts like liquid sandpaper, accelerating wear. An oil change flushes these damaging particles out.
Extends Transmission Life: This is the bottom line. A consistent maintenance schedule is the difference between a transmission that lasts for thousands of miles and one that fails prematurely, costing you a fortune in repairs.

Gearing Up: Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Having the right gear on hand before you start makes the whole process smooth and frustration-free. There’s nothing worse than having your ATV drained of fluid only to realize you’re missing a specific socket. This section of our can am renegade transmission oil change guide ensures you’re fully prepared.

Essential Tools

You don’t need a full professional workshop, but these tools are critical for doing the job correctly and safely.

Socket Set with Ratchet: You’ll likely need 8mm and 13mm sockets for the fill and drain plugs, but have a full set handy just in case your model year differs.
Torque Wrench: This is not optional. The transmission case is aluminum, and over-tightening the steel plugs will strip the threads, leading to a very expensive repair.
Fluid Drain Pan: A pan with at least a 2-quart capacity is plenty.
Funnel: A long, narrow funnel makes refilling the transmission clean and easy.
Shop Towels or Rags: For cleaning the plugs and wiping up any drips.
Nitrile Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect your hands from grime and your eyes from any unexpected splashes.

Required Parts & Fluids

Using the wrong fluid is a fast track to transmission problems. Always use what the manufacturer specifies.

Gear Oil: Your Renegade requires a high-quality 75W-140 Synthetic API GL-5 Gear Oil. The BRP XPS brand is the factory recommendation, but any brand meeting these exact specifications will work. You’ll need about 500 ml (0.53 US quarts).
New Crush Washers: The fill and drain plugs use single-use crush washers to create a perfect seal. Always replace them to prevent leaks. Your Can-Am dealer will have the exact part numbers.

The Complete How-To: Your Can Am Renegade Transmission Oil Change Guide

Alright, it’s time for the main event. We’ve broken down the how to can am renegade transmission oil change process into simple, actionable steps. Follow them closely, take your time, and you’ll be done in under an hour.

Step 1: Prep and Safety First
Start by running your Renegade for just a few minutes. You want the gear oil warm, not scorching hot. Warm oil is less viscous and will drain more completely. Park the machine on a perfectly level surface to ensure an accurate fluid level check later.
Step 2: Locate the Plugs
The transmission is located at the rear of the engine. You will find two plugs. The fill plug is higher up on the right (passenger) side of the case, and the drain plug is at the very bottom of the case, pointing downwards.
Step 3: Drain the Old Oil
Slide your drain pan under the transmission. Here’s a crucial pro tip: always loosen the fill plug first! This ensures you can actually refill the transmission before you drain it. Once the fill plug is loose, use your ratchet to remove the drain plug and let the old oil empty completely into the pan.
Step 4: Inspect the Drain Plug
The drain plug has a magnetic tip designed to catch metal particles. Wipe it clean with a shop towel. You should expect to see a fine, grey, metallic paste—this is normal wear. If you see large metal chunks or slivers, it’s a sign of a more serious internal problem that needs professional diagnosis.
Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug
Once the oil has finished dripping, thoroughly clean the area around the drain hole. Place a new crush washer on the clean drain plug. Thread it in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then use your torque wrench to tighten it to the factory specification (typically around 15 ft-lbs or 20 Nm, but always verify in your service manual).
Step 6: Fill with New Oil
With the drain plug secured, move back to the fill hole. Place your funnel and slowly pour in the new 75W-140 gear oil. Your Renegade will take approximately 450-500 ml. Add it slowly to prevent it from backing up and spilling.
Step 7: Check the Level and Reinstall Fill Plug
The correct fluid level is right at the bottom edge of the fill plug threads. Once oil begins to seep out of the hole, it’s full. Let any excess dribble out. Place a new crush washer on the fill plug, reinstall it, and torque it to the same specification as the drain plug.
Step 8: Clean Up and Go for a Ride!
Wipe down the transmission case to remove any spilled oil. This makes it easier to spot potential leaks later. Now, you’re ready to hit the trails with a freshly serviced transmission!

Pro Tips and Common Problems to Avoid

Even a simple job can go wrong. Heed these can am renegade transmission oil change tips from our years of experience to sidestep the most common DIY pitfalls.

The “Stuck Fill Plug” Nightmare

We mentioned it before, but it’s the most important of all can am renegade transmission oil change best practices: always break the fill plug loose before removing the drain plug. If you drain the fluid and then discover the fill plug is seized, you’re stuck with an immobile machine.

Over-tightening is a Killer

The temptation to give the plugs “one extra ugga-dugga” is strong, but it will strip the soft aluminum threads in the transmission case. A stripped thread means a costly and complex repair. A torque wrench is cheap insurance against this disaster.

Using the Wrong Fluid

Do not substitute other fluids. Engine oil, ATF, or a different weight of gear oil lack the specific extreme pressure (EP) additives needed to protect the high-stress gear teeth in your Renegade’s transmission. Using the wrong fluid will lead to rapid failure.

Don’t Reuse Crush Washers

Those little copper or aluminum washers are designed to crush and deform once to create a perfect seal. Reusing them is a surefire way to end up with a slow, annoying oil leak. They cost pennies—always replace them.

An Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Can Am Renegade Transmission Oil Change

Being a responsible off-roader means protecting the trails we love. A key part of that is handling waste fluids properly. An eco-friendly can am renegade transmission oil change is easy and the only right way to do the job.

Used gear oil is a hazardous material that is toxic to the environment. Never dump it on the ground, down a drain, or in the trash.

Here’s how to handle it correctly:

Carefully pour the used oil from your drain pan into a sealed container, like the empty bottle your new oil came in.
Clearly label the container “Used Gear Oil.”
Take the sealed container to your local auto parts store (like AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts), a quick lube shop, or a municipal recycling center. Most of these places accept used oil for recycling free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Renegade Transmission Oil Change

What kind of oil does a Can Am Renegade transmission take?

The Can-Am Renegade transmission requires a fully synthetic 75W-140 API GL-5 Gear Oil. It is critical to use a fluid that meets these exact specifications to ensure proper lubrication and protection.

How often should I change the transmission oil in my Renegade?

For most riders, Can-Am recommends changing the transmission oil every 100 hours of operation, 1,500 miles (2,500 km), or annually—whichever comes first. However, if you frequently ride in deep water, mud, or extreme conditions, you should change it more often, such as every 50 hours.

How much transmission oil does a Can Am Renegade hold?

The transmission capacity is typically around 450-500 ml (0.48-0.53 US quarts). The correct method is to fill it until the oil is level with the bottom of the fill hole threads. Always check your specific model’s service manual for the exact capacity.

What happens if I overfill the transmission?

Overfilling can cause the fluid to foam up, reducing its lubricating properties. It also creates excess pressure inside the case, which can blow out seals and lead to damaging leaks. It’s better to be slightly underfilled than overfilled.

Can I use the same oil for my engine and transmission?

Absolutely not. Engine oil and gear oil are fundamentally different products with different additive packages. Using engine oil in your transmission will not provide the necessary protection for the gears and will lead to rapid failure.

Performing your own can am renegade transmission oil change is one of the most satisfying and important maintenance tasks you can tackle. You’ve not only saved money but also invested in the long-term health and performance of your machine.

By following this guide, using the right tools, and taking your time, you’ve ensured your Renegade’s gearbox is ready for whatever you throw at it. Now, clean up your tools, gear up, and get back out on the trail with the confidence that your ride is in peak condition.

Stay safe and keep ripping! – The FatBoysOffroad Team

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.