AMC Pacer

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

AMC Pacer automatic transmission fluid capacity is 8 liters. Service intervals include checks every 12000 km or 8 months and changes every 48000 km or 30 months. The data covers 3 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
Pacer V8 (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 8 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Code: 3/1
Pacer 232 (1975-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 8 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Code: 3/1
Pacer 258 (1975-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 8 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Code: 3/1

Additional Notes

  • The AMC Pacer automatic transmission holds 8 liters of fluid across all listed engine configurations, a capacity typical of a service fill rather than a full overhaul, which would require draining the torque converter and generally yields a higher total volume.
  • The 232 and 258 inline-six configurations share identical automatic transmission fluid specifications for the 1975-1980 model years, with no variation in capacity, check interval, or change interval between the two engines.
  • The V8 configuration, available from 1978-1980, carries the same 8-liter service fill capacity as the inline-six variants, indicating the automatic transmission fluid volume was consistent regardless of engine displacement in the Pacer lineup.
  • Under normal use conditions, the fluid check interval is set at 12,000 km or 8 months, whichever comes first, applying equally to the 232, 258, and V8 configurations.
  • The fluid change interval under normal use is 48,000 km or 30 months across all three Pacer engine configurations, a relatively extended drain period by the standards of that era.
  • The time-based check interval of 8 months means a vehicle driven infrequently would still reach a fluid check point before accumulating 12,000 km, as the interval is governed by whichever threshold arrives first.
  • Similarly, the 30-month time limit on the fluid change interval means a low-mileage Pacer would require a transmission fluid change well before reaching 48,000 km if enough calendar time had elapsed.

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