AMC Pacer

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

AMC Pacer differential fluid capacity ranges from 1,4 to 1,9 liters. Service intervals include checks every 12000 km or 8 months and changes every 48000 km or 30 months. The data covers 6 configurations.

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

TypeSpecifications
  • Pacer V8 (1978-1980)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Pacer V8 (1978-1980)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Pacer 232 (1975-1980)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Pacer 232 (1975-1980)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Pacer 258 (1975-1980)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Pacer 258 (1975-1980)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 12000 km/ 8 months
  • Change 48000 km/ 30 months
  • Code: Twin-Grip

Additional Notes

  • The AMC Pacer rear differential holds 1.4 liters of fluid across all 232 and 258 six-cylinder configurations from 1975-1980, regardless of whether the axle is a standard or limited-slip unit.
  • The V8-equipped Pacer from 1978-1980 carries a noticeably larger rear differential capacity of 1.9 liters, which reflects the physically larger axle housing typically paired with higher-torque engines.
  • Both the standard and limited-slip rear differentials on the 232 and 258 engines share an identical 1.4-liter capacity, meaning the limited-slip clutch pack assembly within the carrier does not alter the total fluid volume required.
  • The same capacity difference between six-cylinder and V8 configurations applies equally to both standard and limited-slip axle variants, with the V8 limited-slip differential also rated at 1.9 liters.
  • A check interval of every 12,000 km or 8 months is specified under normal use conditions for all six configurations, indicating a relatively frequent monitoring schedule relative to the 48,000 km change interval.
  • The fluid change interval of 48,000 km or 30 months applies uniformly across all engine variants and axle types under normal use, meaning neither the limited-slip designation nor the engine displacement alters the drain cycle.
  • The time-based check interval of 8 months runs considerably shorter than the 30-month change interval, suggesting the specifications account for vehicles that may accumulate mileage slowly and still require periodic fluid condition assessment.

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