Pic dump!
This is some kind of charger the PO hooked up to the battery pack. I can't recall what the name of it is.
Aero mod #1 - Removed rear wiper
Aero mod #2 - Removed POS antenna
Went to Springfield and picked up some MT fluid for a peace-of-mind change.
Gotta love working at an oil shop that lets you use their bay
Pic of the fill and drain plugs on the Insight's manual transmission
The fluid change was an easy job. I worked at it slow and was done in 30 minutes. The old fluid did not look bad coming out, but when compared to the new fluid, it was more opaque. My guess is the additives in the oil had worn out before the actual base oils, but this is an assumption, not scientific by any means. No metal flakes or sludge came out!
The transmission loved the new oil. It definitely shifts smoother into all gears. The grind going into second has vastly improved. I do know the synchros are worn, but this gives me confidence that the wear is minimal.