Trans Fluid Issue?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Trans Fluid Issue?
Hi guys I am new to the forum so just wanted to say thanks in advance if you can help me. I have just my hands of a nice little 94 ranger 2.3l 5 speed 2wd and i know the guy that had it before me. the thing is that he drained out the trans and added gear lube it has been like that for a coulpe of years. he just gave it to me and i was wondering how worried i should be about that. The trans shifts pretty good but i think it could be smoother w/ right fluid.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 2
From: CASA GRANDE AZ
look at this link , first you will need to know the model of tranny !
Ford Ranger Manual Transmissions at The Ranger Station
Ford Ranger Manual Transmissions at The Ranger Station
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 1
From: Dexter, MI
Welcome to FTE.
The previous owner did a no-no. Your tranmission should be filled with Mercon transmission fluid. I would recommend that you drain the heavy fluid out of it, then try flushing the trannie by filling it with kerosene. Drive it around gently (don't load the gears hard) for a little while - 15 minutes or so. While you are driving, Shift gears easily but frequently to wash as much of the old lube out of internal parts. Then drain the kerosene out and refill the transmission with Mercon transmission fluid. I would recommend using synthetic fluid. You might change the fluid in about 3 months again, just to be on the safe side.
If the transmission's internal parts are in good condition, you should find it is easier to shift gears after all of this.
Good luck and let us know how you make out with your "recovery" project.
The previous owner did a no-no. Your tranmission should be filled with Mercon transmission fluid. I would recommend that you drain the heavy fluid out of it, then try flushing the trannie by filling it with kerosene. Drive it around gently (don't load the gears hard) for a little while - 15 minutes or so. While you are driving, Shift gears easily but frequently to wash as much of the old lube out of internal parts. Then drain the kerosene out and refill the transmission with Mercon transmission fluid. I would recommend using synthetic fluid. You might change the fluid in about 3 months again, just to be on the safe side.
If the transmission's internal parts are in good condition, you should find it is easier to shift gears after all of this.
Good luck and let us know how you make out with your "recovery" project.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
k i found the tag # on net looks like an m5r1 so i guess after work on mon will be changing fluid in trans. However when i was under the truck i found a drip of red fluid couldn't get a fix on it form the smell is kinda smelled like a gear oil but was very red in color
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 1
From: Dexter, MI
Your transmission is a Mazda built M5OD. Where is the drip of red fluid? To get a better idea of the fluid in the tranny, remove the threaded plug on the side and use your little finger to get some fluid from inside the tranny. That will tell you what is inside it and the fluid level. The fluid should be just below that hole.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
the fluid drip was on the trans under the fill plug. when i drained the fluid out of the trans it was red in color but smell more like gear lube to me rather that atf. so I refilled it with mercon and will change it again as soon as i change oil in the motor. Would you use the newer 0w-20w in the engine or just a reg syth oil?
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 1
From: Dexter, MI
Use 5W-20 engine oil.
How many miles are on the truck? If miles are over 75K, you may want to use some of the high mileage motor oils that are now available such as those made by Valvoline and Castrol. Those oils are available as high mileage synthetic, if you want to get fancy about it.
If mileage is over 60 K or 120 K miles, you should consider doing all of the routine maintanence items including Spark Plugs and wires. Motorcraft double platinum or Iridium plugs are prefered as are Motorcraft wires.
How many miles are on the truck? If miles are over 75K, you may want to use some of the high mileage motor oils that are now available such as those made by Valvoline and Castrol. Those oils are available as high mileage synthetic, if you want to get fancy about it.
If mileage is over 60 K or 120 K miles, you should consider doing all of the routine maintanence items including Spark Plugs and wires. Motorcraft double platinum or Iridium plugs are prefered as are Motorcraft wires.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Thanks for the help. It has 171k on clock. i am making a list of r.s.m to do the truck. I am loving the truck. Do you happen to where i can find a wiring Diagram for the radio harness some one cut this out to put on a aftermarket deck. I have a deck but need to know what the wires are so not to short anything out
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 966
Likes: 1
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dmd
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Feb 12, 2019 10:59 PM
mudslinger83
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
4
Jun 15, 2012 10:41 PM