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1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Trans Fluid Issue?

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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 07:52 PM
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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.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 08:34 PM
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look at this link , first you will need to know the model of tranny !
Ford Ranger Manual Transmissions at The Ranger Station
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 08:44 PM
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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.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 09:04 PM
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k i dont know where to find the code Letter but i found a sticker on the drivers side with the barcode f27a on it but not sure what that means
 
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 09:17 PM
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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
 
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Old Dec 26, 2011 | 12:38 AM
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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.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2011 | 05:24 PM
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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?
 
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Old Dec 27, 2011 | 06:16 PM
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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.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2011 | 07:37 PM
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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
 
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Old Dec 29, 2011 | 06:02 PM
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Link for wiring diagram

1994 Ford Ranger Stereo Wiring Information
 
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Old Dec 29, 2011 | 10:21 PM
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thanks alot for all your help on this.
 
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