5 speed 2.3
#1
10-26-2018
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Jamestown, Ohio
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5 speed 2.3
I just purchased a 2011 Ranger XL with the 2.3 L and a 5 speed manual transmission a little over a month ago, with 61,000 miles at the time of purchase. I love the truck, it’s been exactly what I hoped it to be, but the transmission has me just slightly worried. It’s kind of clunky. It doesn’t feel quite as smooth as other manual cars I’ve driven, including my dad’s 5 speed Tacoma. Through the gear shifter I can sort of feel the gears mesh. For example, shifting to second takes a little bit longer as the shifter sort of ‘wobbles’ as the gears are meshing, and shifting to third I can feel a clunk in the gearshift. Is this normal for this truck? I mean considering the miles there shouldn’t be anything wrong unless the previous owner really didn’t know how to drive a manual. I’ve thought about maybe checking/changing the manual transmission oil but the owner’s manual says to not change it until 115,000 miles. So at 64,000 surely the manual transmission oil isn’t to blame, wouldn’t you think? I don’t know, maybe I’m just OCD about things.. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
#2
10-26-2018
Welcome to the forum
You have an M5OD-R1 transmission, used in Rangers since 1988
Very good and reliable unit
The M5OD-R1 uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission
Mercon V is spec'ed, Motorcraft XT-5-QMC
What can happen is a service tech will add Gear Oil, instead of ATF which is way too thick for this trans.
Oil change places will "top up fluids" for you, but maybe not always use the right fluid.
I would just change the fluid, won't hurt
Holds just under 3 quarts, 2.8quarts but thats bone dry, so maybe just over 2 quarts, depends on how long you let it drain, and angle of transmission.
You can take off shifter to refill, or get a pump bottle to refill, ATF is thin so pumps easily
Many like synthetic versions of Mercon V, really up to you
You have an M5OD-R1 transmission, used in Rangers since 1988
Very good and reliable unit
The M5OD-R1 uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission
Mercon V is spec'ed, Motorcraft XT-5-QMC
What can happen is a service tech will add Gear Oil, instead of ATF which is way too thick for this trans.
Oil change places will "top up fluids" for you, but maybe not always use the right fluid.
I would just change the fluid, won't hurt
Holds just under 3 quarts, 2.8quarts but thats bone dry, so maybe just over 2 quarts, depends on how long you let it drain, and angle of transmission.
You can take off shifter to refill, or get a pump bottle to refill, ATF is thin so pumps easily
Many like synthetic versions of Mercon V, really up to you
#3
11-28-2018
Makes you feel any better I've got about 140k miles on that transmission...it's always been a bit clunky, I can even hear it whining different tunes in different gears...but it's been solid. Manual transmissions really are the way to go. Just be nice to it, shift it smoothly, don't compression brake back down through the gears.
#4
11-29-2018
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Sisters, oregon
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#5
12-21-2018
#6
12-21-2018
Could be shifter bushing was installed incorrectly, can't see it being worn out, info here: https://therangerstation.com/Magazin...bushings.shtml
Make sure TRANS IS IN NEUTRAL BEFORE PULLING SHIFTER UP and out
Some people have had better shifting with synthetic ATF, some with regular ATF, it only holds 2.8 quarts bone dry so not too expensive to switch types to see if it helps or hurts
Last edited by RonD; 12-21-2018 at 11:29 AM.
#7
12-21-2018
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