How often do you guys change the fluid in your manual transmissions?
I own a 2004 Ranger 4 cylinder (2.3 Duratec) with the M5OD; I've owned it since it was 2 months old, and it only has 56k on it now. I've never looked at the trans fluid level, or changed it. It's been driven conservatively all its life.
Does it need a trans fluid change?
Whaddaya think?

 

I believe the factory recommended fluid change interval is 60k miles so I would definitely change it. It only takes a little less than 3 quarts so its a pretty cheap and easy procedure anyway. After that I would at least check it every 10k or so.

 

And just a heads up, the M5OD models use ATF...........yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission, NOT gear oil

Look at the drained fluid, should still be a good Red color not darker red which would indicate overheating inside transmission

Mercon V ATF is spec, some like synthetic, as long as its Mercon V compatible you will be fine