So I just bought a 2010 ranger 4x4, 4.0. And at low rpms in every gear i can hear what i can only describe as a deep rattle, it's not a grinding or whistling noise it sounds like a deep fast rattle. I hear it if I shift at low rpms between 1000 and 1500. It goes away at 1600 in every gear. Some gears are louder. It shifts fine and has great acceleration, dealership told me it was normal but it doesn't sound normal and very annoying. Please if anyone has any ideas let me know.

 

Welcome to the forum

No, not normal

Assume a manual trans

Does it only make noise when clutch pedal is up all the way and does noise go away with pedal down?

If you have a rubber mallet or a piece of wood, get under the truck and tap on the exhaust pipes and Cats, see if there is a rattle

 

Yes manual, I haven't tried pushing the clutch in but it only does it as I'm pressing the gas in low rpm with the clutch all the way up. I'll check the cat tomorrow but for some reason it certainly feels like it's the transmission. Thanks for the welcome and the reply.

 

Just some FYI
You have an M5OD-R1 transmission, also known as M5R1, full syncro, even on Reverse
Yours is actually a M5OD-R1HD, the HD was added in 2001 because they added an extra bolt to the bellhousing when Rangers got the 4.0l SOHC engine, shifter arm was also changed for the HD model

They were used by Ford from 1988 to 2011 in Rangers, Mazda B-series and other models, pretty reliable, you just don't have problems with these

They do use ATF, yes, automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission, Mercon V
So if you ever have it serviced make SURE they know this, the M5R1 hates 80w gear oil, lol
Have heard stories of fast lube places topping these up with gear oil

 

Thankyou for the reply. I checked tranny fluid and I think it might actually be gear oil. 100k on the pickup and the fluid looks like lightly used engine oil light brownish. I'm no expert but I've had atf rigs with that many miles and the fluid was still red. Fluid has no trace of red. Could that be the noise issue you think? Also could it be permanently damaged?

 

I would drain it and refill

Only uses 2.8 quarts bone dry so you might get 2 quarts back in after draining

It could have a synthetic ATF, I have never used it but I assumed it was always red like regular ATF

Longer term, gear oil, would cause overheating of transmission, and that could cause damage, but it would be hard to shift with gear oil in it

 

Thanks. Going to change the fluid tonight and check the cat. Thanks everyone for the help I love the knowledge here.

 

Heres the sound it sounds like a rattle when i accelerate at low rpm

 

Oops never mind wont let me post video