05 Ford Ranger Change Interval and Recommendation

[dsmith41]

I am new to transmissions and I have some questions. I have a 2005 Ranger FX4. I am sitting at 60K miles right now and the ATF was changed by the dealership at 30K miles. I assume they used whatever was the cheapest grade of Motorcraft ATF that met the specs.

I recently checked the ATF and the level is good as well as the color. Do I need to continue 30K mile change intervals as a general rule?

Also, what ATF should I use if I want synthetic? (No Amsoil) I looked into Mobil 1 and it was $7.99 at O'reily's. Are there any other good synthetics out there that are cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with Motorcraft's synthetic blend ATF?

I need a MERCON V equilivlant and I need 11 quarts of it.

 

[01rangerxl]

Yes, change it. Even if it looks fine, just do it. ATF isn't like motor oil...if it is real dark, you're probably too late.

The dealer should have used Mercon V in that truck. That's what the factory fill is. Mercon V is a good fluid and it will work just fine. Mobil 1 should be fine too. I have BG synthetic in my truck and it shifts exactly the same as it did with Mercon V, and the fluid looks like it did when it was flushed about 22K miles ago.

 

[tomcat27]

I would not assume that the Ford dealer uses Ford ATF. they may, or they may purchase another brand in bulk. Regardless, do you tow? alot? Heavy? how many miles per year do you drive?

Motorcraft semi would be fine. I am a big fan of changing fluid every 30k unless you drive alot on the highway - in which case stretch it to 50k - unless you tow (more than 3k lbs) the complete fluch is nice the first time, but if you change every 30k you can just do a pan drop next time. and somewhere before 100k you wanna change the filter.

 

[crazyoildude]

Personally i like the motorcraft atf mercon 5 i use it on my fords with no problems
The only problem i was not able to find it here in New Jersey and had to go to a ford dealer

 

[tig1]

I've used M1 ATF for many years and it has worked well for me. No tranny failures and some have had high mileage.

 

[dsmith41]

I do not tow very much at all even though I have a tow package. I will be renting a U-Haul trailer in December and moving to Kansas City from Nebraska but other than that, I don't tow much.

As far as miles driven, I would say maybe 10K a year. I try to ride my motorcycle whenever I can to save on gas.

If the Motorcraft is a fair bit below $8/qt, I might just use it. I have had good luck with Motorcraft oil filters and I have heard good things about their other products. The Motorcraft Mercon V is still semi-synthetic which I assume just means group III and I'm not opposed to group III synthetics.