Any issues running multi vehicle fluid in a MT?

[ryan2022]

Hi guys, I'm currently running mobil super ATF multi fluid semi synthetic stuff.

I'm wondering if there's any harm running it in a ford ranger transmission requiring Mercon V. It meets the spec, but would a designated Mercon fluid be better?

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[01rangerxl]

No. Mercon V doesn't do anything for the M5OD.

Dex/Merc, Mercon V, most universal fluids, and Synchromesh type fluids are all fine in the M5OD.

 

[MolaKule]

You might try these MT fluds and see how they perform:


Castrol Syntrans V FE 75W-80 8.0cSt

BG Synchroshift II 8.2 cSt

Valvoline MTF Part Number 811095 9.2 cSt

 

[ryan2022]

Thanks for the reply guys.

The shifting is actually ok, I'm more worried about longevity.

I don't know why I can't break away from what Ford recommends.

Any love for AC Delco or Pennzoil synchromesh? It's about the only other fluid other than RP synchromax that are available locally. Actually I think Auto Value carries redline MTL and MT90

That, and the Honda MTF's.

 

[01rangerxl]

M5ODs aren't picky about fluids, but if you have any shifting issues at all, go to a Synchromesh type fluid.

The most important things are keeping the fluid full, and changing it if it gets contaminated. These transmissions are known to leak from the shift rail plugs (rubber inserts near the shifter on the transmission case), and it may not be obvious that there is a leak going on. On a 2011, you're probably still years away from worrying about it. It's not a hard fix; pry the old ones out with a screw driver and push new ones in. Access isn't great, but I've replaced them from underneath on a 2WD truck on the ground, and it might be possible from the interior. The Ford part number is 1L5Z-7A107-AA. Some people replace them with metal freeze plugs if they have the transmission out.

I am using AC Delco Synchromesh in mine because it was convenient. I may use Valvoline next time just to try something different.

 

[ryan2022]

Thanks bud, Much appreciated. I know you've actually helped me out before on here for Ranger related issues. Thanks again for the help.

I may try the Pennzoil stuff from napa.

I was just reading about those plugs. I'll keep an eye on them once shes got a few more miles on her.

Ryan

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: ryan2022
Thanks for the reply guys.

The shifting is actually ok, I'm more worried about longevity.

I don't know why I can't break away from what Ford recommends.

Any love for AC Delco or Pennzoil synchromesh? It's about the only other fluid other than RP synchromax that are available locally. Actually I think Auto Value carries redline MTL and MT90

That, and the Honda MTF's.


I can't speak for your application, but I use the Pennzoil synchromesh in my Honda and it's the best fluid I've found for this car. It works exceptionally well!

 

[andyd]

Poor shifting may be caused by worn shifter forks. Should one break, the pieces drop into gears. . This happened to me me last year. The transmission lost every gear but 4th and cracked the case.

 

[ryan2022]

I think my main concern, isn't shift quality (it shifts pretty well) It's transmission life. IF it'll work on anything from synchromesh fluid to various ATF's, I'll just keep it clean.