What is this Ford transmission fluid????

[nick-f]

Here in the UK I have just acquired a 1994 model Ford Escort van.

This has a 5 speed manual transmission which I think is the type B (?) transmission.

According to the manual the correct transmission fluid is Ford ESD-M2C-186-A.

My problem is I don't know what the heck that is!

I know some Ford manual transmissions ran with ATF, but I'm not sure if this is one.

Can anybody help me 'decode' this Ford spec so I can change out the fluid for the right stuff?

Thanks.

 

[Mike242GT]

It's ATF. Have a look here:

http://www.btinternet.com/~madmole/Reference/Service.html

He's recommending Castrol Dexron III.

 

[FTO-UK]

quote:

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Originally posted by Mike242GT:
It's ATF. Have a look here:

http://www.btinternet.com/~madmole/Reference/Service.html

He's recommending Castrol Dexron III.

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You can get away with ATF, but Ford's spec is actually a little higher KV than an ATF.
You have the 'MTX75' transaxle; go into a decent motor factors and ask for 'MT75' gearbox oil - they will most likely stock it.

 

[nick-f]

Thanks for your replies.

I'm not sure that the vehicle has the MTX75 box.

The truth is I'm finding this all a bit confusing.

I have the Ford TIS manual on my pc and using that to decode the info on my VIN plate it suggests the transmission is "Manual (5 speed)". Not too helpful, but there are different codes for the MT and MTX boxes.

The owners handbook suggests its "manual transmission type B" but also contradicts itself by suggesting "type A" elsewhere.

I have the CARDATA cd and it suggests to use regular 80w gear oil.

When I lost a litre or so out of the box yesterday (removing driveshafts) it definitely smelled more like gear oil than atf.

I just want to drain the box and fill with the correct stuff!

What if I just use a good quality synthetic or semi-synthetic 75w90??

 

[FTO-UK]

Well, the Ford spec oil you quoted cross-references to MT75. Check out:

http://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/productinfo.asp?v06c41q7p6=EMD

Its much thinner than a 75W-90 - more like an ATF.

 

[nick-f]

Thanks FTO, good link.

Because the owners book is confusing me a bit, the other Ford spec that it might be is WSD-M2C200-B. I've googled this and according to the Royal Purple site they recommend their Syncromax, which appears similar (I think) to the MT fluid.

So is the answer here just to use a good quality MT75 type fluid like the one you linked to?

I am loosely familiar with these fluids from their use in Land Rover transmissions.

Thanks again.