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  #1  
Old 08-22-2014, 06:03 PM
thayer1536 thayer1536 is offline
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Default Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

I changed out my transmission fluid on my 94 ranger 4.0 4x2 today by filling it through the shift linkage. When I put the shifter back in after filling it, I couldn't get it to shift into any gear. The truck also stalls without the clutch pushed in even though it appears to be in neutral. Did I do something stupid or is this a sign of something serious that has gone wrong.
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  #2  
Old 08-22-2014, 06:37 PM
Ordinary Biker Ordinary Biker is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

You don't mention draining the old. So I am gonna guess you didn't, that what you did was top it off. And to what level? You overfilled it.

Pull the fill plug. Then pull the drain plug. Replace drain plug, fill till fluid just dribbles out the fill plug, replace plug. Then try it.
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Old 08-22-2014, 07:24 PM
thayer1536 thayer1536 is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

I drained the old out and filled until it started coming out of the fill plug hole when I originally did it.
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Old 08-22-2014, 07:29 PM
Ordinary Biker Ordinary Biker is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

Then why did you fill it by 'filling it through the shift linkage'? Why take the linkage out? Why have the fill plug out but then take the linkage out and pour it in there? I don't understand. If the levels are correct, and all the ills that you mentioned started when you did this, the linkage sounds like it got put back in wrong.

Always always always, if you did something and then problems started, go back to what you did. Always. Troubleshooting 101.

Last edited by Ordinary Biker; 08-22-2014 at 07:31 PM.
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  #5  
Old 08-22-2014, 08:14 PM
96_4x4_XLT 96_4x4_XLT is offline
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ordinary Biker View Post
Then why did you fill it by 'filling it through the shift linkage'? Why take the linkage out? Why have the fill plug out but then take the linkage out and pour it in there? I don't understand. If the levels are correct, and all the ills that you mentioned started when you did this, the linkage sounds like it got put back in wrong. Always always always, if you did something and then problems started, go back to what you did. Always. Troubleshooting 101.
If he did it through the shift linkage he proly pushed one of the shift forks in a odd spot that he can't pull it back out off
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  #6  
Old 08-23-2014, 05:33 AM
thayer1536 thayer1536 is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

I woke up and looked at it with a fresh set of eyes. One half of the linkage got moved forward while the other half stayed in the "neutral" position. Thanks to 96_4x4_XLT for attempting to actually say something other than I'm an idiot. I filled the way I did because two people told me it was much easier than trying to fill it through an awkwardly positioned Fill Plug.
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  #7  
Old 08-23-2014, 05:37 AM
tomboy tomboy is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

Its not totaled, just pull the shifter back out, look down in the hole, use a long screwdriver, and slip the shifters back into place.

----------

I guess I was typing that while you were posting what you found, glad you got it fixed.
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  #8  
Old 08-23-2014, 05:48 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

Use the filler plug. The filler plug also let's you know you have the correct amount of fluid. I fill it through the engine bay using this. I cut the bottom of the jug off. I hooked it to the hood.
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2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
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  #9  
Old 08-23-2014, 05:51 AM
Futurefd Futurefd is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

filling though the linkage is fine. But you have to make sure it is out of gear.
That is how i fill mine, easier to do then squeezing though a tube.

I trust you used ATF and not gear oil?
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  #10  
Old 08-23-2014, 06:06 AM
Ordinary Biker Ordinary Biker is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

Quote:
Originally Posted by thayer1536 View Post
I woke up and looked at it with a fresh set of eyes. One half of the linkage got moved forward while the other half stayed in the "neutral" position. Thanks to 96_4x4_XLT for attempting to actually say something other than I'm an idiot. I filled the way I did because two people told me it was much easier than trying to fill it through an awkwardly positioned Fill Plug.
I didn't say you were an idiot, I tried to understand what you had done and why. If you are this sensitive, the internet may not be for you. It's a jungle out here.
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  #11  
Old 08-26-2014, 05:30 AM
rangergambler rangergambler is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thayer1536 View Post
I woke up and looked at it with a fresh set of eyes. One half of the linkage got moved forward while the other half stayed in the "neutral" position. Thanks to 96_4x4_XLT for attempting to actually say something other than I'm an idiot. I filled the way I did because two people told me it was much easier than trying to fill it through an awkwardly positioned Fill Plug.
If it was easier you would not have any problems genius. EVER HEARD OF A HAND PUMP. APPARENTLY NOT.
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  #12  
Old 08-26-2014, 05:35 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: Manual Transmission won't shift after fluid change.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rangergambler View Post
If it was easier you would not have any problems genius. EVER HEARD OF A HAND PUMP. APPARENTLY NOT.
Unless you are using a lift the hand pump is dumb too. Just use a hose and funnel thru the EB.
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2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
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  #13  
Old 08-26-2014, 07:28 AM
tredeh tredeh is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thayer1536 View Post
Thanks to 96_4x4_XLT for attempting to actually say something other than I'm an idiot.
If you can looks through the heavy use of sarcasm on this forum you can learn a lot. I think there are three stages to posting here:
1) get mad because everyone is a jerk
2) accept that everyone is a jerk
3) become a jerk yourself
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2003 f150 4.2 regular cab 2wd straight shift still in the driveway

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Last edited by tredeh; 08-26-2014 at 07:30 AM.
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  #14  
Old 08-26-2014, 08:40 AM
rangergambler rangergambler is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by modelageek View Post

Unless you are using a lift the hand pump is dumb too. Just use a hose and funnel thru the EB.
Its dumb but gives no problems as whoever started this thread. The less stuff u remove, less chancess of me$$up.
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