Manual trans fluid change

traacer · #1 01-01-2011, 10:49 AM

The tranny in my ranger is starting to whine a little. Does anyone know what side bolts are on the fill and drain? The largest I have are 15/16 and they are to small. I would like to change the fluid either this week or next weekend. I know that it needs the regular mercon tranny fluid, but can't get the bolts off the fill and drain.

terryduanemiller · #2 01-01-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traacer

The tranny in my ranger is starting to whine a little. Does anyone know what side bolts are on the fill and drain? The largest I have are 15/16 and they are to small. I would like to change the fluid either this week or next weekend. I know that it needs the regular mercon tranny fluid, but can't get the bolts off the fill and drain.

I found it easier to fill a standard trans, by removing the shifter

L454S · #3 01-01-2011, 03:38 PM

Both plugs are on the drivers side on mine, just use a cresent wrench for both. Take the fill plug out first. Just did this a few weeks ago. Takes about 2.6 quarts.

traacer · #4 01-02-2011, 11:08 AM

Thanks guys. I was hoping to use a socket since they are really torqued down and didn't want to strip the living hell out of them. I'll just give a crecent a try. How much of a PITA is it to take the shifter out? I like that idea since I don't have to go crawling around on the ground to get to the tranny. I have a 93 single cab, I took the shift boot off and there is a nice sided threaded bolt and nut there. I'm guessing just run the nut until it pulls the bolt through the shifter? Just not looking forward to trying to get the bolt back in.

pooleo · #5 01-02-2011, 11:30 AM

shifter is really easy to take out. at least in 95+, I never did any older than that! But you just take the console out, couple screws, then either remove the shifter bolt or just take out the three torx head screws and pull the whole thing out. Make sure to have it in neutral, or it will be a PITA to get it back in.

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I always just put in 3qts.

traacer · #6 01-02-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooleo

shifter is really easy to take out. at least in 95+, I never did any older than that! But you just take the console out, couple screws, then either remove the shifter bolt or just take out the three torx head screws and pull the whole thing out. Make sure to have it in neutral, or it will be a PITA to get it back in.

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I always just put in 3qts.

I'll give that a try, may be a better idea than trying to force out the fill plug.

Thanks!

2002 2WD Edge · #7 01-02-2011, 02:20 PM

Take the shifter out? The fill and drain plugs should actually be labeled as such...(but cast into the transmission where each are)...if you get under and look at them and the transmission. Don't mangle them with a crescent wrench, water pump pliers, vice grips,etc. They are METRIC...buy yourself a larger set of wrenches..of decent quality. The drain plug has a magnetic end to be wiped-off of particles. The transmission is full when oil just starts to run out of the fill hole.

pooleo · #8 01-02-2011, 02:27 PM

removing the shifter I think is just easier, its not very hard at all. Especially on 4x4 models, that drive shaft makes it a pita to get to the fill plug. And then try and getting a qt bottle up in there, or you have to run a tube. IMO you might as well take out the shifter.

You might consider to change out the bushings for the shifter, there like $10 or so at ford, while you have it out.

TenSilver · #9 01-03-2011, 06:26 AM

I just changed a friends trans fluid on his 2002 Edge. His drain plugs were 15/16 but I read on another site where they were metric. I think it was 24mm.

Removed the fill plug first then the drain plug. Replaced the drain plug after all fluid is drained out. Then used a kerosene heater pump from wal-mart to pump the new fluid in.

sirtef9 · #10 01-04-2011, 10:54 AM

Its a 24mm for sure, about to start pulling my transmission and see why this thing won't go into gear when running.

CrimeStar · #11 01-04-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirtef9

Its a 24mm for sure, about to start pulling my transmission and see why this thing won't go into gear when running.

Did you try bleeding the slave first? Mine did this after I installed a new slave cylinder.

edgeman4.0 · #12 01-04-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirtef9

Its a 24mm for sure, about to start pulling my transmission and see why this thing won't go into gear when running.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrimeStar

Did you try bleeding the slave first? Mine did this after I installed a new slave cylinder.

our slave cylinders are actually notorious for going out (some crappy french design) which is more than likely sirtef9's issue. All i can say is to replace it with a FOMOCO original part or you'll be replacing it again a lot sooner.

sirtef9 · #13 01-04-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrimeStar

Did you try bleeding the slave first? Mine did this after I installed a new slave cylinder.

It was fine when I bought the truck but 4000 miles later its doing this. I can drop the transmission without taking off shift lever?
I tried it according to the book but when i try to back out the stud it stops at a point and feels as if it will snap if I go more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgeman4.0

our slave cylinders are actually notorious for going out (some crappy french design) which is more than likely sirtef9's issue. All i can say is to replace it with a FOMOCO original part or you'll be replacing it again a lot sooner.

I will look into that for sure, any link on how to bleed it properly? I will try that first but with the whirling, sometime grinding noise I think the release bearings done.