Ford Ranger Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

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Ranger Buyers Guide

Fluid Types/Capacity:

Automatic Transmission

Required Fluid

Capacity

C-3

Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid

3.0 Quarts (drain and refill)

6.0 Quarts (with torque convertor drain *)

C-5

Type H - Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V

3.0 Quarts (drain and refill)

6.0 Quarts (with torque convertor drain *)

A4LD

Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid

3.0 Quarts (drain and refill)

6.0 Quarts (with torque convertor drain *)

1991-1996 Ford Ranger

Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid

3.0 Quarts (drain and refill)

6.0 Quarts (with torque convertor drain *)

1997-2011 Ford Ranger

Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid

3.0 Quarts (drain and refill)

6.0 Quarts (with torque convertor drain *)

* Add more fluid as needed, 1/2 pint at a time. Chilton's list the pre-1991 automatic transmission with 8.0 quarts total (7.5 in C-5) and 10.0 quarts starting in 1991. The system consists of the the transmission, torque convertor, cooler, and lines. Therefore, the amount of fluid required will depending on how much has drained from the system.

Notes:

*Although not a required service, transmission fluid changing can help assure a trouble-free transmission. Likewise, changing the transmission filter at this time is also added insurance.

*Transmission fluid should be changed if you have been fourwheeling in water deep enough to submerge the transmission or anytime you think you could have gotten water in to it.

Changing The Fluid:

1. Raise the car and support it securely on jackstands.

*The torque converters on some transmissions are equipped with drain plugs. Because it may take some time to drain the fluid from the converter, you may wish to start draining at this time, then proceed with the pan and filter removal. To do this, remove the converter cover and slowly turn the converter by hand until you can access the plug.

2. Place a large drain pan under the transmission.

3. Loosen all of the pan attaching bolts to within a few turns of complete removal, then carefully break the gasket seal allowing most of the fluid to drain over the edge of the pan.

CAUTION: DO NOT force the pan while breaking the gasket seal. DO NOT allow the pan flange to become bent or otherwise damaged.

4. When fluid has drained to the level of the pan flange, remove the pan bolts and carefully lower the pan doing your best to drain the rest of the fluid into the drain pan.

5. Clean the transmission oil pan thoroughly using a safe solvent, then allow it to air dry. DO NOT use a cloth to dry the pan which might leave behind bits of lint. Discard the old pan gasket.

6. If necessary, remove the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) filter mounting bolts, then remove the filter by pulling it down and off of the valve body. Make sure any gaskets or seals are removed with the old filter. The transmission usually has one round seal and a rectangular gasket.

7. Install the new oil filter screen making sure all gaskets or seals are in place, then secure using the retaining screws, if applicable.

8. Place a new gasket on the fluid pan, then install the pan to the transmission. Tighten the attaching bolts to 71-119 inch lbs.

9. Add 3-quarts (5-6 quarts if the torque convener was drained) of fluid to the transmission through the filler tube.

10. Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the vehicle.

11. Start the engine and move the gear selector through all gears in the shift pattern. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.

12. Check the transmission fluid level. Add fluid, as necessary, to obtain the correct level. If you drained the converter you will likely have to repeat steps 11 and 12 a few times. Only add a 1/2 pint at a time to bring it up to the correct level on the dipstick.