If you drive a vehicle with a stick shift, you might wonder if automatic transmission fluid will work in your manual transmission. For instance, say you own a 1991 Ford Ranger. You might wonder if you can use Dextron-III/Ford Mercon multipurpose automatic transmission (ATF) instead of motor oil. The answer is a qualified, “Yes.”
Fluid Motion
All engines need lubrication of some kind. Automatic transmissions use a special kind of fluid that serves a dual purpose by lubricating moving parts like a motor oil and also keeping the transmission from overheating like a coolant. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, can accept a variety of fluids, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may use regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or automatic transmission fluid. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, check a local certified repair shop or the dealer’s service center to find the right fluid for your vehicle.
ATF in a Manual Transmission
Although automatic transmission fluid does not need to be changed as often as regular motor oil, that doesn’t mean you can fill your manual transmission with an ATF and forget about it. It’s true that manual transmissions do not generate nearly the amount of heat as automatics, but over time the transmission fluid in a manual engine will pick up bits of metal and other debris from the transmission components. So make sure to check your ATF levels frequently and follow the recommended replacement schedule for your vehicle. Otherwise, you might not know that your level is low until it is too late and your transmission is making alarming noises.
Recommended Transmission Fluid for Ford Rangers
Here is an example of a chart provided by the manufacturer of the Ford Ranger. As you can see, it lists a variety of acceptable transmission fluids for this particular make and model, which was produced with either the Mazda M5OD 5-speed transmission or the 5-speed Mitsubishi transmission. Your owner’s or repair manual should have a similar chart.
Manual Transmission Fluid Types And Capacity
Transmission Fluid Type Capacity
5-speed Mitsubishi*Note: Used in some Ranger & Bronco II and identified by drain plug located in the middle of the pan 80W EP 5.6 pints
Mazda M5OD Transmission. Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. 5.6 pints
ZFM5OD-HD 5-speed Transmission Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.Note: Synthetic Mercon (E6AZ-19582-B) may be used in extreme operating conditions to improve bearing life; extensive idling at less than -25 degrees F, severe duty at greater than 100 degrees F. If transmission lubricant is suspected of overheating. 6.8 pints
Warner Four-Speed Transmission Without Extension - 4x4. 80W EP 7 pints
If you can’t locate a chart like this one for your vehicle, consult with a local repair shop that is certified to work on your particular make and model—or call your dealer’s service center. They will be able to give you a recommendation.
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When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
If you drive a vehicle with a stick shift, you might wonder if automatic transmission fluid will work in your manual transmission. For instance, say you own a 1991 Ford Ranger. You might wonder if you can use Dextron-III/Ford Mercon multipurpose automatic transmission (ATF) instead of motor oil. The answer is a qualified, “Yes.”
Fluid Motion
All engines need lubrication of some kind. Automatic transmissions use a special kind of fluid that serves a dual purpose by lubricating moving parts like a motor oil and also keeping the transmission from overheating like a coolant. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, can accept a variety of fluids, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may use regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or automatic transmission fluid. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, check a local certified repair shop or the dealer’s service center to find the right fluid for your vehicle.
ATF in a Manual Transmission
Although automatic transmission fluid does not need to be changed as often as regular motor oil, that doesn’t mean you can fill your manual transmission with an ATF and forget about it. It’s true that manual transmissions do not generate nearly the amount of heat as automatics, but over time the transmission fluid in a manual engine will pick up bits of metal and other debris from the transmission components. So make sure to check your ATF levels frequently and follow the recommended replacement schedule for your vehicle. Otherwise, you might not know that your level is low until it is too late and your transmission is making alarming noises.
Recommended Transmission Fluid for Ford Rangers
Here is an example of a chart provided by the manufacturer of the Ford Ranger. As you can see, it lists a variety of acceptable transmission fluids for this particular make and model, which was produced with either the Mazda M5OD 5-speed transmission or the 5-speed Mitsubishi transmission. Your owner’s or repair manual should have a similar chart.
Manual Transmission Fluid Types And Capacity
Transmission Fluid Type Capacity
5-speed Mitsubishi*Note: Used in some Ranger & Bronco II and identified by drain plug located in the middle of the pan 80W EP 5.6 pints
Mazda M5OD Transmission. Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. 5.6 pints
ZFM5OD-HD 5-speed Transmission Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.Note: Synthetic Mercon (E6AZ-19582-B) may be used in extreme operating conditions to improve bearing life; extensive idling at less than -25 degrees F, severe duty at greater than 100 degrees F. If transmission lubricant is suspected of overheating. 6.8 pints
Warner Four-Speed Transmission Without Extension - 4x4. 80W EP 7 pints
If you can’t locate a chart like this one for your vehicle, consult with a local repair shop that is certified to work on your particular make and model—or call your dealer’s service center. They will be able to give you a recommendation.
Featured Video
How to Add Transmission Fluid
Can I Use the Same Gas in My RC Car as I Use in My Regular Car?
Diagnosing GM Converter Lock-Up Problems
Vehicles You Can and Cannot Tow 4 Wheels Down
Marine Corps Job of Auto Mechanic
What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?
Electric vs. Nitro RC Vehicles
Can Nitro RC Cars and Nitro Airplanes Use the Same Nitro Fuel?
eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program
Test Drive: 2008 Ford Mustang GT
Bio of Henry Ford Founder of Ford Motor Company
Mission Statements From the Automotive Industry
What’s Leaking Under My Car?
How to Replace Your Diesel Glow Plugs
Can a Different Percentage of Nitro Fuel Damage My Nitro Engine?
What to Know Before Buying a Used Corvette
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
If you drive a vehicle with a stick shift, you might wonder if automatic transmission fluid will work in your manual transmission. For instance, say you own a 1991 Ford Ranger. You might wonder if you can use Dextron-III/Ford Mercon multipurpose automatic transmission (ATF) instead of motor oil. The answer is a qualified, “Yes.”
Fluid Motion
All engines need lubrication of some kind. Automatic transmissions use a special kind of fluid that serves a dual purpose by lubricating moving parts like a motor oil and also keeping the transmission from overheating like a coolant. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, can accept a variety of fluids, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may use regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or automatic transmission fluid. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, check a local certified repair shop or the dealer’s service center to find the right fluid for your vehicle.
ATF in a Manual Transmission
Although automatic transmission fluid does not need to be changed as often as regular motor oil, that doesn’t mean you can fill your manual transmission with an ATF and forget about it. It’s true that manual transmissions do not generate nearly the amount of heat as automatics, but over time the transmission fluid in a manual engine will pick up bits of metal and other debris from the transmission components. So make sure to check your ATF levels frequently and follow the recommended replacement schedule for your vehicle. Otherwise, you might not know that your level is low until it is too late and your transmission is making alarming noises.
Recommended Transmission Fluid for Ford Rangers
Here is an example of a chart provided by the manufacturer of the Ford Ranger. As you can see, it lists a variety of acceptable transmission fluids for this particular make and model, which was produced with either the Mazda M5OD 5-speed transmission or the 5-speed Mitsubishi transmission. Your owner’s or repair manual should have a similar chart.
Manual Transmission Fluid Types And Capacity
Transmission Fluid Type Capacity
5-speed Mitsubishi*Note: Used in some Ranger & Bronco II and identified by drain plug located in the middle of the pan 80W EP 5.6 pints
Mazda M5OD Transmission. Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. 5.6 pints
ZFM5OD-HD 5-speed Transmission Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.Note: Synthetic Mercon (E6AZ-19582-B) may be used in extreme operating conditions to improve bearing life; extensive idling at less than -25 degrees F, severe duty at greater than 100 degrees F. If transmission lubricant is suspected of overheating. 6.8 pints
Warner Four-Speed Transmission Without Extension - 4x4. 80W EP 7 pints
If you can’t locate a chart like this one for your vehicle, consult with a local repair shop that is certified to work on your particular make and model—or call your dealer’s service center. They will be able to give you a recommendation.
If you drive a vehicle with a stick shift, you might wonder if automatic transmission fluid will work in your manual transmission. For instance, say you own a 1991 Ford Ranger. You might wonder if you can use Dextron-III/Ford Mercon multipurpose automatic transmission (ATF) instead of motor oil. The answer is a qualified, “Yes.”
Fluid Motion
All engines need lubrication of some kind. Automatic transmissions use a special kind of fluid that serves a dual purpose by lubricating moving parts like a motor oil and also keeping the transmission from overheating like a coolant. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, can accept a variety of fluids, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may use regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or automatic transmission fluid. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, check a local certified repair shop or the dealer’s service center to find the right fluid for your vehicle.
ATF in a Manual Transmission
Although automatic transmission fluid does not need to be changed as often as regular motor oil, that doesn’t mean you can fill your manual transmission with an ATF and forget about it. It’s true that manual transmissions do not generate nearly the amount of heat as automatics, but over time the transmission fluid in a manual engine will pick up bits of metal and other debris from the transmission components. So make sure to check your ATF levels frequently and follow the recommended replacement schedule for your vehicle. Otherwise, you might not know that your level is low until it is too late and your transmission is making alarming noises.
Recommended Transmission Fluid for Ford Rangers
Here is an example of a chart provided by the manufacturer of the Ford Ranger. As you can see, it lists a variety of acceptable transmission fluids for this particular make and model, which was produced with either the Mazda M5OD 5-speed transmission or the 5-speed Mitsubishi transmission. Your owner’s or repair manual should have a similar chart.
Manual Transmission Fluid Types And Capacity
Transmission Fluid Type Capacity
5-speed Mitsubishi*Note: Used in some Ranger & Bronco II and identified by drain plug located in the middle of the pan 80W EP 5.6 pints
Mazda M5OD Transmission. Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. 5.6 pints
ZFM5OD-HD 5-speed Transmission Mercon(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.Note: Synthetic Mercon (E6AZ-19582-B) may be used in extreme operating conditions to improve bearing life; extensive idling at less than -25 degrees F, severe duty at greater than 100 degrees F. If transmission lubricant is suspected of overheating. 6.8 pints
Warner Four-Speed Transmission Without Extension - 4x4. 80W EP 7 pints
If you can’t locate a chart like this one for your vehicle, consult with a local repair shop that is certified to work on your particular make and model—or call your dealer’s service center. They will be able to give you a recommendation.
If you can’t locate a chart like this one for your vehicle, consult with a local repair shop that is certified to work on your particular make and model—or call your dealer’s service center. They will be able to give you a recommendation.
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
How to Add Transmission Fluid
Can I Use the Same Gas in My RC Car as I Use in My Regular Car?
Diagnosing GM Converter Lock-Up Problems
Vehicles You Can and Cannot Tow 4 Wheels Down
Marine Corps Job of Auto Mechanic
What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?
Electric vs. Nitro RC Vehicles
Can Nitro RC Cars and Nitro Airplanes Use the Same Nitro Fuel?
eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program
Test Drive: 2008 Ford Mustang GT
Bio of Henry Ford Founder of Ford Motor Company
Mission Statements From the Automotive Industry
What’s Leaking Under My Car?
How to Replace Your Diesel Glow Plugs
Can a Different Percentage of Nitro Fuel Damage My Nitro Engine?
What to Know Before Buying a Used Corvette
How to Add Transmission Fluid
How to Add Transmission Fluid
Can I Use the Same Gas in My RC Car as I Use in My Regular Car?
Can I Use the Same Gas in My RC Car as I Use in My Regular Car?
Diagnosing GM Converter Lock-Up Problems
Diagnosing GM Converter Lock-Up Problems
Vehicles You Can and Cannot Tow 4 Wheels Down
Vehicles You Can and Cannot Tow 4 Wheels Down
Marine Corps Job of Auto Mechanic
Marine Corps Job of Auto Mechanic
What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?
What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?
Electric vs. Nitro RC Vehicles
Electric vs. Nitro RC Vehicles
Can Nitro RC Cars and Nitro Airplanes Use the Same Nitro Fuel?
Can Nitro RC Cars and Nitro Airplanes Use the Same Nitro Fuel?
eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program
eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program
Test Drive: 2008 Ford Mustang GT
Test Drive: 2008 Ford Mustang GT
Bio of Henry Ford Founder of Ford Motor Company
Bio of Henry Ford Founder of Ford Motor Company
Mission Statements From the Automotive Industry
Mission Statements From the Automotive Industry
What’s Leaking Under My Car?
What’s Leaking Under My Car?
How to Replace Your Diesel Glow Plugs
How to Replace Your Diesel Glow Plugs
Can a Different Percentage of Nitro Fuel Damage My Nitro Engine?
Can a Different Percentage of Nitro Fuel Damage My Nitro Engine?
What to Know Before Buying a Used Corvette
What to Know Before Buying a Used Corvette
Home
Entertainment
Careers
Activities
Humor
About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy
LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
Home
Home
Entertainment
Careers
Activities
Humor
About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy
About Us
Advertise
Careers
Privacy Policy
Editorial Guidelines
Contact
Terms of Use
EU Privacy
Entertainment
Careers
Activities
Humor
LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
