M5OD Transmission fill stem?

[PStansberry78]

Perhaps this is an ignorant question... so I apologize in advance if it is.

But, I cannot for the life of me find the transmission fill stem in my 93' XL with a manual transmission. Am I missing something here? Should there be one in the engine compartment?

I was just wanting to check the levels of all my fluids and top off if necessary.

Paul

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/engi...0214-m5-manual-transmission-fluid-change.html

 

[Anime]

One way to make filling the manual trans easier is to get a length of clear tubing from the hardware store, just a few feet long, stick one end in the fill hole, the other into the engine compartment, and stick a funnel into it. Go slow and check the fluid level when you get close to the capacity so you can try and reach the ideal fill level just below the fill hole.

 

[PStansberry78]

Thanks, Anime.

Three follow-up questions:

1. What is the correct type of fluid for this transmission?
2. What is the capacity of the transmission (How much fluid do I need if I want to drain/swap)?
3. How do you check the fluid level?

Thanks for your help.
Paul

 

[Anime]

1. OE specs call for Dexron III/Mercon ATF, which is now only available as "Dex/Merc" ATF since the Dexron III/Mercon spec was discontinued in favor of newer formulas. Dexron VI and Mercon V are NOT the same and are too thin to use and will cause poor performance and wear.

I would suggest using something like Castrol Dex/Merc or your choice of name brand, even generic Dex/Merc ATF is ok since they are generally made by a brand name oil company. If you wanted to use synthetic ATF, Mobil 1 ATF can be ok, although it is not the same stuff it once was.

2. Capacity is about 2.5-2.75 quarts, so grab at least 3 quarts or a gallon bottle. The gallon bottles are usually a better deal.

3. Fluid level is checked by removing the fill plug, and sticking your finger in there. Using a mirror makes it easier to check visually.

Fluid level should be 0.25 inches below the fill hole with the vehicle on a level surface.


If you raise up the passenger side 1/4-1/2 an inch when filling, you can just fill until fluid drains out of the fill plug using the tube/funnel method, and check the fluid level after a few days of driving to be sure it's good.