What fluid goes in a manual transmission

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Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Related Repair Advice
Related Questions
Automatic Transmission Fluid Might Just Work
Fluid Motion
ATF in a Manual Transmission
Recommended Transmission Fluid for Ford Rangers
Does manual transmission have transmission fluid?
Is gear oil and manual transmission fluid the same?
What is the best manual transmission fluid?

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Manual transmission fluid provides lubrication and acts as a coolant for the transmission. Gear oil is the most commonly used fluid, though some manual transmissions use regular engine oil or automatic transmission fluid.

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Manual Transmission Fluid

Fluid will become dark and gritty
Abnormal noise

Over time, the manual transmission fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated with moisture, which can lead to transmission damage from a lack of proper lubrication. Replace at the mileage/time interval recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
We advise changing the transmission fluid when any significant repair work is being performed on the transmission
Noise from the transmission most often will not be resolved by a fluid change. Noise and/or incorrect operation of the transmission is normally a sign of a deeper mechanical problem.
High-quality synthetic transmission fluid may help extend the life of transmission components
Use of the improper transmission fluid can result in shifting difficulties and premature transmission failure

See what others have asked about this, or visit the Questions page to ask your own question.

I am low on gear oil and need to add gear oil

It knocks when driving it but it goes in and out of gears but going into first it kind of wines and then stops and...

Automatic Transmission Fluid Might Just Work

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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.

Does manual transmission have transmission fluid?

Yes, even a manual needs transmission fluid. The type of fluid can vary from car to car, however. Some manuals require conventional engine oil, and others function best with automatic transmission fluid. So make sure you're putting in the fluid that's specified for your car.

Is gear oil and manual transmission fluid the same?

Gear oil is a lubricant for manual transmission while transmission fluid is a lubricant for the automatic transmission of semi-trucks and other heavy and light-duty vehicles. In essence, they perform the same functions. However, they differ in chemical composition.