You probably have synchronizer problems. More than likely 5th gear is also difficult since 5th and reverse share the same synchronizer. Whatever the case, someone will have to go into the tranny to fix it.
In a 1988 Ford Ranger : With the 2.9 liter V6 engine , 4X4 : It has the Mitsubishi FM146 5 speed manual transmission ( transmission code " D " ) that takes ( 2.4 U.S. quarts of 80-90W gear lube )
automatic transmission fluid,preforably a synthetic or synthetic blended fluid.
In a 1988 Ford Ranger : If you have the Mazda 5 speed manual transmission ( transmission code " M " ) it takes ( 2.8 U.S. quarts of MERCON automatic transmission fluid ) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have a Mitsubishi 5 speed manual transmission ( transmission code " D " ) it takes ( 2.4 U.S. quarts of 80 - 90 W gear lube )
For a 1988 Ford Ranger : M5OD-R1 , 5 speed manual transmission ( transmission code " M " ) 2.9 liter V6 engine , rear wheel drive ( 2.8 U.S. quarts of MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used )
I believe there is an information sticker that can be seen with the drivers door open Transmission code " D " is a Mitsubishi manual transmission Transmission code " X " is a Toyo Koygo 4 speed manual transmission Transmission code " 5 " is a Toyo Koygo 5 speed manual transmission on a 1987 Ford Ranger according to ( www . the ranger station . com , no spaces , click on Tech Library ) The website shows that the Mazda transmission was used from 1988 on
Ford manual transmissions do not have dipsticks like most Ford automatics do The manual transmission fluid level is checked at the fill plug on the transmission
The manual transmission doesn't have a dipstick , there will be a fill plug on the transmission
I have a 1990 Ford Ranger XLT 5 speed 4x4 2.9L standard transmission. I recently had this question and this is what my manual says: For 1988 and on Mitsubishi transmission use SAE 80W transmission fluid For 1988 and on Mazda transmission use Mercon automatic transmission fluid For the transfer case '88 and on, it uses the Mercon automatic transmission fluid. The differentials use a "high grade lubricant" that is a different fluid than the transmission uses. I used Haynes. Look on page 1-2 for a list of all the lubricants and fluids and Chapter 7 for more information about the different transmissions.
Check your Automatic Transmission fluid level
add transmission fluid
No, the rear section is different.
Updated --- No, because starting in 1994 ford started using Mazda engines. So the 1999 ranger will have a whole different transmission than the 1993. Incorrect.-------- Mazda has manufactured transmissions for the Ranger since 1988. The model numbers are the same from 1988 to present, M5OD-R1, with the exception of the 1997 to present 4.0 SOHC, which uses the M5OD-R1HD transmission.