Manual Transmission/Transaxle: Description and Operation

Manual Transmission





The M50D is a 5-speed manual transmission equipped with the following features:
^ An aluminum main case, extension housing and shift control housing.
^ The countershaft is serviced as an assembly.
^ All gears are helical cut, including reverse.
^ All shift rails are mounted in the shift cover. Detents are used to hold the shift forks in their selected positions. Interlocks prevent engagement of more than one gear at a time.
^ All gear changes are accomplished with synchronizer sleeves.
^ Is synchronized in all gears.

Transmission Identification
The Vehicle Safety Compliance Label (located on the driver door lock pillar) lists applicable transmission identification codes.

Manual transmissions are also equipped with service identification tags. The M50D-R2 tag is located on the driver side of the transmission.

Lubrication
The M50D-R2 transmissions are designed so that the internal parts operate in an oil bath circulated by the motion of the gears and shafts. All parts are amply lubricated if these procedures are followed:
^ Maintain the correct fluid level by inspecting it regularly.
^ Change the fluid at recommended intervals.
^ Use MERCON~ Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX meeting Ford specification MERCON.

High operating temperatures increase the lubricant's rate of oxidation and shorten its effective life. When the average operating temperature is high, the transmission may require more frequent fluid changes. The following conditions in any combination can cause high operating temperatures:
^ Operating consistently at slow speeds
^ High ambient temperatures
^ Restricted air flow around the transmission
^ Exhaust system too close to the transmission