Manual transmission fluid

I have a 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 with a 5 speed. It calls for the Ford Specific Transmission fluid that is 75w90 full synthetic. Can you use a normal 75w90 full synthetic say a Mobile 1 or a Royal Purple or does it have to be the expensive for fluid? Thank you.

What would you consider expensive?

Replacement of transmission due to wrong fluid or just the right fluid but more $$$ to put it in.

Ok, not to be too redundant but if you have a lot of miles on it, then changing the fluid is the better option than to do nothing.

Here's the rub...

Whether it's an iB5 or any typical B5/B6 or even typical synchronized 5-speed - they all need gear lube, but have requirements to that...

The older Ford types used to use Ford Type-F - not anymore - they use the GL-4 or GL-5 specification but there's a catch.

The older 6 speed without that special transmission and clutch design they called Powershift - which you select the gear but it used a series of solenoids and actuated the clutch (two really) to shift into the selected gear - electronically. Needed a lube type that was specific Was part of a lawsuit amidst of the complaints.

So the above list, I'd look for the GL-4 spec, why? Because the GL-5 is for limited slip differentials and the friction modifiers may not settle well in being used in an older worn transmission with uncertain unknown conditions pertaining to the gearbox's integrity. GL-4 was for earlier versions - GL-5 was for the newer crossovers and other drivetrains that were for AWD - which have specific applications and coatings on their meshings and geartrain.

Is it really that expensive? I did my first oil change on my car a few months back, went to full synthetic. It was cheaper at the Ford dealer than it would be at the auto parts store. Under $40 for 5 quarts and filter.

How much does the manual transmission fluid cost? I doubt it holds that much fluid in the first place.

Ran me about $57 USD for 2 quarts at a dealership...the bottle looks the same as this....

Well at least it doesn't need changing very often...

I think the Motorcraft trans fluid was around $24 a qt. Some is definitely needed if you have a drive axle seal that is leaking! The seal is not expensive, about 4 dollars.
This is one of those maintenance items that is not really that expensive. Unless you neglect it for an extended period of time. Then you pay..
The image below is the plug and the retainer pin that goes in the side of the trans case to retain the plug. It easiest to see if you pull out the battery and the shield.

Did you have to replace a filter along with it?

No filter or screen. I will post a couple more pictures in the morning. I had replaced the output shaft seals a little more than one month ago. But the new left side seal was also a leaker. So i am tearing back into that area again this weekend. The seals are cheap. But they are what retains the really expensive fluid in the case. Seeing even a small puddle of gear oil is the same thing as seeing money on the ground.
The image below is an output shaft seal. Costs about four bucks each. When these give up, you will be losing that synthetic gear oil.

Nice. Thanks for the info!

So I know this is a little old, but my Fiesta has been leaking out of the axle seal on the passenger side of the transaxle.... pretty sad for basically still new vehicle that has 13k miles on it now. Is the IB5 like the old Ford transaxles where the gears drop out if you don't support them with both axles out?

Hello MBP! No. You can just pop the output shaft with a puller or a narrow pry bar and a piece of wood at the fulcrum to distribute the force of prying. The seals are not expensive at all. Like, under five bucks each.
This gearbox is so trouble free that the only thing that will present an issue is the filler plug retaining pin may become difficult to remove to allow you to remove the fluid filler plug. You will have to remove the battery and it’s tray to have a relatively clear view of the filler plug hole.