2012 Mazda5 Automatic Transmission Fluid - Dark and needs to be changed

[Orangutan]

That's the news I got from the dealership today while it was in for a CEL (diagnosed as dirty filter messing with the MAF) and an oil change. Service tech, who was good to me when I had it in the shop for its fuel tank problems, told me they're seeing dark fluid on their 2010+ 3's around 20,000+ miles, which is where I am right now on my 5.

Anyone else notice dark transmission fluid yet?

All these problems are making me wonder about whether I should trade it in on something more reliable. I don't want to have to change the transmission fluid ($200) every 20k miles.

 

[manualist]

I know it's frustrating to have potential problem with transmission at just 20k, but trading in is hardly a cost saving measure. Did the tech tell you the cause of this? Can you get them to look more seriously and do any needed repair?

 

[Orangutan]

Tech said not to worry about it that they have a lot of 3s (same powertrain) in need of similar changes, he called it part of the "break-in process". I'm suspect of the whole thing.

 

[chandlerGTi]

I work with gearboxes and I try to get people to stop using color to sell services. I do not work on cars but on heavy duty equipment, every manual, manufacturer and shop should be using "mileage" or "service hours" as a guide. If they are suggesting the change based on color ask for a sample and send it to Polaris laboratories in Indianapolis. It is $20 for an analysis but at least you will know if the fluid is really serviceable or not.

 

[manualist]

Thanks for the great tip chandler! I didn't know this and probably would let them change the fluid.

 

[brandini]

The 5 works the fluid much harder as it's a 3 with a much heavier load to carry and much more capacity to carry items.

A UOA (used oil analysis) is a good idea and a change at 30k will go a long way to getting the 'break in' junk out of there to allow for the fluid to do it's job better.

Here are some kits for Oil Analyzers Inc that contracts with Dyson Labs for their analysis

Change it once now and test every 15-30k going forward. It's the less time in the shop method and then you have a paper trail of fluid health to monitor transmission life.

 

[markuszoom5]

I changed mine at 36 k and it was very dark, like engine oil. And it smelled like a trash can after a night before party. Nasty, nasty. After I changed it , now at 39k the transmission feels extremely smooth. Better than when it was new. There is also less lag when using manual mode. 20k is a little early though, wonder if it's the bigger engine 2.5 vs 2.3 that's putting extra strain on the same transmission (I assume it's same) but who knows! I did the complete flush for $189 at the dealer.

 

[Orangutan]

Just had it done again at 46k. Didn't ask them to check the fluid, just did it. Shifts are definitely smoother now. I'll probably shorten the interval and do it again around 60k.

 

[daan]

I have an 06 with auto, I think it burned the fluid in mine every 20-30K. These things eat trans fluid, but changing the fluid is a lot cheaper than changing the whole transmission.

 

[Silentnoise713]

If you have done multiple changes in short intervals, what not change a variable?

1) Use another fluid. I hope you don't believe whoever the transmission house is that made this box magically mandates OE fluid only. I'll leave it to you to READ up on what's out there and come to your own conclusion.
2) Add an auxiliary transmission cooler. I have yet to read/confirm too low of a temp in normal operation condition is bad and they do have by-pass valves for extreme conditions (cold starts, low temps).
3) Add external filter. Every auto benefits from this. It adds another maintenance item but they have by-pass in the event you forget to change it.
4) If you are high on mileage, open up the pan, clean it out, and replace the filter.

 

[sosube]

Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF $13.50/Gallon Autozone

Alternative ATF Fluid:

(rockon)

Got the Best deal on:

Valvoline Max Life ATF Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF(Automatic Transmission Fluid)Recommended for Dex/Merc;Mercon LV*@Autozone

$13.50/ Gallon.. it may go fast, Bought the last 9 Gallons at San Pablo, Ca.!*Price was posted at shelf, Mgr didn't believe until was rung up. Maybe closeout stock because the other new stock states High Mileage 75,000 mile and no reference to full synthetic.
.

One gallon jug is listed @$13.50 (Usually 4 qt.@$6.99 retail=$26.96! or $16.97 @ walmart if you can find it)*

All the other Synthetic oils are $8-13/qt. Redline/Royal Purple. Castrol Import multi Vehicle is~ $5.35/qt @ Walmart....

BEST DEAL EVER FOR FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL! ONLY $3.375/QT....buy, buy....buy!


Hope this Helps!
Sorry can't figure out how to attach copy of my receipt.

If you have done multiple changes in short intervals, what not change a variable?

1) Use another fluid. I hope you don't believe whoever the transmission house is that made this box magically mandates OE fluid only. I'll leave it to you to READ up on what's out there and come to your own conclusion.
2) Add an auxiliary transmission cooler. I have yet to read/confirm too low of a temp in normal operation condition is bad and they do have by-pass valves for extreme conditions (cold starts, low temps).
3) Add external filter. Every auto benefits from this. It adds another maintenance item but they have by-pass in the event you forget to change it.
4) If you are high on mileage, open up the pan, clean it out, and replace the filter.

 

[chad99]

Alternative ATF Fluid:

(rockon)

Got the Best deal on:

Valvoline Max Life ATF Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF(Automatic Transmission Fluid)Recommended for Dex/Merc;Mercon LV*@Autozone

$13.50/ Gallon.. it may go fast, Bought the last 9 Gallons at San Pablo, Ca.!*Price was posted at shelf, Mgr didn't believe until was rung up. Maybe closeout stock because the other new stock states High Mileage 75,000 mile and no reference to full synthetic.
.

One gallon jug is listed @$13.50 (Usually 4 qt.@$6.99 retail=$26.96! or $16.97 @ walmart if you can find it)*

All the other Synthetic oils are $8-13/qt. Redline/Royal Purple. Castrol Import multi Vehicle is~ $5.35/qt @ Walmart....

BEST DEAL EVER FOR FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL! ONLY $3.375/QT....buy, buy....buy!


Hope this Helps!
Sorry can't figure out how to attach copy of my receipt.

Thanks to this thread and thanks for this post.
I already had to put my 2013 5 (almost 25k miles) on a ramp to put the belly pan back on so I figured I should check my fluid and it was BLACK! it smelt fine no burnt smell or anything bad.

I picked up 4 gallons at autozone and ended up flushing (oil cooler) almost all of it through till the fluid got a nice red color, ended up with about 2 quarts or so left over after the fluid was topped off.

It was easy, and for around $60 worth it; although I did make a mess whilst filling when it burped through the filler tube.

 

[brandini]

2 things:
1) how do you like the new fluid, does it FEEL different?
2) watch out for 'fully synthetic' vs 'synthetic' vs 'blend' notations... there's only synthetic and blend, but there are different bases of synthetic stocks- and that's the info they don't give. Not all synthetics are created equal, so check the fine print for warranty coverage, especially since the 3/5 has no factory interval.

 

[chad99]

I never paid attention to how it shifted, I've only had it for a month but it was never harsh or jittery so I have no input. I think if you notice a difference that's a bad thing, meaning your old oil must have been very bad.

Honestly I'm not concerned about synthetic or blend or any combo of it, all I know is the fluid was black and now it's not. Considering how easy it is to change I have no problem doing this every 20-30k

The only reason why cars don't specify an interval is so they can say our maintenance is lower or bs like that, there is no such thing as a lifetime lubricant or lifetime fuel filter

 

[brandini]

The only reason why cars don't specify an interval is so they can say our maintenance is lower or bs like that, there is no such thing as a lifetime lubricant or lifetime fuel filter

Exactly this.