Guide ATF Drain/Fill

[resq302]

Hello, I just purchased a 2023 CX-5 for my daughter that has 19,000 miles. I did not see any mileage in the owners manual as to when to change the trans fluid. What is everyone changing their trans fluid at so I can set up a mileage to when to change the trans fluid in her car. I know it has low miles so I'm hoping it wouldnt need to be done for another 30k or so.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[wlong01]

Mazda does not recommend changing the fluid. They claim it's lifetime. If you plan on keeping the vehicle past the powertrain warranty I would do a change around 40,000.
Some Mazda dealers refuse to change the fluid.

 

[resq302]

Thank you. Yes, we plan on keeping this for quite a while as it is now my daughters car who will be commuting to college starting in August.

 

[resq302]

Mazda does not recommend changing the fluid. They claim it's lifetime. If you plan on keeping the vehicle past the powertrain warranty I would do a change around 40,000.
Some Mazda dealers refuse to change the fluid.

Funny that you mention that as my Ram manual says the fluid is for life also as well but the manufacturer, ZF, says it needs to be changed every 50,000 miles.

 

[wlong01]

I doubt there's a lifetime fluid. I think it's more a marketing gimmick. Prudent advice is to change it around 40-50k miles and a second time at the next oil change after that. Takes about 3 drain/fills to replace most of the old fluid.

 

[resq302]

I doubt there's a lifetime fluid. I think it's more a marketing gimmick. Prudent advice is to change it around 40-50k miles and a second time at the next oil change after that. Takes about 3 drain/fills to replace most of the old fluid.

Oh I agree completely! More than likely the trans will fail afford the powertrain warranty is up leaving the customer holding the bill.

 

[Buzzman12]

I got sucked into a transmission flush at a garage when they were changing my oil. The van (Ford Windstar) had about 110,000 Kms on it at the time. Transmission failed less than a month later.
In my 60 years of driving, that is the only transmission failure I have ever had. It's also the only vehicle where I did a flush/change. I never replace my transmission fluid in any other car, regardless of mileage or years. My tack on this may not work for you, but this whole thing of changing fluid at 30,000 miles is a bit ridiculous.

 

[resq302]

I got sucked into a transmission flush at a garage when they were changing my oil. The van (Ford Windstar) had about 110,000 Kms on it at the time. Transmission failed less than a month later.
In my 60 years of driving, that is the only transmission failure I have ever had. It's also the only vehicle where I did a flush/change. I never replace my transmission fluid in any other car, regardless of mileage or years. My tack on this may not work for you, but this whole thing of changing fluid at 30,000 miles is a bit ridiculous.

I’ve always changed the fluid and filter in my trans for the vehicle Les Ive owned. The only difference is I have never done a flush. Just a fluid drain and replacement. I’ve heard the flushing is what can mess stuff up.

 

[HyFlyer]

I would think the vast majority of Mazda owners do not change their transmission fluid in any way at any time. Or even check the fluid level. Yet, there does not seem to be any widespread grumblings out on the interwebs about skyactiv transmission failures. I'm sure some do fail, it's a machine after all, but not a concern of mine. IMHO.

Nothing wrong with a drain and fill, if it makes you feel better and it probably is "better" for the transmission, even if unnecessary.

 

[Buzzman12]

I have never done a flush. Just a fluid drain and replacement. I’ve heard the flushing is what can mess stuff up.

I can support that for sure.
Flushing just recirculates all the oil throughout the transmission, garbage and all. That's probably what killed the tranny in my Ford.
I would go a step further and say never flush a tranny, ever. Drain and fill only.

 

[Chas]

Mazda does not recommend changing the fluid. They claim it's lifetime. If you plan on keeping the vehicle past the powertrain warranty I would do a change around 40,000.
Some Mazda dealers refuse to change the fluid.

We found the same thing. Our 2014 CX5 GT bought in 2013 has had no issues.

 

[Jmaz]

I can support that for sure.
Flushing just recirculates all the oil throughout the transmission, garbage and all. That's probably what killed the tranny in my Ford.
I would go a step further and say never flush a tranny, ever. Drain and fill only.

Absolutely, drain and fill only. The "lifetime" fluid is BS in my book for long term owners. In fact, doesn't Mazda recommend AGAINST transmission flush?