2010 CX-9 Service Issue

[rf22777]

We went to a local, recommended tire and service center for new tires and also had the transmission fluid flushed and changed. The mechanic noticed something broken so I took it to the Mazda dealership a few days later as it is covered under warranty. While there the Mazda technician told me my transmission fluid was dirty and should be changed. Our CX-9 has 50k miles on it so it might not have needed to be done at all but someone is not being honest here. Either the fluid wasn't changed by the local mechanic or the dealer technician isn't being truthful that I need it to be done. I wanted to check the color of the fluid but it doesn't look like there is a dipstick to check and I read on another post that the transmission is sealed and can't be checked unless other work is being done. Any suggestions as to how I determine if the fluid was changed originally or if the dealership is wrong that it needs to be done?

 

[Takehold66]

The dipstick on a 2010 is near the battery to the left. When I changed mine it was really dark and brown and I had 38000 on it. After I refilled it and drove around a bit, I drained it again and it was still dark so I did it 2 more times. It takes 3x to get it to look pinkish red. Hope that helps.

 

[ceric]

If you drain and refill, you only get roughly 1/2 out each time.

 

[Takehold66]

yep. filled it with 3 quarts each time.

 

[10Molavi]

Same here. Bought a 2010 CPO with 23K miles and the ATF was dark. Three drain and refills with Toyota T-IV fluid and the fluid is finally red. Find the dipstick, it does not look like one. black rubber head next to the air filter/tucked to the side/back. Also make sure they used the correct ATF not Dexron with additives.

 

[Veilside1]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...ATF-Drained-and-refilled-today-Lifetime-fluid

 

[Takehold66]

That is what mine looked like - maybe darker and smelled really bad

 

[table5511]

My 08 with 59k miles - the trans fluid is still medium red. If you have a 10' and likely less miles than me, and you have dirty trans fluid.... that doesn't sound right.
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Dealers will say anything to get you to pay $$$$
They try and take like 80 bucks from people for a fresh air cabin filter, when it takes less than 2 minutes to change yourself.