Amazon/eBay Viscous Coupler (for Rear Differential)

[joe-diy]

I need to replace my Viscous Coupler on my 2015 CX-5 2.5L 6SP Auto. Has anyone used one of the Amazon or ebay aftermarket ones? They are $250-300 vs $1200+ OEM. Car has 150k on it, newer to me so not wanting to put a ton into it until I get a feel if it's a 300ker.

My question is if you were able to get the ECM programmed for the new aftermarket one. The OEM units apparently are tested and tagged with detailed results that are on a sticker that is entered at dealer when flashing. I'm sure there's an OBD2 tool I could buy as well but haven't found anything online that inspires confidence. Local dealer charges $150 IF I have the sticker codes.

I would guess the full differential + coupler kits on Amazon/eBay would be the same so if you've done one of those, what did you do for programming?

So, anyone installed one of these cheap couplers or combo kits? Care to share any details about install and or programming?

 

[N7turbo]

Torque converter?

These are precision devices, and I don't think I would trust a $300 TC.

That said, $1200 seems like a lot. But I looked at what I put in my Trans Am and it's definitely more than I paid many years ago: Yank Performance Converters SS3600LS Yank Performance SS Series Torque Converters | Summit Racing

 

[joe-diy]

Torque converter?

These are precision devices, and I don't think I would trust a $300 TC.

That said, $1200 seems like a lot. But I looked at what I put in my Trans Am and it's definitely more than I paid many years ago: Yank Performance Converters SS3600LS Yank Performance SS Series Torque Converters | Summit Racing

No, the viscous coupler. It's the "clutch" between the rear drive shaft and the rear differential on the AWD CX-X vehicles. Electronically controlled.

 

[N7turbo]

No, the viscous coupler. It's the "clutch" between the rear drive shaft and the rear differential on the AWD CX-X vehicles. Electronically controlled.

Oh, the PTU? That's what Mazda calls it. No idea, sorry.

(the torque converter is a viscous coupler, by the way)

 

[sm1ke]

Found this video doing a quick Google search. Looks like it can be done at home, but I don't know how much the tool costs.

Depending on the cost of the tool/software, and the amount of time it might take to get everything up and running, it may be easier to just have the dealer do the reprogramming. Especially because you'll probably never need to do this again during your ownership.