AT Maintenance

[erhayes]

I find it interesting/weird that in the 07 or 08 Owners manual, absolutely nothing is said about AT fluid changes or inspection. The manuals only recommend checking the fluid levels. I can only believe it is an oversight on Mazda's part. I am used to seeing statements like "inspect at XXXXXX miles" or "Change every XXXX miles depending on service schedule A or B or something. Since I use my car as a daily driver in suburban setting I will change the AT fluid at 30,000 and maybe 80,000 or oftener if I see a color change or burnt smell. I may be doing over kill but, it seems like cheap insurance to change every 30-40K. JMO. Comments? Ed

 

[erhayes]

Then they should say so and if you really beleive that, I have no other comments

 

[astraelraen]

There is no way in hell T-IV / JWS 3309 is a lifelong fluid.

You could call Mazda corporate and get a clarification?

 

[erhayes]

Mazda does not even recommend checking the fluid at specific intervals i.e. every 15,30,45K etc. I think it is just an oversight and yes Mazda should be contacted. I'm not calling but, I feel a letter will get more response than talking to some secretary or line manager. In my mind, only the uninformed (politically correct word so to not offend moderators) considers any engine or transmission fluid to be lifetime.

 

[techspeak]

There is no way in hell T-IV / JWS 3309 is a lifelong fluid.

You could call Mazda corporate and get a clarification?

(iagree) Careful what you guys believe...

 

[erhayes]

Explain techspeak

 

[techspeak]

It would be tragic to think that the fluid is lifetime fluid, only to cause the transmission to fail later on. One thing I've learned, is that even 'lifetime' fluids aren't really 'lifetime' .. so either way use discretion

 

[erhayes]

So we agree. Ed

 

[TRXSandRacer02]

i would also agree i think everyone that has owned a gm product with dexcool knows the coolant doesnt last 100k or 30k for that matter since they ahve junk intake gaskets that leak oil into the coolant, no one not even mazda can offer a lifetime fluid gaurantee, besides, mazda doesnt make t-IV fluid, the transmssion manufacturer does, i cant remember the name off hand but wait till about 40k and see what color the fluid is, i CAN gaurantee it will be almost black, i service these transmissions all the time and yes, it needs flushed every 30k, these transmissions have a lot of issues with fluid visocities and such that if i spent 30-40k on one, i would take care of it, but whatever, i mean instead of taking a dealers word for it you can roll the dice and take a chance