ATF Question

[Heat]

Especially if it's still under warranty, use Mazda OEM transmission fluid.

 

[Robotazky]

I'm finally hearing logic and sense. You guys are smart to just use the Mazda stuff. We don't have a mainstream car when it comes to the ATX because all of the cars from Ford and Mazda with similar drivetrains are not nearly as heavy. When it comes to ATX fluid, the only vehicles I would use random "specified" products from Autozone on would be older GM, Ford, or Chrysler stuff. When the engineers sit down and design the transmission, the design is centered around the exact properties of the manufacturer's standard fluid, or more accurately the specifications that the fluid fulfills. They don't change the fluid to fit the tranny until a MAJOR redesign comes down the line. Even then the trannies are designed AFTER the fluid. With Ford and Mazda kicking out TONS of 2.0L, 2.3L, and 2.5L Duratec-style engines these days, that radical transformation hasn't happened. They are designing specs for their parts manufacturers based on their standard fluid properties. Just stick with M-V. A minivan with a 4 cylinder ATX has too much emphasis on the drivetrain to gamble.

 

[jeffismrmom]

I'm usually not a big homer for OEM stuff, but I've used Toyota T-IV in all of my previous A/T Toyotas and never had an issue. That said, I am much more inclined to regularly service these transmissions because Japanese cars come with A/T pan drain plugs, unlike the domestics. Thus, I'm not sure the longevity of these transmissions is necessarily due to the OEM fluid, but rather because of regular drain & fills. And as my local dealer sells T-IV by the case for $48, it's fairly economical (unlike say, Amsoil or even M1).

I think when the time comes (~30K), I'll probably just stick w/Mazda ATF...but I've got lots of time (and miles) to rethink that position.

Jeff

 

[Robotazky]

I'm usually not a big homer for OEM stuff, but I've used Toyota T-IV in all of my previous A/T Toyotas and never had an issue. That said, I am much more inclined to regularly service these transmissions because Japanese cars come with A/T pan drain plugs, unlike the domestics. Thus, I'm not sure the longevity of these transmissions is necessarily due to the OEM fluid, but rather because of regular drain & fills. And as my local dealer sells T-IV by the case for $48, it's fairly economical (unlike say, Amsoil or even M1).

I think when the time comes (~30K), I'll probably just stick w/Mazda ATF...but I've got lots of time (and miles) to rethink that position.

Jeff

You would think. However, I've seen these trannies replaced before 50K. I think they're just weak. I would stick with the OEM M-V and drain as much as you can stand. I had my dealer do a flush. It went from brown with only 26,000 miles back to pink. There's no question the tranny is hard on fluid. We have speculated many times on here whether it's heat burning the fluid, clutch material tainting the fluid, etc. I can tell you that I recently used a probe on my DMM and found the temperature to be quite low after driving in traffic all afternoon. I think the tranny just chews fluid and that M-V has the right friction modifiers to minimize problems. Mazda has a TSB stating that Mercon V does not have the chemical profile necessary for this vehicle. After 20 years of observing this kind of stuff, I can say I've never heard a manufacturer be so specific. Yeah, makers have their specs and all, but Ford's Mercon specs are pretty darn stringent. According to Mazda it's the friction modifier profile that is unique and critical. If the fluid is cheap overall, that's something I will live with by changing it out more.

 

[golftango]

What's stopping people from just using the Mazda ATF? Is it overpriced or hard to get?

I picked up a case of Mazda type V, it was under $70. I've already did one drain and fill, plan on doing two more soon. Oh, I'm at 46K miles.

 

[flcruising]

...I can tell you that I recently used a probe on my DMM and found the temperature to be quite low after driving in traffic all afternoon...

Care to share your findings?

 

[Robotazky]

Care to share your findings?

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...n-fluid-temperature-test-results&daysprune=-1

 

[flcruising]

Thanks. Can't believe I missed that one..?

 

[Robotazky]

Well, I tend to get a free moment to get on the forum and load it up with comments because it's been a while since I was on. You probably saw Robotaz everywhere and missed it thinking you saw it. I do it all the time.

 

[stringcatt]

Seriously do you think that Mazda would develop a ATF just for the 3. All that they want your money. M-V is Mercon V (five)

 

[mazdadude]

Seriously do you think that Mazda would develop a ATF just for the 3. All that they want your money. M-V is Mercon V (five)

From Robotaz on page 3 of this thread...

"Mazda has a TSB stating that Mercon V does not have the chemical profile necessary for this vehicle."

 

[flcruising]

Yea, seriously stringcatt, do some research.

FNR5 is our a/t.

http://www.fordexplorerclub.ru/Alex/Transmission/_table_atf.pdf

http://tinyurl.com/3tv885p

 

[Robotazky]

Pay attention to "Note:" and "Caution:".

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/tribute/05-005-08-1928.pdf

 

[07MZ5SA]

That's odd! Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is no longer M-V compatible???

https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx#

 

[Robotazky]

That's odd! Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is no longer M-V compatible???

https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx#

Hmm. Even more evidence to me that we're dealing with a unique fluid. Some other brand has also removed M-V compatibility but I forgot which one.

 

[07MZ5SA]

Castrol.

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9012226&contentId=7028224

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/b...G/local_assets/downloads/p,q/pds_ImportMV.pdf

 

[Robotazky]

Castrol.

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9012226&contentId=7028224

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/b...G/local_assets/downloads/p,q/pds_ImportMV.pdf

Thanks! This will help people out for sure.

 

[nat13]

hi,this is for a 2006 mazda 3 2.0,concerning the ATF.does anyone know what color the fluid is supposed to be?i had mine changed at an NTB. and it seems clear in color or very very light pink.Is this right?i ask because its been about 2 months and the trans is acting weird sometimes when it is still cold.thanks for any help.

 

[flcruising]

Not sure what NTB is, but the color should be clear-ish pink. Harder shifting is common when the fluid is cold, but it's barely fall, so in Texas it shouldn't be that noticeable.

You also are in the Mazda5 forum, so we are not familiar with your engine/transmission combination. Is your a/t an FNR5? If so, need to check your invoice or call them and make sure they used the correct fluid type.

 

[RitzyLTD]

I have a 2008 Mazda 3 with and automatic transmission and I am just getting ready to change my fluid for the first time as I notice it is starting to lag a little --- My car has a little over 81,000 miles on it and until about 2,000 miles ago I never even thought about it. I had checked the fluid periodically and it always looked good - now it looks a little beat so I figured I would do the pan drop and flush.