ATX cooler?

[Robotazky]

So my fluid is burnt after only 16K miles. Ridiculous. I'm going to stick with M-V until the day it hits 60K and then I'm changing to Redline in the ATX and the engine. In the meantime I want to feel some degree of comfort by adding a cooler.

Has anyone added a cooler? I'm looking mainly for a location. I'm also interested in quality cooler brands. I'm not used to accommodating sh*tty transmissions so I don't know anything about coolers. Thanks in advance.

 

[qcoffey]

I'd also be interested in this. I have just been doing drain and fills every oil change.

 

[flcruising]

I'd be interested too. There isn't much room to route the lines or permanently install the cooler; that's been my detractor. I've installed them on 2 previous vehicles, and the results were obvious. Stacked plate coolers are supposedly the most efficient, but I've used tube and fin with good results as well. Stay away from the push-thru zip ties they give you in the package, had to fix some condenser leaks because of 'em.

 

[mrwiggs]

Theres discussion online of adding specific coolers to 3's. Shouldn't be much different. I thought i read claims that the brown is wear products , not necessarily burnt up. Mine was really brown but not very burnt smelling at like 55k.

 

[Robotazky]

I'd be interested too. There isn't much room to route the lines or permanently install the cooler; that's been my detractor. I've installed them on 2 previous vehicles, and the results were obvious. Stacked plate coolers are supposedly the most efficient, but I've used tube and fin with good results as well. Stay away from the push-thru zip ties they give you in the package, had to fix some condenser leaks because of 'em.

So, to update, my Redline D4 came in(decided against M-V after more research) and I did a dump and fill without flushing. The shifting is already back where it should be if not better. But, I'm still looking for a cooler. If you look at our radiators, they're covered from the back, so no quick mount there. I'm currently eyeing the Flex-a-Lite 4190 but still haven't decided:

http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/html/remote-mount.html

 

[flcruising]

ATF coolers are installed in front of the a/c condenser, so removal of the front bumper would be required. But if you get one with it's own fan, it could technically be installed behind the engine.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I'm also very interested in a transmission cooler and am probably going the B&M route + Amsoil flush. The B&M cooler review seem to be quality product for not much more money, they go for about ~$60 shipped. My new used car has 55K on original fluid so I'm very tempted to do this now even though temps are frigid but this should also mean heat shouldn't be a great concern too, right?. I do feel the transmission is not as smooth as I'd like.

Thoughts on B&M and Amsoil? I've never used B&M products but do see they have a big name and seem to be quality products. I've used Amsoil ATF in my previous car and it was a noticeable improvement. What about an add-on auxiliary transmission oil filter, overkill? I would think this will essentially keep the OE filter truly lifetime...

Just not sure what size cooler "fits" best (other than bigger is better) to allow for a more permanent mount. 11"x6"x1-1/2" (deeper, 14000 BTU) or 11"x7-1/2"x3/4" (taller, 13000 BTU).

http://bmracing.com/?wpsc_product_category=transmission-engine-coolers

 

[Robotazky]

My only thought is that I want a fan running on the cooler whether the engine fan is running or not. Sitting still that cooler is useless. It's also easier to mount a cooler with a fan on it IMO.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I like the idea of a fan too but from what I gather they seem more appropriate for extreme conditions. I've read quite a few reviews and topics on transmission coolers and the air cooled ones seem to work well enough. The fan cooled ones run in the mid $200 but the BM ones have temp sensor that auto start when exceed 175 degree. Nice to have but necessary for my needs. Btw, you should search local Craigslist. Can find new generic ones for $20 but I rather get something more durable.

I also noticed the cheaper ones only seem to drop ~20 degrees while the better quality ones of the same size drop ~30. Air cooled is good enough for turbos and radiator so I can't see why it wouldn't be good enough. Regarding no movement, how often/long do you stay idle and are not moving, the purpose of a cooler is kinda moot. Just my .02 cents. I'm new to transmission coolers too.

 

[GParktc]

Anybody know which cooler lines are the output/return from the trans? Thinking about adding a cooler also, but at the least i'm gonna do an at home flush.

 

[Robotazky]

I like the idea of a fan too but from what I gather they seem more appropriate for extreme conditions. I've read quite a few reviews and topics on transmission coolers and the air cooled ones seem to work well enough. The fan cooled ones run in the mid $200 but the BM ones have temp sensor that auto start when exceed 175 degree. Nice to have but necessary for my needs. Btw, you should search local Craigslist. Can find new generic ones for $20 but I rather get something more durable.

I also noticed the cheaper ones only seem to drop ~20 degrees while the better quality ones of the same size drop ~30. Air cooled is good enough for turbos and radiator so I can't see why it wouldn't be good enough. Regarding no movement, how often/long do you stay idle and are not moving, the purpose of a cooler is kinda moot. Just my .02 cents. I'm new to transmission coolers too.

I found a highly rated fan cooled version for far less than $200. If I forget to find it and report back, please PM me.

 

[Robotazky]

So, Silent, I was totally wrong. Not surprising considering how neglected my 5 has been lately.

You are correct about the mid $200 range. I went back and did enough research to be reminded of which ones I've already looked at. I found the fan-driven Flex-a-Lites to be the best looking ones for the money.

I hope to try one when the temps warm up around here. As I get older, that freezing concrete floor looks more and more uninviting.

 

[flcruising]

Here you go, just add your own -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[JOE MAMA]

I've done a lot of lurking on the forums for quite sometime and have done various Google searches, but I don't see many Mazda5 transmission complaints. Are these trannys prone to failure? If so its defintely not very well documented.

Also, does anyone have any information/model number on the ATX transmission and has Mazda made any changes/revisions since the 2006 model year?

If Mazda thought they had weak transmissions, why don't they specify more frequent fluid changes or add a cooler? I know that you cannot judge the state of tranny fluid by looking at its colour and even the burnt smell method isn't all that reliable.

I'm not trying to play devils advocate, but I've seen few threads recently where there seems to be a lot of drama surrounding the M5 transmission, yet I see very little tranny problems documented on these forums and online...

I have a 2012 M5 and only have 32,000km on the odometer and obviously haven't had any problems. That said, I would like to ensure I complete as much preventative maintenance as possible to prevent transmission failure down the road. However, I have no desire to worry about the transmission if there is no reason to do so....can anyone provide credence to these claims? A few transmissions will fail with any manufacturer - what makes the M5 transmission worst?

 

[JOE MAMA]

I've done a lot of lurking on the forums for quite sometime and have done various Google searches, but I don't see many Mazda5 transmission complaints. Are these trannys prone to failure? If so its defintely not very well documented.

Also, does anyone have any information/model number on the ATX transmission and has Mazda made any changes/revisions since the 2006 model year?

If Mazda thought they had weak transmissions, why don't they specify more frequent fluid changes or add a cooler? I know that you cannot judge the state of tranny fluid by looking at its colour and even the burnt smell method isn't all that reliable.

I'm not trying to play devils advocate, but I've seen few threads recently where there seems to be a lot of drama surrounding the M5 transmission, yet I see very little tranny problems documented on these forums and online...

I have a 2012 M5 and only have 32,000km on the odometer and obviously haven't had any problems. That said, I would like to ensure I complete as much preventative maintenance as possible to prevent transmission failure down the road. However, I have no desire to worry about the transmission if there is no reason to do so....can anyone provide credence to these claims? A few transmissions will fail with any manufacturer - what makes the M5 transmission worst?

Never mind! I didn't realize that Mazda used a Ford transmission. There aren't many documented cases of tranny failure in the M5, but there is certainly more than enough online about other vehicles which share this transmission.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Here you go, just add your own -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

That's a great idea! I don't think I'll need it but something southerners can consider.

Never mind! I didn't realize that Mazda used a Ford transmission. There aren't many documented cases of tranny failure in the M5, but there is certainly more than enough online about other vehicles which share this transmission.

You won't hear many Mz5 transmission failures bc there aren't many Mz5 on the road. Of the small population of owners, an even smaller handful are actually on this forum, and a smaller subset who comes back regularly to post info.

Even on those who have reported issues, there's just too much missing details to get a complete picture. We don't know how the car was used/abused, if the PO or even dealer may drain/flush with the wrong fluid. Purely MHO but I think our concern is two fold: weight of the Mz5 (don't forget we tend to carry more passenger and cargo too!) and fluid that is suppose to be life-long.


I still haven't been able to narrown down the origin of the 5 speed auto. This is the closest I've come across.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1126159

 

[JOE MAMA]

That's a great idea! I don't think I'll need it but something southerners can consider.



You won't hear many Mz5 transmission failures bc there aren't many Mz5 on the road. Of the small population of owners, an even smaller handful are actually on this forum, and a smaller subset who comes back regularly to post info.

Even on those who have reported issues, there's just too much missing details to get a complete picture. We don't know how the car was used/abused, if the PO or even dealer may drain/flush with the wrong fluid. Purely MHO but I think our concern is two fold: weight of the Mz5 (don't forget we tend to carry more passenger and cargo too!) and fluid that is suppose to be life-long.


I still haven't been able to narrown down the origin of the 5 speed auto. This is the closest I've come across.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1126159

Thanks for the information - it makes sense. I have nothing specific against Ford, but its nice to know the FNR5 tranny is made by Mazda, although, it sounds like it has its troubles. I guess I need to check my fluid and will consider doing a drain and fill every year with maybe a filter change every other year. I will probably stick with the OEM Mazda fluid though.

 

[Secondtyme]

Now that I have my SG II programmed properly and reading Trans Temp, I am showing steady temps between 169-176 during my commute. My question is, what temp is the AT warning light set to go off at? Secondly, my 06 has the four speed auto, not the five speed, did this trans have the bad reputation as well? I'm not going to consider a trans cooler until the summer when i can gauge what happens to operating temps in the warmer months. If I can maintain sub-200 degree temps in summer I won't bother. I think i will switch to Redline fluid ASAP , just because though...

 

[mwcbu08]

I am very much interested by the SG2. Does anyone know how the OEM ATX cooler do in various conditions?

 

[Robotazky]

Now that I have my SG II programmed properly and reading Trans Temp, I am showing steady temps between 169-176 during my commute. My question is, what temp is the AT warning light set to go off at? Secondly, my 06 has the four speed auto, not the five speed, did this trans have the bad reputation as well? I'm not going to consider a trans cooler until the summer when i can gauge what happens to operating temps in the warmer months. If I can maintain sub-200 degree temps in summer I won't bother. I think i will switch to Redline fluid ASAP , just because though...

I am thinking it has to be very hot for the light to come on because I remember reading a thread years ago about someone saying the manual shift mode being disabled while they were driving quickly up mountain switchbacks, but I think he said the light did not come on.