Transmission Pan Gasket replace

[LexustoMazda]

Hi folks, newbie here.

I just recently purchased 2008 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD that have 48K miles and when i did the pre-buyer's inspection, the mechanic said that they found a leak in the transmission pan gasket and recommend to replace it. They offer me to replace the gasket and the fluids for 250 bucks. I called Mazda dealerships and they said that thing aren't covered under warranty, some also quote me for 600 bucks because they said they need to open the transmission and work on that,etc etc.

So, i just wondering is it worth it to let them replace the transmission pan gasket for 250 bucks? I read on mazda website and found nothing about transmission pan gasket, so i also confused why that thing doesn't include in the power train warranty?

Really appreciate your reply guys.

 

[LexustoMazda]

Is it a common issue in Mazda CX-9 for leaking in the transmission pan gasket?

 

[ceric]

LexusToMazda,
Is it a common issue in Lexus for leaking in the transmission pan gasket?
Your answer is THE answer because CX9's transmission is from Aisin who supplies transmission to Lexus as well as all Toyota.
In fact, Aisin is owned by Toyota Corp.

That said, no. It is not a common issue, just like it is not a common issue on Lexus as well.
Gasket could be defected or previous owner did something to it. No way of knowing.

Usually, transmission gasket is part of a kit you can buy if you DIY transmission fluid.
Drain and replace transmission fluid is a $120 job at my local Mazda.
I won't pay more than $250 including fixing the gasket.
But, that is just my two cents.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

I find it odd that a used car doesn't come with a short 90 day warranty. How long after you bought it did they find the leak? If they found during the prebuyer's inspection, then why did you buy it without having them fix it? Just curious.

 

[LexustoMazda]

LexusToMazda,
Is it a common issue in Lexus for leaking in the transmission pan gasket?
Your answer is THE answer because CX9's transmission is from Aisin who supplies transmission to Lexus as well as all Toyota.
In fact, Aisin is owned by Toyota Corp.

That said, no. It is not a common issue, just like it is not a common issue on Lexus as well.
Gasket could be defected or previous owner did something to it. No way of knowing.

Usually, transmission gasket is part of a kit you can buy if you DIY transmission fluid.
Drain and replace transmission fluid is a $120 job at my local Mazda.
I won't pay more than $250 including fixing the gasket.
But, that is just my two cents.

Thanks for your reply. So, if i did the transmission flush and changes the fluid & the gasket as well, i didn't have to do the transmission service in the near future right? Apparently local Mazda dealers in Washington are charging too much for it

 

[LexustoMazda]

I find it odd that a used car doesn't come with a short 90 day warranty. How long after you bought it did they find the leak? If they found during the prebuyer's inspection, then why did you buy it without having them fix it? Just curious.

I bought it from a private owner so dirt cheap, and i feel bad because she's getting a divorce, so i don't want to make her to pay for the repair.

 

[danz75]

Shouldn't this be covered under the powertrain warranty which is 60K mi or 60 months? it's not like gaskets are a consummable item that requires frequent replacement. I've always understood that any components in the powertrain apart from oil, filters are always covered under the powertrain warr. My honda accord at 4 yrs 38k had the valve cover gasket fail. honda replaced the gasket and cleaned it up under the powertrain warr with no questions asked. Mazda should be able to tell if the transmission pan has ever been removed or tampered with and if not, i don't see why it wouldnt' fall under the warranty.

At 48K mi, i doubt that the transmission pan has ever been removed unless there was work done to the transmission. How's the tranny fluid?

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Did you go back to her dealer? Maybe they can help? Unfortunately not everyone maybe as thoughtful as you. It's business and quite honestly who knows if she accidentally damaged the pan going over a curb or over some other obstruction? Or if she ever brought it for scheduled service. Tricky situation. Maybe if you spoke to the service manager at the place you plan on using for service and appeal to his business sense. If he knows you'll be a loyal customer he may split the difference with you or even repair it under warranty. Doesn't matter if the warranty is 5/60, the condition and history of the car also come into question and any dealer can reject warranty claims, if they feel something is not right. Mazda looks at every warranty claim and WILL charge the costs back to the dealer if they feel that it was a bogus claim. It happened to me when I tried to get my MS3 shift knob replaced due to pitting at 20K. The dealer was great about replacing it, but Mazda said that the part was within their tolerances, so the dealer got charged back $220. So the dealer is looking out for their bottom line as well (They need to, otherwise they will suiffer finanacially). The fact that the cx-9 doesn't have a history of tranny issues also works against you.

 

[ceric]

I just found a transmission maintenance kit on eBay for $20 including a filter and gasket
for CX9. Ideally, mechanic should replace the gasket, filter and clean up the magnets when
flushing transmission fluid. Ask the mechanic who will provide the service to make sure if he
does that.

I personally prefer transmission flush every 30K or so, but
others might disagree. It is up to you.

 

[LexustoMazda]

Shouldn't this be covered under the powertrain warranty which is 60K mi or 60 months? it's not like gaskets are a consummable item that requires frequent replacement. I've always understood that any components in the powertrain apart from oil, filters are always covered under the powertrain warr. My honda accord at 4 yrs 38k had the valve cover gasket fail. honda replaced the gasket and cleaned it up under the powertrain warr with no questions asked. Mazda should be able to tell if the transmission pan has ever been removed or tampered with and if not, i don't see why it wouldnt' fall under the warranty.

At 48K mi, i doubt that the transmission pan has ever been removed unless there was work done to the transmission. How's the tranny fluid?

yea i thought it suppose to be covered under warranty, but when i call them to ask about the gasket replacement, they said that item won't covered under warranty. I also read in the manual book and it never says specifically about transmission pan gasket are under warranty, so the dealer could rely on that.

 

[LexustoMazda]

Actually there is no issues at all with the transmission, the car drives smooth as it suppose to. I think the dealerships want to charge me because they need to change the fluids, filters, and labors as well. So, they apparently won't do it free for me.

 

[danz75]

Which Mazda dealer in Seattle did you try? There are quite a few around here so I would try another dealer if possible. You should be able to tell where the previous owner bought the vehicle if you still have the sticker or I believe by signing up for the "My Mazda" account. I still think that the gasket should be covered under the 5/60 warranty especially if there's no evidence that it's been tampered with or any self induced damage. Naturally, the ATF would be your responsiblity.

 

[LexustoMazda]

Which Mazda dealer in Seattle did you try? There are quite a few around here so I would try another dealer if possible. You should be able to tell where the previous owner bought the vehicle if you still have the sticker or I believe by signing up for the "My Mazda" account. I still think that the gasket should be covered under the 5/60 warranty especially if there's no evidence that it's been tampered with or any self induced damage. Naturally, the ATF would be your responsiblity.

i went to ask Lee Johnson Mazda at kirkland, Doug's lynnwood mazda, and University Mazda. They said that the part won't be covered under warranty. Well for transmission fluid change, i recall they would charge me around 250ish, and even lee johnson would charge me around 600 bucks to replace the gasket as well. Thanks to that i'll go to my own mechanic to get it done tomorrow. Because this is a used car, i didn't know whether the previous owner made a damage on that part or not, even though she didn't made a damage, i'm not sure if the dealer would charge me nothing on the service though.

 

[ceric]

I am sure your indie shop can order the gasket/filter kit and replace the transmission fluid for you in the same time.
It is always a good idea to replace all common fluid when you get an used vehicle unless you have all the maintenance records before you.

 

[LexustoMazda]

I already did the gasket replacement today and transmission fluid flush as well. The total was $184.79, much better than the estimates from the dealerships

 

[ceric]

I already did the gasket replacement today and transmission fluid flush as well. The total was $184.79, much better than the estimates from the dealerships

That sounds about right to me.
Transmission fluid flush costs about $120 at my local Mazda dealer.
$60 is reasonable for dealing with the gasket, parts and labor.
Did your indie shop replace the filter?

 

[LexustoMazda]

That sounds about right to me.
Transmission fluid flush costs about $120 at my local Mazda dealer.
$60 is reasonable for dealing with the gasket, parts and labor.
Did your indie shop replace the filter?

I think that includes all of it. Does the filter is necessary to be replaced when we did the transmission flush?

 

[WilCX9]

when you open the tranny you should change the filter, everytime, and the gasket also if there is one. I have done this on other vehicles, i is a messy job unless you have a drain plug on the pan, and you must be careful not to overtight the bolts because you can easily strip the threads.

 

[kornholio]

Did your mechanic use the mazda fluid or toyota t4. If not you might have problems down the road with the tranny. If you go into a mazda dealer the service advisor usually has an application chart of all the fluids for their cars. When i went the advisor stepped out and i started to check the fluid for the 9 and it says either mazda or t4.

 

[LexustoMazda]

^ I recall the mechanic used castrol fluid to replace it. He says that it is the same with Mazda genuine fluid but in different packaging and bottles. I don't know whether his statement is true or not, but i have a warranty for the job like 12 months or 12000 miles, so i should be ok.