Traded in for a Mazda3 Skyactiv

[5for3]

Hello,

Yesterday I traded my Mazda5 in for a Mazda3 Hatchback with the Skyactiv powertrain with automatic transmission. The main reason for the change is because my 5 was starting to have an issue with the transmission, second reason was to get the great mpg's from the Skyactiv system. Already put 200 miles on the 3 by doing a road trip to Orange County, incredible machine this Mazda3 Skyactiv. So smooth and peppy, I feel like I am driving a luxury sport car. Another winner from Mazda!
About the transmission issue with the 5. I had the fluid changed at 36,000 miles and it had 57,500 when I traded it in yesterday. The thing is, when I was at a complete stop, it would suddenly "clunk" like it down shifted rough as I was idiling at a red light. It felt like someone taped my rear bumper with their car. Then as I began to drive away it would all of a sudden not a accelerate, like it was in neutral, then it clunked again and I could drive normal. This issue happened like four or five times. The Mazda dealer could not find any problems, and said it was operating normal and the fluid looked good.

 

[Robotazky]

Hello,

Yesterday I traded my Mazda5 in for a Mazda3 Hatchback with the Skyactiv powertrain with automatic transmission. The main reason for the change is because my 5 was starting to have an issue with the transmission, second reason was to get the great mpg's from the Skyactiv system. Already put 200 miles on the 3 by doing a road trip to Orange County, incredible machine this Mazda3 Skyactiv. So smooth and peppy, I feel like I am driving a luxury sport car. Another winner from Mazda!
About the transmission issue with the 5. I had the fluid changed at 36,000 miles and it had 57,500 when I traded it in yesterday. The thing is, when I was at a complete stop, it would suddenly "clunk" like it down shifted rough as I was idiling at a red light. It felt like someone taped my rear bumper with their car. Then as I began to drive away it would all of a sudden not a accelerate, like it was in neutral, then it clunked again and I could drive normal. This issue happened like four or five times. The Mazda dealer could not find any problems, and said it was operating normal and the fluid looked good.

Congrats!

I worry about the tranny on mine. It's fine, but we hear a lot of issues around here. There's no question they feel weak and burn their fluid quickly.

 

[mazdadude]

Congrats!

I worry about the tranny on mine. It's fine, but we hear a lot of issues around here. There's no question they feel weak and burn their fluid quickly.

Agreed, it is probably the #1 thing I am concerned about on this vehicle at this time. Even though it has been changed, and flushed several times... Fluid gives up quicker than any other vehicle I have had so far, and once in a great while I will have an odd feeling, or harder than normal shift.

 

[markuszoom5]

Well here is my 2 cents

Agreed, it is probably the #1 thing I am concerned about on this vehicle at this time. Even though it has been changed, and flushed several times... Fluid gives up quicker than any other vehicle I have had so far, and once in a great while I will have an odd feeling, or harder than normal shift.

I have a 2010 MZ5 Sport with 26k miles on it now. I bought it brand new, and now it's 2 yrs. old. Well, so far I changed both rear shocks under warranty and replaced tires @ 25,000 miles. Here is the thing. I also have the extended 5yr/60,000 miles warranty. My dealer so far has not mentioned any service regarding ATF. So, I feel like I should not bother changing it or worry about it deteriorating if Mazda does not mention anything about it in the manual. I wonder if actually messing with it and changing it did something to your transmission. I used to change ATF on other cars. Not sure about this one. I guess I will have to see. By the way, if you had AT problems with the 5, why did you get another Mazda. Why not get a different brand? I had a VW, bought it brand new, and it ruined my taste for german cars. So if the Mazda craps out on me after 5 years, I say never again. Otherwise, I would buy another one. So I guess we will see.

 

[torquelover]

Is the 2012 trans the same? I imagine so. What fluid change interval seems to be safe for these?

 

[Robotazky]

Is the 2012 trans the same? I imagine so. What fluid change interval seems to be safe for these?

I'll defer the answer to the next guy, but if they are the same, that's kinda scary considering you've got more torque.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I'll defer the answer to the next guy, but if they are the same, that's kinda scary considering you've got more torque.

My best guess is yes. What ATF is required for +'12? This should guide you to an answer.

 

[Orangutan]

It's the same 5AT as the 2008-2010 model. The manual says to use "Mazda Genuine ATF M-V". I had mine changed at 18k and I'm going to get it checked out again soon.