ATF Question

[sethro_GT]

I'm at 42k and just bought a wix filter kit to change it. Was going to use Mazda fluid (it is not the same as mercon V, see the TSB) but found that the local mazda dealer (which is lame) uses Mercon, they don't even stock OEM fluid. So now I'm looking to use a full synthetic, probably mobil 1 since it is easy to get and fairly cheap.

[hagow_boy]

Went in for my 56,000 Kms minor service and did the automatic transmission flush. I didn't ask if it was dirty or not. I just figured 56,000 Kms was a decent time to do it since it has not been done for 3 years since I bought the car new.

$160 Cdn. before tax.
Breakdown :
$69 for labour
$52 for ATF-M5 fluid (FP #0000-23-ATF-M5) - Quantity 8 (Ltr/Qts ??)
$39 for FP # JB-500P - Pump ???

[fireman1867]

TSB? Do you have a link?

[sethro_GT]

I posted one somewhere on here, I'll look for it. I have it saved too.

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

$39 for FP # JB-500P - Pump ???

Sounds like the filter kit.

[reMarkable]

I'd like to know if anyone is still on their original ATF fluid past 30k. I've got 43k on my 08and haven't done it yet. I'm thinking about doing it soon, as I think "lifetime" fluid is a bit of bad joke.

I've gone 63k and since it wasn't on the maintenance schedule - completely forgot about it until the garage mentioned it! Now I'll have it done immediately.

Thanks,
Mark

[flcruising]

I've now made it a habit of draining the ATF from the pan @ each oil change. I get about 3 quarts out each time.

[Robotaz]

Just ask for Mazda Type M5 and don't worry about Ms and Vs any more. It is not compatible with any other OEM fluid, other than possibly the Ford fluid people are quoting.

[flcruising]

Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic ATF for me.

[LittleRedWagon5]

Just did the 30K on my wifes' 5 yesterdsay. new PS synthetic Honda P/S fluid , coolant and Trans. flush. The trans fluid was nasty @ 30K, very dark and dirty. I ran 12 qts of dex 3 through it through the flush machine then drained it and filled with synthetic Valvoline MV ATF. Shifts are cleaner and my wife says its "more peppy"

[bootman]

I have almost 40K on my 09 and it still looks good.
"lifetime" fluid is not really that much of a joke on a "closed" system. (no filter replacement)

That said, I would change it at around 60K (or sooner) if it looked bad.
It really depends on the environment the car is driven in.

[flcruising]

Just because the filter is inside the pan like 90% of the other vehicles on the road doesn't mean that the fluid is lifetime. Mazda was nice enough to at least put a drain plug on the pan - that says something to me. Takes only about another 3 minutes to drain some out and refill. With this method, I doubt I'll ever flush the system. The wife's '08 has only 25k, and I'd never consider going 60k on the fluid based on it's color alone. About 60% of that is highway.

[Gil Elvgren]

Does anyone run with an aftermarket Transmission Cooler on their 5? I know a cooler is usually included when a vehicle is setup for towing (which the 5 is not) so it also helps keep the fluid cooler when not towing. Cooler means better fluid.

I am thinking about putting a hitch - Curt Manufactoring - Part No. 11338 to be exact - for a bike rack only (no trailer wiring). And I will be running a top rack with the medium carrier on vacations and such, hopefully, not both at the same time but you never know. I have been quoted $325 installed by the local Transmission shop but it was a quote off the top of his head as he said he has never installed a cooler on a Mazda 5 before.

I saw the How-To on upgrading the horn on this forum and thought that I could handle removing the front bumper myself as in the horn upgrade then I could run it over to the Transmisson shop for the cooler install - saving them the time and me the expense for them to remove the front bumper. They just attach the cooler in front of the radiator, run the hoses, flush the system and add new ATF hopefully for alot less than $350. The coolers run from $50 - $100.

[flcruising]

Here's what we discussed last year - http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showt...mission-cooler

I never got around to installing one.

[AO928]

Does anyone run with an aftermarket Transmission Cooler on their 5? I know a cooler is usually included when a vehicle is setup for towing (which the 5 is not) so it also helps keep the fluid cooler when not towing. Cooler means better fluid.

I generally disagree with that statement. Proper operating temperature is better. Too cool or too hot leads to problems.

[flcruising]

...Too cool or too hot leads to problems.

I believe the too hot statement, but show me evidence that transmissions certainly fail because it they run too cool. It's my belief and understanding that as long as the stock cooler is used to help bring the operating temperature up enough for the fluid to flow and trans to shift properly, then you won't suffer any damage from cooling the fluid to 150* instead of 195*. After running an auxiliary cooler for nearly 200k miles, I was sold in the first 30k since the life of the fluid was greatly extended.