I'm surprised that I couldn't find a thread on this which actually answers the questions I have about this basic maintenance technique. It's a simple question - How to properly measure the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level in my 2016 Mazda 3. The owners manual doesn't mention it. Below is what I did.
As best I can tell, it's showing a level well over the upper limit line. See the attached photo. I'm assuming that the two sideways lines in the dipstick near its middle are the upper an lower level markers. I've never had any maintenance performed on the transmission, such as adding or changing ATF since I bought the car new 25,000 ago. Why would it be showing a level so high?
In general, I've not had any issues with the transmission, other than over the past 3-4 months, I noticed 1 or 2 shifts which seemed a little odd, but nothing which would normally cause anyone concern. Is there some process that I'm supposed to go through which I didn't - like shift through all the gears while the engine is running? Some unusual warm up sequence? Should I not be inserting the dipstick all the way back in? Something else?
By the way, I've also got a 2017 MX-5 with 17,000 miles on it. I checked the ATF level in it using the same techniques and saw the exact same thing. If there is a known document or article which details the proper way to check the ATF on late model Mazdas, I'd appreciate it if someone could point me to it. The best I've been able to find so far generally say little more than find the dipstick, remove it, clean it, replace it, and check the level. No mention of proper vehicle warm up or where the upper or lower marks are on the dipstick. Bottom line here that for 2 out of 2 vehicles checked, the 'obvious' methods are producing generally unbelievable results.
Thank you - JV
- I warmed up the car by driving around the neighborhood.
- I found the dipstick.
- Removed the 10 mm bolt.
- Removed the dipstick.
- Cleaned it with a rag.
- Pushed it all the way in to the same level it would be when reinstalling it.
- Pulled it out and looked at it.
As best I can tell, it's showing a level well over the upper limit line. See the attached photo. I'm assuming that the two sideways lines in the dipstick near its middle are the upper an lower level markers. I've never had any maintenance performed on the transmission, such as adding or changing ATF since I bought the car new 25,000 ago. Why would it be showing a level so high?
In general, I've not had any issues with the transmission, other than over the past 3-4 months, I noticed 1 or 2 shifts which seemed a little odd, but nothing which would normally cause anyone concern. Is there some process that I'm supposed to go through which I didn't - like shift through all the gears while the engine is running? Some unusual warm up sequence? Should I not be inserting the dipstick all the way back in? Something else?
By the way, I've also got a 2017 MX-5 with 17,000 miles on it. I checked the ATF level in it using the same techniques and saw the exact same thing. If there is a known document or article which details the proper way to check the ATF on late model Mazdas, I'd appreciate it if someone could point me to it. The best I've been able to find so far generally say little more than find the dipstick, remove it, clean it, replace it, and check the level. No mention of proper vehicle warm up or where the upper or lower marks are on the dipstick. Bottom line here that for 2 out of 2 vehicles checked, the 'obvious' methods are producing generally unbelievable results.
Thank you - JV