Thanks to this forum, I just completed 2 drain/fill 's on my 16' Mazda 3 (58,000 miles). Observations:
-fluid was black (looked like motor oil), no burnt smell
-dipstick access: easy from above. I removed the entire box assembly and then reconnected the top part (roof of the box) to the air intake hose with the sensor attached. This is easily moved out of the way so that you can reach down for the dipstick. It also allows you to run the can when checking the level.
-The first drain I had the entire car off of the ground and level. Drained 3.7 quarts. I cooled the drained fluid to room temp and refilled the exact amount. Level was low (temp 50C, running) by 0.3 qt (I used all of the the 4 qt's I bought).
-The second drain/fill I performed with only the front of the car off of the ground (lazy). Drained 3.3 qt. Equalized the temp of the the drain/new fluid and refilled same amount . Fluid level was perfect (all 4 wheels back on the ground).
-Regarding ATF temp, I used Forscan connected via OBDLink EX Forscan OBD Adapter. Purchased an extended license since family has 2 Mazda's that we keep forever (and I'm eyeing the new Bronco). ATF temp is displayed in real time...check level when it hits 50C.
-biggest pain of the job is the huge plastic shrouding underneath.
-OEM Mazda FZ ATF is made by Idemitsu (says so on the back of the bottle). Interesting that they don't have their own FZ product (probably not allowed to by Mazda). Here's hoping that someday they offer their one for less money.
All in all, it was a very worthwhile project. The lifetime claim is laughable, besides the tranny was underfilled from the factory. After 2 fills, the fluid on the dipstick looked clear and clean. Shifting is back to being silky smooth.
Thx to all who contributed to this very helpful thread!
RB