When should I check or change transmission fluid?

i say check it every time you change engine oil and replace it every 30k miles.
that's what presumably the manual says (my 02 manual doesn't list it at all) but i don't know if it also means we should flush out the cooler or just the tranny pan.
 
Well, I couldn't find the same topic in my manual either, it doesn't tell when I should check for it or have it changed.
 
I don't know why it isn't in our manual, either. However, other Mazdas are recommended at 30k intervals... I see no reason this should be different.
 
don't remember who it was on here but it was in another "tranny oil" thread that they said that their manual has it listed. i don't know whats going. i am 55k and i never changed the fluid in my tranny since the manual didn't list it and i didn't know. my finals are next week so i am going to go and do it right after that. mazda is going to be hearing from me if my tranny goes early.

this is an email i got from them couple of weeks ago:

In regard to your inquiry, Mazda recommends replacing the transmission
fluid every 30,000 miles. Mazda recommends using ATF M-III or
equivalent, such as DEXRON III. Mazda does not test any of our vehicles
using synthetic fluids. As such, we do not recommend the use of
synthetic fluids.

then i got this:

In is stated in your Owner's Manual to have the transmission fluid
inspected, and the dealership will top it off if necessary. However, it
is recommended to have your fluid replaced every 30,000 miles on top of
the normal inspections.

then i got this:

First of all, I apologize for any miscommunication. Mazda Corporate
only recommends regular inspections of the Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF) as the owners manual states. Replacing or topping off of the
fluid should only be done when needed (ie: low fluid or burnt/dark
fluid).


they keep saying it is stated so in the manual when in fact it does not mention ATX in the maintenance schedule at all. Mazda -> (chair) <-Me
 
Last edited:
it IS in the manual. it doesnt go on into detail and talk about it, but if you look at the graph that shows recommended services (im at work, cant get page number), it has an 'R' (replace) in the transmission fluid slot at 30,000 miles. i will try to get a page number after work.
 
Any one using synthetic ATF?
and how many qts is the change for a sports Automatic ATF change?
Is it easy to do and the plug easy to find?
 
protejay5 said:
it IS in the manual. it doesnt go on into detail and talk about it, but if you look at the graph that shows recommended services (im at work, cant get page number), it has an 'R' (replace) in the transmission fluid slot at 30,000 miles. i will try to get a page number after work.
Click to expand...
Betcha fifty cents it isn't. Unless your manual is different from mine -- it makes no mention of ATF fluid.
 
Anyone at all using Synthetic Transmission Fluid. My 2003 P5 is soon due for its service and I wanted to know.

In my 91 CRX (yeah I know, I just can't let go), I use synthetic tranny oil (5W30 Motor Oil) and it makes a world of difference. There is no hesitation or stiffness in the transmission when starting the car up in -20c weather.
 
3.5 year bump...
I had my car in the shop for an oil change today (a little over 60,000 miles). I thought the transmission fluid on my automatic would need to be changed as well, but like the others in this thread I could find no schedule for doing so in the manual. The individuals at the shop found nothing in their computers about doing it either. Can anyone help me out?
 
marsean said:
3.5 year bump...
I had my car in the shop for an oil change today (a little over 60,000 miles). I thought the transmission fluid on my automatic would need to be changed as well, but like the others in this thread I could find no schedule for doing so in the manual. The individuals at the shop found nothing in their computers about doing it either. Can anyone help me out?
Click to expand...

change it anyways for a peice of mind!
 
30k or 60k if using synthetic like AMSOIL. Have had AMSOIL for about 40k now & it looks/feels same as the new s*** in the bottle. Adding an atf cooler will extend fluid life & tranny life due to temp reduction. Best thing you can do for the tranny, the fluid, your peace of mind & your wallet.
 
I know the Protege5 & Mazda5's are different, but I had the same question when we purchased a Mazda5, it replaced a cars that tranny failed. Here's the response I got from Mazda.

Thanks for contacting Mazda. I apologize for the delay in response to your email. We appreciate your patience.

There is no recommended interval for replacing the transmission fluid. However, you do need to get it inspected regularly and at the time of inspection, that will determine when to get it replaced.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda.

Regards, Bernadette W.
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

so I think the 30k would be safe. and Amsoil is a nice product, run it for most of the fluids in my truck.
 
I replaced my factory fluid with Red Line synthetic right at 30K miles. I added an additional transmission cooler (after the fluid goes through the factory cooler) around 52K miles or so. Coming up on 60K now and I'm still planning on replacing the fluid with more synthetic. Might even throw in a Lentech valve body to further reduce wear/heat.

And FYI, Lentech sells the filter for $19 or so.
 
I just barely did my tranny fluid flush at 90k miles. I used the regular oil. I'm wondering if I should have used synthetic. oh well, I can wait till later :)
 
joneb4evr said:
I just barely did my tranny fluid flush at 90k miles. I used the regular oil. I'm wondering if I should have used synthetic. oh well, I can wait till later :)
Click to expand...
LOL, at 90k your car is lovin ya for just gettin fresh anything in there. These seem to be delicate trannys so I'm erring on the side of safety as much as possible.
 
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