Transmission Fluid

[WildEmu]

The transmission fluid in my 3 has a slight burnt smell, just wondering whether this is something I should get checked out right away (i.e. serious problem) or does it just mean that I should change the transmission fluid soon or whether this is nothing to worry about.

BTW, my 3 is an auto.

Thanks

[dentinger]

how many km's?

[b]

I changed mine at 92000km. I have a 5spd tho.

[WildEmu]

just over 65,000km.

The weird thing is that I had the 64Km service done (Avante) and on the chart listing what the technician checked, it indicates that the fluid was ok and nothing was said about this.

However, I brought my car into another dealership (Agincourt, formally Morningside) yesterday for a rust proofing check, that's when a technician brought this up to me.

[Fuman]

i changed mine at 40,000. MOT said it was dangerous if I didnt change it. I've no idea how it got so dirty but I changed it at that time.

[eguiyab]

I just changed mine yesterday at MOT about 80000. Feels a bit peppier and smoother.
I thought the average was every 80000???

[JPAV8S4U]

My car is at 30,000... was at mot and they told me to replace the fluid.... as it is dark... I have an auto... Is this normal??

[Cardinal Fang]

I talked to a service rep at M.O.T. when my car was in last about this very thing. Typically they like to inspect the transmission fluid at approx 80,000 kms. I should read the owners manual to see if they confirm this as well. If they find the oil to be dirty they replace it. However, they did note that all cars are different and then some cars may require the change to be earlier than 80,000 kms.

I assumed that the manual tx cars would have an earlier change than the autos. Some of you guys have changed it really early and now you're begininng to freak me out.

[WildEmu]

I brought this up because on one hand, the Avante people checked it and said it was no problem (per the inspection report I got) but the Agincourt guy said that I should consider changing it.

When he pulled out the dipstick, the fluid looked clean (at least to me), it just had a slight burning smell

[Fuman]

I brought this up because on one hand, the Avante people checked it and said it was no problem (per the inspection report I got) but the Agincourt guy said that I should consider changing it.

When he pulled out the dipstick, the fluid looked clean (at least to me), it just had a slight burning smell

Just buy some oil at MOT (since we get discount), and go to a shop and have them do a drain and file. Our cars do have a transmission fluid filter. If you do a drain and fill you will not have to replace the filter. At high mileage you are suppose to do the proper flush (i.e. change the filter). This is with respect to the auto tranny. This may or may not apply to manuals, can someone please confirm.

edit: Transmission fluid filter applies to Auto only. (corrected by _3)

[RedRaptor]

The fluid should look red. I had my ATF changed at 48,000km after reading through the threads over at M3F where a few guys changed their ATF out after 20,000 miles and it was pure black already.

I got mine done at Avante Mazda and was able to bring in my own ATF (Mobil 1 synthetic).

One of those preventive maintainance things.

[CoolColombian]

I had my 48k service yesterday and the service rep told me I needed to get this done too, she said the fluid was dark and needed to be replace, I told her not.

But I think I know what to do now.

[chinsterr]

I had mine replaced at 48000KM at Avante.

I checked it early this week and its darker than it was before (not completely black, but it did have traces of it).

I'm now at 71000km

[Flagrum_3]

Just buy some oil at MOT (since we get discount), and go to a shop and have them do a drain and file. Our cars do have a transmission fluid filter. If you do a drain and fill you will not have to replace the filter. At high mileage you are suppose to do the proper flush (i.e. change the filter). This is with respect to the auto tranny. This may or may not apply to manuals, can someone please confirm.

The manual transmission does not use a filter...And it is only recommended to check the level periodically and change with fresh gear-oil at 90k.

As for the auto tranny, If you plan on changing the fluid; I would strongly suggest, (especially if its the first change) to change out the filter and flush completely, otherwise all that new fresh fluid will only get contaminated immediately by whats caught in the filter....According to the manual; no fluid change is needed on the auto tranny, ever , unless there is reason to suspect a problem...On a brand new tranny, the fluid can only get contaminated by metal filings or water, these things are noticeable by inspection i.e; light pink fluid colour means water contamnation, dark brown colour with a burnt smell can mean metal filing contamination, normal color would be a dark red with no smell.


_3


.

[FLIPDADY]

A lot of cars these days use oil strainers instead of filters. So instead of replacing them like you use to you would just clean it.

[baymoe]

I went to Partsource and took a look at the Lucas and Castrol gear oil 75w-90. Is anyone running these oil in the manual 3?

[toyman]

Go with Redline MT90.

[zap50]

The transmission fluid in my 3 has a slight burnt smell, just wondering whether this is something I should get checked out right away (i.e. serious problem) or does it just mean that I should change the transmission fluid soon or whether this is nothing to worry about.

BTW, my 3 is an auto.

Thanks

I would get it changed ASAP ...burnt is not good...

[pinoy_eh]

I flushed mine twice at 41k kms. and did it by myself using Esso Mercon-V. I was reading the manual and it says not to overfill the transmission fluid. My questions are:

1. What are the ill-effects of overfilling the transmission with ATF ?
2. How many months or kms. will I notice the ill-effects after overfilling ?
3. What will there be a noticeable change in the transmissions performance after overfilling it ?

Thanks for the inputs.

[mazda lover]

When checking the fluid level on an auto transmission should the engine be running, manual does not say, I assume it needs to be running, but just checking...
Thanks

[OILm.ca]

Change fluid
Add Magnefine filter and sleep well ... :)

Just go with good tranny fluid like Amsoil, Redline or Motul... :)

Mercon V is not correct fluid for Mazda ...

Amsoil says that is compatible with MV Mazda fluid ..
Redline or Motul I don't know for obvious reason... But you can look in to it

[Fuman]

When checking the fluid level on an auto transmission should the engine be running, manual does not say, I assume it needs to be running, but just checking...
Thanks

don't think so. i check mine after i leave the car off for a while.

[Flagrum_3]

Recheck your manual guys.It does state exactly how and when to check your fluid and the engine MUST BE running.


_3

[stock3]

I use Castrol Multi-Vehicle import ATF, it meets Mazda M-V requirement and is a much cheaper alternative than the synthetics if you plan on changing the fluid about every 40-50k KM. A 5L jug at Walmart is about 23 bucks.\

As for checking the ATF level, the engine must be running, otherwise the dipstick will show too much fluid. So if the fluid is at MAX when engine is not running, the fluid level is in fact too low.

[Fuman]

Recheck your manual guys.It does state exactly how and when to check your fluid and the engine MUST BE running.


_3

thanks

[TheMAN]

The manual transmission does not use a filter...And it is only recommended to check the level periodically and change with fresh gear-oil at 90k.

As for the auto tranny, If you plan on changing the fluid; I would strongly suggest, (especially if its the first change) to change out the filter and flush completely, otherwise all that new fresh fluid will only get contaminated immediately by whats caught in the filter....According to the manual; no fluid change is needed on the auto tranny, ever , unless there is reason to suspect a problem...On a brand new tranny, the fluid can only get contaminated by metal filings or water, these things are noticeable by inspection i.e; light pink fluid colour means water contamnation, dark brown colour with a burnt smell can mean metal filing contamination, normal color would be a dark red with no smell.


_3


.
this thread is about automatics, so let's not talk about manuals and confuse people ;)

forget what the manual recommends... all of the european makers said the same thing and there's quite a few angry owners with blown transmissions after 160k

fact of the matter is, the clutch packs (yes, automatics DO have clutches) wear and the worn material starts floating around in the fluid... while the filter traps most of that stuff out, you should never depend solely on it as something that makes it through will jam up the valve body or servos... also, the additive packages in the fluid breaks down over time and that also increases wear on the transmission

so, the general rule of thumb is to replace the ATF every 48k (or 50k if you want a nice round number) RELIGIOUSLY and your transmission will last a long time... this is especially important since ford transmissions (yes, our cars uses a ford tranny) are particularly sensitive to lack of maintenance

drain and fill is OK if you're just putting in the cheap Type M-V fluid
but if you are going to switch to a nice expensive synthetic, then you WILL need to flush it

if you have been a cheap bastard and neglected your transmission and now have high miles on your car, you can risk yourself a drain and fill, but do NOT flush it because the crap that's in the fluid is acting as friction material that's keeping your transmission from slipping... you flush it and a week down the road, your transmission is toast!

[Flagrum_3]

this thread is about automatics, so let's not talk about manuals and confuse people ;)

forget what the manual recommends... all of the european makers said the same thing and there's quite a few angry owners with blown transmissions after 160k

fact of the matter is, the clutch packs (yes, automatics DO have clutches) wear and the worn material starts floating around in the fluid... while the filter traps most of that stuff out, you should never depend solely on it as something that makes it through will jam up the valve body or servos... also, the additive packages in the fluid breaks down over time and that also increases wear on the transmission

so, the general rule of thumb is to replace the ATF every 48k (or 50k if you want a nice round number) RELIGIOUSLY and your transmission will last a long time... this is especially important since ford transmissions (yes, our cars uses a ford tranny) are particularly sensitive to lack of maintenance

drain and fill is OK if you're just putting in the cheap Type M-V fluid
but if you are going to switch to a nice expensive synthetic, then you WILL need to flush it

if you have been a cheap bastard and neglected your transmission and now have high miles on your car, you can risk yourself a drain and fill, but do NOT flush it because the crap that's in the fluid is acting as friction material that's keeping your transmission from slipping... you flush it and a week down the road, your transmission is toast!

Excuse Me!? I was answering a question by another poster, thank-you.

Forget the manual? I don't think so....but some of what you say makes sense....Please notice I mentioned to check the fluid and how to check for several symptoms.

I personally do not believe replacement is necessary every 48k that's getting a little anal.I've had several autos in my life all lasted into the 300k's without issues....Best bet is to change out the oem fluid at an early mileage,... change, meaning a complete flush and fill with a quality fluid (preferably synthetic).The extra cost spent early should pay huge dividends i.e; problem free driving for many years...Ofcourse periodical checks of the level and more importantly 'fluid condition' is needed afterwards.


_3

[TheMAN]

oh boy, here we go again... 5W20 motor oil thread anyone? :rolleyes:
if you followed the manual religiously as if your life is in a crisis if you don't, you might not like what happens to your car years from now once it racks up the miles... it's OK to think outside of the box! I'm also very well experienced with most auto maker's new "recommended" service intervals and I have seen all sorts of problems caused by it... generally speaking, the traditional intervals might be a "waste of money" or "rip off" or "overkill", but it's cheap insurance! you have to just make educated decisions on what to do and what not to do instead of just blindly following what someone/something tells you because every kind of car is different

48k is NOT anal... just "checking the fluid" is not good enough... just like engine oil, ATF breaks down too... I'm well experienced with these ford transmissions and not being "anal" about your fluid change usually results in epic fail.... just about every garage out there will give you a 48k ATF change interval and even if you feel it is too soon, who cares? it's cheap insurance! you DON'T have to flush it, just drain and fill and you're good for another 48k!

and just because it's synthetic, it doesn't mean it'll last forever... but with synthetic though, you're probably good for 160k if its the good stuff

[Flagrum_3]

oh boy, here we go again... 5W20 motor oil thread anyone? :rolleyes:
if you followed the manual religiously as if your life is in a crisis if you don't, you might not like what happens to your car years from now once it racks up the miles... it's OK to think outside of the box! I'm also very well experienced with most auto maker's new "recommended" service intervals and I have seen all sorts of problems caused by it... generally speaking, the traditional intervals might be a "waste of money" or "rip off" or "overkill", but it's cheap insurance! you have to just make educated decisions on what to do and what not to do instead of just blindly following what someone/something tells you because every kind of car is different

48k is NOT anal... just "checking the fluid" is not good enough... just like engine oil, ATF breaks down too... I'm well experienced with these ford transmissions and not being "anal" about your fluid change usually results in epic fail.... just about every garage out there will give you a 48k ATF change interval and even if you feel it is too soon, who cares? it's cheap insurance! you DON'T have to flush it, just drain and fill and you're good for another 48k!

and just because it's synthetic, it doesn't mean it'll last forever... but with synthetic though, you're probably good for 160k if its the good stuff

I think you misunderstand my point...again, Same as in the 5w-20 thread!!...I never suggested following the Owner's manual 'Religiously' I just would not ignore it, as you suggest!...Sure it is fine to think 'outside the box' and that is exactly why I suggested that an 'early' fluid change would be in order, and the earlier the better!!...this is where I believe the manufacturers have done an injustice to owner's...Think about it, Once the original oem fluid is flushed out properly, oem fluid which would most likely(definately) be extremely contaminated by metal filings amongst other things, (hence why many are finding their fluid 'dirty' as early as 30-40k) and you refill with a quality fluid, again synthetic is preferred, you should really never have a problem again as the auto tranny is a 'sealed unit' and there is no way for the fluid to get contaminated again.Only possible way would be a transmission component failure.

Synthetic fluid itself should not 'fail' for many many kms, as synthetic fluid will not break down aslong as the transmission has not been driven to exceed it's operating tolerances or temps; for instance as in using the vehicle for purposes such as towing.

Again after the initial early "full fluid flush", regular fluid level and condition checks are all thats needed...(emphasis placed on the 'condition checks') then if it is warranted as in the fluid shows signs of burning would another drain and fill be needed.

Hope that clears up where I'm coming from. :)


_3

[mazda lover]

Recheck your manual guys.It does state exactly how and when to check your fluid and the engine MUST BE running.


_3


engine running, thought so, must have missed that in the manual some how
Thanks

[aberg83]

engine running, thought so, must have missed that in the manual some how
Thanks

Did a complete flush at 87,000km and it seems a little smoother now. My fluid was brown.

[OILm.ca]

160K is to much ... way to much ...for any ATF ...
I recommend running inline filter on every automatic car ...
And synthetic is the only way to go in modern transmissions ... Where heat is the silent killer ...

[mazdathree]

I just had my 3yrs/72,000K maintenance service done at MOT. I'm on 59200Km after exacly 3 years and was told that I should replace the transmission fluid. It feels a bit smoother.

[mazdachris]

Well. I spent a good part of Monday changing my oil and my transmission fluid. I had took it to the dealer to have the transmission fluid changed. All they did was drain and fill. So, about 3.5 litres. (Trans has 7.5 ltres in it) This was not good enough for me. So, I purchaced a filter, 8 litres of Mazda 5 fluid. (Not Mercon 5 or Castrol multi - those are "not" for our 3's). The pan was a bitch to get off. Lots of silicone. Took me the most time cleaning the pan/trans of the goop. My trans filter was dirty. My oil was pink. No abnormal smell. But you should have seen the liquid metal on the donut magnut. Glad I did the whole thing. There is a write up somewhere about using the trans pump to flush the fluid. That was the easy part. Except Mazda put the squeese clamp facing up. That was hard to get to from underneath.

2007 M 3 with auto box. 60,000 kms.

Bottom line. Still have an invoice that says "they" changed something.