ATF Fluid Recommendations

[staax]

Hi guys,

Let me start by saying that I am not a current 3 owner yet, but I've been negotiating with a dealer on a 2011 Mazda 3 GX Hatch Auto.

The car has 66,000 kms, clean underbody (big selling point), but has never had the ATF changed. On the dipstick it's pretty dark brown, I didn't noticed a severe burnt smell to it but if I decide to purchase this vehicle I want to flush this out ASAP.

The car drove fine and the body is in pretty good condition with exception to the front bumper being cracked right below the license plate.

I've read how Mobil 1 MV, Redline D4, and Amsoil MV are all good candidates for the 5 speed automatic. My question pertains to anyone who has used these fluids, or know someone who has. I haven't been able to find these available in Ontario, only through Amazon and eBay.

Does anyone have any experiences with these fluids, or would recommend another? I'm hesitant of using Mazda's fluid since it doesn't appear to be very good quality.

Thanks in advance.

[ottoyu34]

I am using Amsoil Signature Series M-V ATF. I love it, smooth like silk.

[sarujo]

Redline can be found at JRP and Tires23 in the west end and I believe Nextmod (Markham) as well

[TheMAN]

I prefer the redline over the amsoil... stronger smell = higher sulphur content = better protection

[brucewayne]

im gonna get a case of petro DuraDrive soon...$80-90 for 12x1L from local distributors... just saying

[staax]

Thanks for the replies.

Bruce,

I have actually come across the Petro fluid. It seems to have great numbers and on par with the Mobil 1 MV but for a cheaper price. I'll have to contact my local distributor.

[sarujo]

Having just flushed my power steering with Redline D4 ATF I can say that it is super pungent and smelly stuff!


I prefer the redline over the amsoil... stronger smell = higher sulphur content = better protection

[XTOTHEL]

I ran into the same dilemma when I was flushing my 2010. I was going to buy something else but came across http://www.protegefaq.net/tsb/05-005-08.html

The TSB says that M-V (M5) is not the same as MERCON V, and listed some possible side effects. So that scared me into buying OEM oil from Mazda, 0000-23-atf m5. Changed it last August, darker red now.

[sarujo]

the 2010 manual states:

"Automatic transaxle fluid ATF M-V"

Redline D4 ATF covers this and more:

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9



I ran into the same dilemma when I was flushing my 2010. I was going to buy something else but came across http://www.protegefaq.net/tsb/05-005-08.html

The TSB says that M-V (M5) is not the same as MERCON V, and listed some possible side effects. So that scared me into buying OEM oil from Mazda, 0000-23-atf m5. Changed it last August, darker red now.

[Default User]

No love for ENEOS?

[XTOTHEL]

the 2010 manual states:

"Automatic transaxle fluid ATF M-V"

Redline D4 ATF covers this and more:

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9

Nice! I might get redline and do it again this summer. Thanks :)

[staax]

I appreciate all the responses guys!

Does anyone think that 66,000 kms is kinda late for changing the fluid on these cars? The car drives fine but I'm worried to buy it and find half a pound of clutch material stuck to the magnet.

[silverstarmazda]

i use the castrol import multi atf for my 04 if that helps.. covers the mazda m-v specs and is readily available. i drain and fill about 3quarts about twice a year. i drive the crap out of my car.

its not synthetic, but its good stuff (read the online reviews and research).

[stock3]

im gonna get a case of petro DuraDrive soon...$80-90 for 12x1L from local distributors... just saying


Petro Canada synthetic ATF is an excellent product. I flushed my ATF via the cooler line about 85k kilometers ago and the tranny still shifts nice and smooth, even during this winter's very low temps. The fluid is still nice and red on the dipstick as well.

It matches the specs of M1 ATF and is close to half the price, what's not to like?

[staax]

Appreciate all the responses.

Had a second look at the car today and aside from a bit of bumper damage and black tranny fluid it's a very nice car. Drives smooth. I have attached a pic of the fluid at 66,000 kms.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/x2daz11/mazdatrannyfluid_zps0c282adf.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/x2daz11/media/mazdatrannyfluid_zps0c282adf.jpg.html)

Might be the owner of a 2011 Sport GX soon!

[staax]

Sorry for the double post - I cannot edit my first one.

Here is the picture I meant to upload:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/x2daz11/mazdatrannyfluid_zps0c282adf.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/x2daz11/media/mazdatrannyfluid_zps0c282adf.jpg.html)

[staax]

Petro Canada synthetic ATF is an excellent product. I flushed my ATF via the cooler line about 85k kilometers ago and the tranny still shifts nice and smooth, even during this winter's very low temps. The fluid is still nice and red on the dipstick as well.

It matches the specs of M1 ATF and is close to half the price, what's not to like?

Yeah well I went to take a photo of the ATF compared to the oil today and these were my results:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e324/x2daz11/mazdatrannyfluid_zps0c282adf.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/x2daz11/media/mazdatrannyfluid_zps0c282adf.jpg.html)

So I'd definitely like to flush it out - Im thinking a DIY flush by disconnecting the cooler line. Seems like a real good car though. Put in an offer today :)

Thanks for all the help!

[Tiesto]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone used the Mobile 1 Multi Vehicle AFT. There's so many variations for this product. I had to top up my transmission fluid I used the mobile 1 and on the back it says it's O.K for MV 5, it covers a wide range of vehicles.


http://precisionap.com/images/pap/Precpic/ATF1.pdf


Would have it been better to top up with Mazda's oem Transmission Fluid?

[XTOTHEL]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone used the Mobile 1 Multi Vehicle AFT. There's so many variations for this product. I had to top up my transmission fluid I used the mobile 1 and on the back it says it's O.K for MV 5, it covers a wide range of vehicles.


http://precisionap.com/images/pap/Precpic/ATF1.pdf


Would have it been better to top up with Mazda's oem Transmission Fluid?

The PDF you posted listed "Mazda ATF-III, ATF-MV", though here it doesn't list it: http://www.mobil.com/Canada-English/Lubes/PDS/IOCAENPVLMOMobil_Super_Multi_Vehicle_ATF.aspx

[Tiesto]

Good Thread,

I've found my answer. Looks like Mobil 1 removed Mazda V spec from their newer ATF bottles. I have the older one that has the spec listed. It appears that it was O.K to use but to fully certified.



http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2375265

[staax]

Oh wow my apologies for the triple post... didn't mean to do that.

I didn't end up buying the Mazda 3 which I mentioned above. I did end up buying a 2012 with only 40k.

At 50k I plan on flushing out the old fluid via the tranny cooler line and using PetroCan DuraDrive MV.... heard a lot of good things about it. Its on par with the Mobil 1 stuff but is cheaper and also a synthetic.

[416GXM3]

How Much ATF oil do you need to complete a flush and fill ?

[XTOTHEL]

How Much ATF oil do you need to complete a flush and fill ?

Around 8-9 quarts iirc

[staax]

I bought a case of 12x 1L bottles and used about 9.5 bottles.

Pan drain followed by 3L of fresh fluid to flush out the old stuff through the tranny cooler line. Repeat again. Third time it was coming out nice and red so I topped her up with another 3-3.5L.

[416GXM3]

I bought a case of 12x 1L bottles and used about 9.5 bottles.

Pan drain followed by 3L of fresh fluid to flush out the old stuff through the tranny cooler line. Repeat again. Third time it was coming out nice and red so I topped her up with another 3-3.5L.

How much did it cost for a 12 Pack of duradrive? sorry for the questions

[staax]

No prob - I have another thread posting how I did it... I wanna say it costed maybe $80 or so? I think I also posted how much i paid... On my phone now or I'd link ya.

[416GXM3]

No prob - I have another thread posting how I did it... I wanna say it costed maybe $80 or so? I think I also posted how much i paid... On my phone now or I'd link ya.

DAMN! thats expensive my local mechanic did qoute me at 179.99 with ATF fluid or 119 without

[staax]

I'm confused. How would he flush without ATF? And $80 + DIY is still cheaper than a mechanic. Also important to note what he's using for ATF.

Edit : oh I suppose you mean if you provided your own ATF?

[416GXM3]

I'm confused. How would he flush without ATF? And $80 + DIY is still cheaper than a mechanic. Also important to note what he's using for ATF.

Edit : oh I suppose you mean if you provided your own ATF?

Man i dont know if I can do DYI but yea 119 if i can provide my own ATF

[Jackal]

DAMN! thats expensive my local mechanic did qoute me at 179.99 with ATF fluid or 119 without

I got $180 for a full flush at the dealership about a year or so ago.

[brucewayne]

DAMN! thats expensive my local mechanic did qoute me at 179.99 with ATF fluid or 119 without

but what kind of fluid? duradrive is quality synthetic atf. a case for $80 is great.