I know this might sound like a dumb question but I need some advice.

I just bought a used 1999 Mazda 626 V6 with 68,000 miles on it.
I noticed the transmission felt a little hesitant when shifting so I checked the auto transmission fluid and it was very low.

I never had to do ths before so I hope I did this right. This is what I did ... I had just finished driving the car so the engine was nice and warm anfd I left the motor running, I then shifted the transmission from Park to drive to neutral to reverse a few times and then put it in park and checked the fluid.

Anyway since it was low I added 1/2 quart and then checked it right away and it seemed I overfilled it but after driving another 20 minutes I checked it agani and it seemed on the low to mormal side. Does the fluid need time to drain once it's put in ?!?!

The car has no fluid leaks and I think I checked it right but the fluid is so clean I can't really see it that much in the dip stick.

If I overfilled it, can this hurt my transmission ?

Thanks for any advice you can offer . . .

BTW since I put the fluid in the transmission shifts beautifully !!

Normaly you would set the parking/emergency brake then start the car and let it warm for at least 10 minutes. Then put the transmission into Neutral. It would be good to use chock blocks too!.

The transmission must be checked when in Neutral because when the tranny is in Park there is no fluid pumping thru the system. When the tranny is in Neutral the fluid is now being pumped within the transmission.

Fluid level must be within the marks with the fluid under pressure and flowing throughout the transmission.

Now that is for a normal transmission. I would try checking with a Mazda Technician if you have any questions.

Originally posted by AF-RX8
I know this might sound like a dumb question but I need some advice.


How does the owner's manual say to check it :D ?

Originally posted by rx8cited
How does the owner's manual say to check it :D ?

lol ... you actually want me to read that book that came with the car ? ? :D :cool:



Seriously though I did read it but it got me confused when I added only a little fluid and the dipstick read 'full' right afterwards. I have since found out you need to give it a few minutes to drain before seeing how much fluid is in it.

Originally posted by Rotary Nut
Normaly you would set the parking/emergency brake then start the car and let it warm for at least 10 minutes. Then put the transmission into Neutral. It would be good to use chock blocks too!.

The transmission must be checked when in Neutral because when the tranny is in Park there is no fluid pumping thru the system. When the tranny is in Neutral the fluid is now being pumped within the transmission.

Fluid level must be within the marks with the fluid under pressure and flowing throughout the transmission.

Now that is for a normal transmission. I would try checking with a Mazda Technician if you have any questions.

thanks for the help, I appreicate it !!

Originally posted by AF-RX8
lol ... you actually want me to read that book that came with the car ? ? :D :cool:


Well, sorry, but the bit about checking it with wheel chocks while having the car in neutral sounded a bit bogus :D - but hey you liked that!

Gotta be safe Dude! Don't need any unintended moovement of the car while you are under the hood!

Originally posted by Rotary Nut
Gotta be safe Dude! Don't need any unintended moovement of the car while you are under the hood!

C'mon Helo Dude! I know it's April Fools, but do you check your RX-8's transmission fluid while it's in neutral with the wheels chocked? If you say yes, please RTFM. Oh, you got one with no parking brake option you say? Remember, these ain't no helicopters ....... leave them at work. :D /LOL

Chill bro!

Originally posted by Rotary Nut
Chill bro!

Trust me, I was quite chilled by your hilarious post :D I thought we were just jokin' around on April Fools - no hard feelings intended - okay?

BTW, How are those correctly balanced tires doing?

Originally posted by rx8cited
Trust me, I was quite chilled by your hilarious post :D I thought we were just jokin' around on April Fools - no hard feelings intended - okay?

BTW, How are those correctly balanced tires doing?

Yeah it was a bit of a joke. Don't worry about it. And yes I just use the P/Brake. I was a aviation safety NCO in the army and I tend to go a bit overboard on things like that. But I did it to see who would get a "rise" out the comment!

The tires are rollin' great. Smoother and vastly quieter than the 040's. It seems to handle a bit better with the wider contact patch. Way better in the wet also.