Transmission Fluid
 

I made another thread about my spark plugs last week. I want to get all of my maintenance out of the way, and I'm pretty sure I need the ATX fluid replaced.

Which brand should I use?
Is flushing it bad?
How many miles does the fluid need to be changed?


Thanks for the help guys.

My Mazda mechanic recommends changing it every 30K miles.

I think flushing it is supposed to be good - gets more of the old stuff out that way. I plan to take mine to my dealer when it comes time - they have a machine that does it. In fact, I don't know that there is any other way to really flush it.

As far as brand goes, I would say it depends. Is your car just street driven, or do you go to the track? If it is just street driven and you aren't a crazy driver, I'd say just the standard Mazda stuff would be fine.

I take mine to the track, so I am thinking about switching mine to synthetic. TeamRX8 recommends Amsoil - he is a very knowledgeable guy, so I would put great faith in his recommendation. But it is also expensive. I know Paul at Mazmart really likes Redline products. I haven't talked to him specifically about ATF yet. Some others here have liked Royal Purple.

Here is a thread where I asked for opinions on the synthetic trans fluids. It is some good reading:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-specific-performance-mods-97/red-line-vs-royal-purple-atf-etc-145815/

Flushed mine with Redline. :)

Anyone know a rough estimate on what a dealership is going to charge to do this? I think its included in the 1000 30K tune up or whatever they call it. Just wondering an estimate on what they charge just to do the tranny fluid.

I would say give your dealer a call and ask - I would imagine it varies from area to area depending on labor rates.

So.....I took my car to the dealer a month ago to have my manual transmission fluid and rear differetial fluid changed. Since I don't take my car to a track or anything....I just had them use regular geniune mazda fluid...... aka Castrol.....haha

Since my car is manual ..it costed me $90 + tax for both transmission and diff. fluid change. They said it would be a bit more if it's auto.

It was my first time since I bought my 04 ..three years ago....

What a huge difference it made............ now I just lovvveee changing gear....it became so smooth and buttery......and the low haming noise the tranny used to make when it's in netural ....it compelety went away........!!! I don't hear anything at all now...... it might come back later on...but right now...it's so freaking quiet! I love it!

How do I top off my tranny fluid? I ask this because I set up an appointment for next friday with my dealership and I'm having them flush it with redline.

However, my tranny has been running noticably hot in this 90+ degree heat every day. Should I just wait it out and be nice on my car, or should I top it off until friday?

Also I'm having a small crunch when going from park to reverse on a incline if the e-brake isn't engage. I know this is a small issue with the ATX linkage. Does anyone have any tips on this? I make my best effort to shift slowly at 0 mph with the brake down, but sometimes I have to pop it into reverse with the ebrake on in order to not get the "clunk".

Well with other AT cars you are supposed to check the level with the tranny hot, car level, and engine running and then add through the dipstick tube as needed. I don't think it is any different with this one but I don't know for sure.

I changed my tranny again to redline MT-90 in about 30-45 minutes at my auto hobby shop. Cost me fluids, 5 bucks for the lift, and about 7 bucks for the oil pump I used to put the new oil in. I even torgues the bolt down though most poeple just use the calibrated elbow.

Just an update...

Someone I trust recently told me that the dealer, jiffy lube, etc trans flush systems aren't worth the money.

Where should I go? I am in colorado springs, and I would like to buy my own fluid (redline). Bob penkhus (local mazda dealer) told me $100 labor + my fluid. I think this is steep. Anyone have any suggestions? I wish I was a mechanic lol

my dad keeps telling me i should go to this ATX expert he knows up the road that has told him apparently that flushing is bad, and it's better to drain fully and refill???

anyone verify this?