transmission fluid change (automatic)
 

I have a 2004 rx8 and I'm trying to change the fluid, I am tired of researching this stuff because it seems like there are different things and numbers everywhere..so first off i know which fluid to use which is dexron 3, now the amount to put in is what is confusing to me....some people say that if you just drain it....about 3 quarts will come out....others say 9.2???? so then I would just drop the oil pan...wait about an hour for all of it to drain....measure how much came out....put everything back together....and fill through the dip stick?

please inform/ correct me on anything.

Thank you.

Moved to Tech. DIY is for when you have a set of instructions to post.


Sorry, I can't help on this one. Zero experience with ATs.

Nine quarts if you flush the system, three if you just drop the pan. I recommend you flush it.

A hot transmission and ATF can cause severe burns.
Turn off the engine and wait until they are cool before replacing ATF.

1. Remove the oil dipstick.
2. Loosen the oil pan mounting bolts.
3. Drain the ATF into a container.
4. Remove the oil pan and gasket.
5. Eliminate the sealant dust from the bolt hole.
6. Install the oil pan and a new gasket with new bolts.

Tightening torque
7.0—9.0 N·m {72—91 kgf·cm, 63—78 in·lbf}

7. Add the specified type of ATF through the ATF oil filler tube until ATF level reaches lower notch of dipstick.
ATF type ....ATF M‐III or equivalent (e.g. Dexron ®III)

Capacity (approx. quantity) 8.7 L {9.2 US qt, 7.7 lmp qt}

8. Verify that the ATF level is in the HOT ( 65 °C {149 °F}) range.

Add ATF to the specified level if necessary.

Just to make it clear, even though the "capacity" is 9.2 US qt DON'T add 9.2 quarts after draining from the transmission oil pan - 9.2 quarts WILL NOT come out. Measure and put in the same amount that did come out. Run the engine afterward to check the hot level and add any more if necessary.

Agree, and the Mazda USA recommendations I posted does says..

The person performing the ATF change should also know that there is a Dip Stick for their Trans..common sense is not to overfill...or under-fill..otherwise DON'T DO THE JOB..:)

When I did my transmission flush I put right at 8.5 quarts back in.