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when to change the ATF, automatic transmission oil

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Old 12-21-2006, 06:32 AM
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when to change the ATF, automatic transmission oil

I tried to search and read the owners manual, Mazda workshop manual but didn't find anything related to any schedule, mileage - only if color changed or smells burnt then recommended to change.

Is there any, any common sense, thumb rules, recommendations ?
Old 12-21-2006, 08:13 AM
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.........................

Owners manual has a Service Interval, and it clearly tells ya whats the service gap in between.

Are you sure you know how to read a manual ?

Anyway, For Autos You can change it as much as you like. IF you love your car you can change it every 30K miles. If you cant live without your car you can change it as soon as 15K miles. but some can live with 45K even 60K miles. (Autos only)

I have a Manual and I change it at 13K miles
Old 12-21-2006, 12:47 PM
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this is amazing - it doesn't matter how many times I look the paperback copy or the same in pdf file - I cannot see it
Old 12-21-2006, 06:29 PM
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I would change it at about 30K on auto, but hte problem is that there is no drain plug. So you have to unbolt the pan, it's so stupid!
Old 12-22-2006, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by tmak26b
I would change it at about 30K on auto, but hte problem is that there is no drain plug. So you have to unbolt the pan, it's so stupid!
Its made to be flushed through the lines. Mine took 13qts for a total trans flush.

That being said I changed mine at 15000 with redline. The dealer advised me I dont have to ever service my trans!
Old 12-22-2006, 02:41 AM
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I start to believe that there is no need to change the ATF regularly, otherwise change instructions/schedule/mileage should have been mentioned in the users manual, or in the workshop manual - and if should be changed that regularly why not to have a proper drain plug to ease up the work...

the manuals are only stating to check the liquid levels regurlary, workshop manual instructions to check also the color and smell - which could indicate possible issues.

Merry Christmas to everyone anyway!
Old 12-22-2006, 05:36 PM
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They are just lazy
Old 12-23-2006, 08:39 AM
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the workshop manual talks about color and smell ? Hmmmmmm ...... the oil turns black after just a few thousand miles. and for smell ...... If you work in a garage long enough I dont think you can tell the different between the smell anymore .....

but hey still. Change it early wont hurt, and your tranny will thank you.
Old 12-26-2006, 05:08 PM
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I bet you dont have an AT - but if you have and your ATF is black and smelly drive really carefully to the dealer ... the AT have 2 dipsticks, one for the engine oil (black&smelly) and the other one for the autotranny (red&nosmell)

The manual have a schedule for manual tranny only - not for the AT
Old 12-27-2006, 08:31 AM
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found this discussion in mazda6club - who/what to believe ... maybe I should change it, just to be sure

http://forum.mazda6club.com/index.php?showtopic=53471
Old 12-28-2006, 05:23 PM
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I would change it every 40K for standard fluid if you drive hard. I would HIGHLY recommend switching to a good synthetic, especially if you live somewhere hot. I run RP in my Manual Tranny and love it. They make automatic version of the fluid.
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