[Subsky]

Upon taking my new 2014 Mazda 3 home, I started in on the fluids.
I'm a strong believer in the synthetic oils so that was first, new engine oil. Nothing but the best, Walmart's 5/30. So there went my first issue. I should have used a different weight oil. I believe it's a 5/20 or close to that.

As for the anti-freeze and transmission fluid I figured refreshing over time with each 3,000 mile oil change would be the way I'd approach this. That way I'd not need to drain the engine of all anti-freeze and all transmission fluid.

Then I drained the radiator which which only gives about 4 or 5 quarts. I'll replace that with a 50/50 mix of some coolant without alcohol, methanol, borate or silica. I think the antifreeze is a bit more forgiving as long as I do a 50/50 mix.

The biggest error was the transmission fluid. After draining a bit more than 4 quarts I started researching. And so I'm in for it. All data points to nothing but the Mazda ATF. I had been leaning towards mixing a synthetic ATF to replace the 4 quarts, but I'm too fearful after reading all the data. So in for it now. Hostage to the Dealership's expensive Mazda fluids. I must admit I thought the ATF I pulled out of the vehicle was pretty nasty after 100,000 miles. So I'll consider this just a refresh. I will report this. The drain plug on the transmission fluid is usually magnetic to catch metal filings. My drain plug was free of any impurities so I'll hand it to Mazda that the ATF works well.

When I went to the Mazda dealership to buy their expensive ATF fluid at $17/bottle, the guy looked at me like I had 2 heads and commented that the transmission system is a "sealed system". That taking out the 4 quarts might cause me issues and if the car makes any noise bring it right in. What a putz. I can't believe. Instead of saying, Oh, that's great that you are "refreshing your ATF... ". On the other hand, I'm a bit sorry I did start in on the ATF. Yes, it looked horrible, but maybe it's best left alone.

 

[Subsky]

My dealer sold the ATF FZ fluid for about $13 a quart. Just use the FZ and be done with it.

I have 3 Mazda 3s.

I used the same procedure for all 3 when draining, refilling and checking the level.

2014 2.0 took 4.0 qt
2015 2.0 took 3.5 qt
2014 2.5 took 4.5 qt

I cannot explain the difference in the amount required.

For Antifreeze - Peak Asian is what I used. Says it is for Mazda. The concentrate is about $21 a gallon.

Thanks. I did the same. I think I got less than the 5 I bought and rather than drain from the bottom bolt again, I stuck a hose down the place where one checks the fluid and siphoned enough out to put all 5 qts. back in. Hey, one thing, not sure if it's an issue or not. The transmission seems working fine, but I can really feel the different speeds and the braking motion of the tranny. I assume it's all part of this 6 speed tranny, but much more noticeable than the 08 Elantra I had been driving. Just the "feel" of the tranny is more obvious, if that makes sense.

 

[Subsky]

I don’t recall the drain plug being magnetic on my Mazdas.

Is Metal on the Transmission Magnet a Sign of Trouble?

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ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com

 

[Subsky]

Get it flushed by the dealership if possible. If it blows up it's a them problem.

I NEVER go to a dealership. They cost way too much. Pretty much do everything myself, but if I had to I'd look for a backyard mechanic.
And I already took care of that, but I've got a follow up I'll post on this site.

 

[Subsky]

For ATF changes I get a bucket with measurements so I make sure I put that amount back in and confirm with the dipstick afterwards. Used FZ fluid from ravenol first, but Aisin came around and started selling their branded FZ fluid so I decided to use that as its much cheaper. Btw not sure if the plug is magnetic or not, but the tranny pan has an internal magnet which had collected a high amount of iron (233k miles with atf changes averaging every 40k miles) when I did my first filter change. When the car is jacked up from the front I can only remove about 3.5L of ATF with car sitting for 6 hours without removing the pan. Though when I removed the pan about 750mL came out with the pan, though this is skewed as the tranny keeps dripping.

How often do you do the mini, 3.4L changes? I've done that in other vehicles in the past as a way to "refresh" the fluid, but not have to go with the bother of a pan drop. I'm just breaking 100,000 with the 2014. I've seen the Aisin ads, but not sure where to buy that. Assuming you mixed that with the original Mazda FZ fluid. I was tempted to mix a synthetic ATF fluid in for the 3.5L, but people here were so adamant about only Mazda fluid. Ouch, $100 for 5qts.. It was so expensive, I made sure to use up all the fluid I bought at dealership and I pull another quart plus, out of the tranny by siphoning from the input hole. Thanks for your comments. Also assuming you've been ok with the tranny for 233K miles which is proof in the pudding so to speak.