2012 Mazda 6 Service Interval

[greasegunn]

My daughter’s 2012 Mazda 6 with a 5 speed automatic transmission does not have a manufacturer’s recommended service interval. I decided to do a couple of drain and refills – drops about 3 liters out of 5 liter total capacity. Not too bad of a job except you have to remove the splash shield (8 bolts) to get to the transmission drain bolt (sweet!). Only PITA is the transmission level is specified at 65 C. I measured what I dropped out and then put the same amount back in to get close. Measured transmission fluid temperature with a thermocouple and got the fill in the right range by adding about 200 mL of fluid. Going forward I’m looking for some thoughts on:

1. After 2 drain and refills I’m at about 84% new fluid – should I do another in a week or so to get up to just under 94% fresh? Right now the car is at 39,500 miles. Out of pocket cost is about $30 for a single drain and refill.

2. I’m not comfortable with “lifetime fluid” – what do you think a reasonable preventative maintenance program would be on this transmission?

Thanks for your collective thoughts.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

You can't go wrong with replacing the transmission fluid every 30K miles.

But, how long do you expect her to keep the car?

 

[bigt61]

My thoughts - leave the poor car alone! Worry about it when it gets over 100k miles.

 

[brandini]

I had a 2007 Mazda6, the revealing info was if you purchased an extended warranty, a transmission fluid exchange was REQUIRED every 30k.

I used Amsoil ATF and loved it even though it would have easily lasted longer. I'd say now that you're at 84% just wait for 30k and do a used oil analysis.

 

[greasegunn]

Plan on running the car into the ground. Might be lucky to get 15 years if rust or collision don't take it out earlier.

 

[quint]

I'd say you are fine for another 30k after the two drain/fills, but really without having the fluid analyzed we are all just guessing.

Browsing the various Mazda forums, a lot of people are finding the MV fluid dark and dirty looking after just 20k miles or so. Whether or not its oxidation, clutch material, and whatever else, or simply faded dye, I dont know, I have never seen a used oil analysis on this fluid before.

Our 3 has the 5spd-auto and we are at 33,000 miles and I have done four drain/fills so far (5k, 10k, 15k and 25k). Its overkill, I know, but thats the name of the game with me and automatics. I plan to drive this car into the ground.

I'd say, since the fluid is already changed, leave it for another 30k or so and do an analysis and see whats floating around and go from there.

 

[72te27]

Greasegunn, I have a '11 Mazda 6. Bought it with 30k miles, now has 60k. Shifts and behaves fine except occasionally in traffic with lots of on and off the throttle it seems to have some drivetrain snatch or "looseness" in it. Have you experienced this and did your a/t fluid change any driving characteristics?

Where did you find the 65C spec?

 

[greasegunn]

Wasn't having any problems - just wanted to do it as preventative. Also, dealer was pushing her for a $200 fluid exchange that I wasn't crazy about. So I decided I would do it on my own.

I have a factory service manual where I learned of the 65 C spec. You might be able to get one cheap on eBay like I did. On my 2012 the 65 C spec is also molded into the dipstick. You will need a thermocouple to measure the temp unless you can get the Mazda proprietary PID code and measure it through the OBD II port.

I will say that on the first drain I did the fluid did not look that great.

 

[SatinSilver]

4 or 6 cyl engine? Report back...

 

[KrisZ]

I never measured the trans temp when doing the ATF exchange. I just check it after a 15-20 minute drive. On my last full exchange, over 50k miles ago, I filled the ATF to the point where the fluid was at the middle point between hot min. and max. It's still at that mark.

 

[72te27]

Thanks, greasegunn. 'Preciate it.

 

[greasegunn]

4 cylinder 2.5 L

 

[greasegunn]

BTW - when I took it out for a 5 mile spin from a cold start it only got up to about 45 C