2016 Mazda 3 - Transmission fluid change

[xsr]

Hi guys,
I did a partial transmission fluid change at 95,000 km (around 59,000 miles) on my 2016 Mazda 3 Skyactiv (automatic transmission). I used Valvoline MaxLife ATF, which is supposed to be compatible with Mazda's FZ spec. Now I have a mix of the original Mazda fluid and the Valvoline, and I've seen mixed opinions about this. Everything seems fine so far, but I was wondering if I should do another partial fluid change? I'm now at 115,000 km (approximately 71,500 miles)

 

[pbm]

It's good to hear that using Maxlife hasn't caused any issues so far. When I did a D&R on my daughters 2021 CX-30 I used Aisin's version of FZ fluid which is blue like the FZ fluid. Some have said that Mazda will deny warranty if they find red fluid in the A/T which was a factor for me but not for your 9 year old Mazda. I would probably do another D&R with the Maxlife if it were mine.

PS: Another red ATF that claims to work for FZ spec'd Mazda's is Liquimoly Top Tec 1800 so maybe the blue fluid isn't really necessary....I guess time will tell. FWIW...my inlaw has over 220K on their 2015 CX-5 and I doubt the ATF has ever been changed.

 

[HyundaiAbuser]

I won’t tell you not to service but it’s fine

 

[JeffKeryk]

Ditto on the use of Aisin FZ fluid. You don't service these transmissions that often.
I use MaxLife on older Toyotas. I cannot speak to other transmissions.

 

[barkingspider]

You’ll be fine either way. If it makes you sleep better, do another drain and fill w maxlife and then you are good for years

 

[PandaBear]

I have a 2014 that spec that ATF, and I have researched a bit on what makes it different than a typical ATF. The extra spec over a typical ATF is some high temperature hydraulic spec. I would imagine any "synthetic" ATF that has the right friction additive package would work well.

 

[Tempest1]

FZ is thinner than most at ~5.4 cSt. Probably won't be a big deal for most people.
I've been using Mazda FZ for my CX5 and so far so good. Might try the Aisin next.

If you want an aftermarket ATF, might want to look at Valvoline Extended protection ATF.

 

[Dave Hess]

Should be no problem.

 

[martinq]

Hi guys,
I did a partial transmission fluid change at 95,000 km (around 59,000 miles) on my 2016 Mazda 3 Skyactiv (automatic transmission). I used Valvoline MaxLife ATF, which is supposed to be compatible with Mazda's FZ spec. Now I have a mix of the original Mazda fluid and the Valvoline, and I've seen mixed opinions about this. Everything seems fine so far, but I was wondering if I should do another partial fluid change? I'm now at 115,000 km (approximately 71,500 miles)

Is this the first fluid change? Regardless, I suggest you plan to remove the transmission pan to clean it and the magnets. Changing just the fluid won't get your magnetic filters working again.

Annual pan-drops and magnet cleaning until they stay clean. After this, fresh fluid should last the recommended service interval at the minimum.