First transmission drain and refill at 83K?

Elkins45

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I'm considering a 2014 Mazda CX-5 with 83K miles. The Carfax has a solid history of oil changes and two brake fluid flushes but no transmission service. I understand this Skyactiv six speed actually has a dipstick but it's hidden under the air box and bolted down because it's "lifetime."

Would you do a drain and refill for the first time at 83K or is it too late and just let it ride? If I buy it my inclination would be to get some of the old fluid out and some new in. but i could be persuaded that's the wrong idea.
 
No harm doing a fluid change.

You hear stories of people changing the transmission fluid, and the transmission quitting shortly after. People blame the fluid change on melting down the transmission. The truth is, the transmission was on the way out anyway.

So, new fluid is never a bad thing. New fluid will not break a transmission.
 
I plan to do my CX-5 and my Mazda 3 at around 60K. Drain and fill. Probably drop pan and replace filter close to 100K.

My only issue is finding the correct transmission fluid. There is no aftermarket. Only the Mazda stuff at $26/quart…..
 
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Rock Auto sells this ATF for Mazda transmission $9 per quart.

Don’t forget the 5% discount code.

Next ATF drain & refill I will use Aisin ATF.
This previous drain & refills were Mazda OEM fluid.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11829397&cc=0&pt=11387&jsn=484
Wish they made some A7 for my two Mazdas.

Hopefully they will soon.

IMG_5979.webp
 
84 k perfect time fork a drain and fill.. just use OEM fluid it’s more expensive than aftermarket but it’s the right stuff and you won’t stress if it causing any harm.
 
Drop the pan so you can see what's going on. Heck, take the oil pan off too. These are the vital fluids of the whole drivetrain and they both tell the truth, not some Carfax or speculation.
 
Bought my old '09 Malibu at 75k miles. Did a fluid drain then and every 35k miles. Drove that car to 220k miles and sold it running fine with the original transmission in it.
 
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