I haven't read that the Skyactiv A/T has changed for 2024 (maybe it has) so I'm wondering why Mazda changed the ATF recommendation. Is it possible that they weren't fully satisfied with the performance of FZ?
Mazda ATF-FZ Alternatives (List)
- Thread starter AdmiralYoda
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- Dec 16, 2025
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It is very interesting since my 2025 Mazda 3 european version comes WITH cylinder deactivation, but the transmission uses FZ (it is written FZ on the dipstick). We are recommended to use 5W-30 for the engine as well. There are no vibrations when cylinder deactivation activates, everything is fine using FZ and CD together.
So I think for US the recommendation for 0W-20 and ATF A7 is again for emission standards. A7 is the next generation ultra low viscosity type of fluid.
There are two transmissions indeed:
- ET6A-EL (for vehicles WITHOUT cylinder deactivation)
- EV6A-EL (for vehicles WITH cylinder deactivation)
Copied from another forum:
For the cylinder deac cars the pendulum/fulcrum is inside the converter and takes up a significant amount of space and so the lockup clutch is not the same multi plate stackup as the non cylinder deactivation cars.
But indeed for Europe we continue to use ATF FZ.
So I think for US the recommendation for 0W-20 and ATF A7 is again for emission standards. A7 is the next generation ultra low viscosity type of fluid.
There are two transmissions indeed:
- ET6A-EL (for vehicles WITHOUT cylinder deactivation)
- EV6A-EL (for vehicles WITH cylinder deactivation)
Copied from another forum:
For the cylinder deac cars the pendulum/fulcrum is inside the converter and takes up a significant amount of space and so the lockup clutch is not the same multi plate stackup as the non cylinder deactivation cars.
But indeed for Europe we continue to use ATF FZ.
What's the consensus on these ATFs ? Just bought a '21 Mazda6 that specs "FZ" ATF and I'm fine with OEM fluid but not against aftermarket fluids. It does depend on the brand though.... With Honda, I'll only use OEM transmission fluids. With my Infiniti, 100k of non-Nissan fluid has been flawless.
I haven't checked where to buy Ravenol, but something tells me NO ONE local will stock this.Pretty sure I saw Aisin at Rockauto... Nope, it was probably Liqui Moly.
I haven't checked where to buy Ravenol, but something tells me NO ONE local will stock this.
Our CX-9 has the Ravenol and it has been fine for the last 35k miles. @JeffKeryk uses the Aisin I believe. I think Aisin is available through Rockauto.
They don't link it with the vehicle, but I didn't search for it by itself, admittedly. Here it is: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11829397&cc=0&pt=11387&jsn=337
$17.50/quart for the Mazda stuff
I’ve been using aisin for the last 2-3 years with no problem. It doesn’t look/smell worse after a drain/fill interval than the oem did. I used oem for the first few years until Mazda quit giving me a deal on parts at a local dealer. Mazdas parts are a bit $$ so I started buying online and finding other solutions like the aisin fluid.
Valvoline Extended Protection ATF
Does the amount that drains vary ? I bought 4 quarts but have seen people say between 3.5 to 5 quarts can drain out.
I forgot to notate my first two drain/fills, but the third was 3.7 qts. I believe the first two were 3.5-4.
Feels like I should buy (1) more quart, even if it's the official Mazda stuff as it will end up costing about the same (by the time I pay shipping).
No issues with Valvoline Maxlife here. 2018 Mazda 3 with 160k miles. About 100k miles of that running Maxlife. Dropped the pan and filter once at 120k and it looked brand new still. Minimal metals to clean off the magnet. It's a good cheaper alternative that works.
I would consider it for ours, but we have warranty until 2031 or 150k miles. So the FZ (or at least Blue colored equivalent) for now.
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