Questions about the third party ATFs and Mazda FZ

[pbm]

I would normally agree with dave1251 that Maxlife (or another 'universal fluid') can be used in place of OE fluid and have done just that in several vehicles without issue (Mostly Hyundai's and Toyota's using fluids that claimed to be "Suitable for Use in...")

In the case of Mazda FZ I will stick with OE fluid or at least Ravenol FZ fluid when the time comes for the first D&R on my daughters new CX-30 for the reasons stated by The Critic.

One positive is that I usually do an initial D&R early (15 to 25K) but plan on going 40K or maybe even 50K on the factory FZ fluid. My reasoning for that is two-fold...1) I remember reading a tread about a member (I think it was DBMaster) who changed his factory FZ at 60K (I think) and felt it could have went much further. 2) My s-i-l has 170K on her CX-5 and probably has never changed the ATF (I say 'probably' because she claims she once had a 'dealer service' and thinks they may have changed the fluid but who knows...)

I have decided to use Aisin ATF-FZ fluid for the D&R on my daughters CX-30. It's more reasonably priced than Mazda OE and I trust Aisin knows something about AT's....it's also blue.

 

[pishta]

I bought a 193k 08 Mazda 3 and a trans issue: "servo E stuck open" for cheap. Drained the filth that was probably the original Type M fluid that was black as India ink and as thin, took the VB and servos out and cleaned them all very well. Put it all back together, filled with about 7qts of $22/ gallon Walmart high mileage ATF (Valvoline manufactured) and reset the TCM. After 5 days, the shifts have smoothed from a harsh 1-2 shift to original performance. Putting 3-4 qts in for a fluid change is only half the capacity of the transmission. You really have to pull the cooler line and run it while filling with new fluid to attempt to get most of the old stuff out or else visit and trans shop with a transfer machine and MAKE them use your type M fluid as the refill. Plan on bringing 2 gallons to the shop as they will probably not stock it. Mercon LV is not even recommended but its what the Fords use with the SAME TRANS!