The third eternal question in Russia, after “Who is to blame?” and “What should I do?” The question is: is it necessary to change the oil in the automatic transmission? After all, according to official dealers, changing the oil in the Mazda 3 automatic transmission is not provided for in the technical regulations. However, like any technical fluid, ATF oil has its own resource, as evidenced by jerks when shifting gears in the Mazda 3.
Parts and consumables:
- Container for draining old oil
- Funnel
- Rags
- Fabric gloves
- Solvent or gasoline for cleaning surfaces
- Sealant remover
- Mazda automatic transmission pan plug - HE03-10-404
- Mazda automatic transmission drain plug gasket - 99564-1400
- Mazda sealant - TB12-27-C00
- Mazda automatic transmission filter (ВK/BL) - FNC1-21-500A
- Mazda automatic transmission filter (BM) - FZ01-21-500
- Mazda automatic transmission filter gasket - 99541-02206
- Mazda ATF MV oil - 0000-77-112E-01
- Mazda Original Oil ATF FZ - 8300-77-246
When to change the Mazda 3 automatic transmission oil?
The manufacturer has established that the transmission fluid of the Mazda 3 automatic transmission does not need to be replaced and is designed for the entire period of use of the vehicle. However, some owners of this model do not agree with this and notice that by 60-75 thousand km . After mileage, the liquid gradually becomes darker and loses its quality.
In fact, no liquid has the ability to maintain its qualities for a long time and not lose them. Therefore, a Mazda 3 automatic transmission oil change definitely needs to be done in the region of 50-70 thousand km. mileage, while remembering that every 15 thousand km. you need to do an oil diagnostic (once every 5 years). If the vehicle is operated in difficult conditions, when working with a trailer or frequent loads, then the shift interval will be reduced by 1.5-2 times.
What to do if oil leaks? What kind of breakdowns happen?
If there are breakdowns in the manual transmission in a Mazda 3, they can be detected by smudges on the surface of the gearbox housing.
They are difficult to detect with the naked eye. They become more noticeable when the amount of oil leaking increases and large droplets begin to form.
The main causes of breakdowns and ways to eliminate them:
- A bolt or nut that is not pressed tightly in the drain area. The problem is often discovered after the first transmission replacement. All bolts and screws must be tightened tightly, otherwise the lubricant will leak out on the same day of replacement.
- Incorrect dipstick installation. If the dipstick is inserted incorrectly or skewed, it will not close the channel well and oil will leak out.
- Reverse indicator. The sensor is located in the box itself and if it is pressed poorly, leakage cannot be avoided. As with bolts, the sensor should be pressed firmly.
- Leakage through the seal cover. To eliminate the leak, you need to change the gaskets. In case of chips and cracks, the places are treated with epoxy resin.
Methods for changing transmission oil:
- Full: performed at an official service using equipment special for this purpose. The car's gearbox is completely washed out of dirt deposits, the used old fluid is drained and replaced with a new one. A more financially expensive procedure, but effective.
- Partial oil change in a Mazda 3 automatic transmission: only half of the new oil is added to the previously filled old oil. This method is used for short vehicle mileage, when the liquid still retains its properties and mixing both oils is quite acceptable. If the oil is in good condition, its color should be light and the burning smell should be completely absent. If you notice that the color has turned black and there is a burnt smell, the option of partial replacement is completely ruled out.
Oil selection
One of the key roles is played by the fact which oil the owner chooses for the automatic transmission of his Mazda 3 car. If you use low-grade and low-quality compounds, they will not only not be able to ensure long-term operation, but will also lead to all sorts of problems and breakdowns of the automatic transmission. Drivers who have poured original and non-original compounds have an idea of the difference between the quality of transmission fluids. The manufacturer recommends using the original composition, that is, Mazda ATF MV (0000-77-112E01). If you do not have the opportunity to find and purchase original lubricant, then the question of what kind of oil to pour into the automatic transmission becomes relevant.
Here you should take into account the offered range and availability of certain oils. In large cities there are no problems with choice, but residents of remote regions and small towns have to choose from what local stores offer. Plus, don’t forget about the possibilities of the Internet. Through online stores you can purchase both original and worthy alternative oil for the transmission of a Mazda 3 car.
Among the most suitable are the following:
- 7045E from BMW;
- T-IV made by Toyota;
- Dexron VI;
- Matic D, Matic J and LT 71141 from Nissan;
- ATF, ATF3+ and ATF4 from
Regarding the amount of oil to be filled. The volume required will vary slightly depending on which replacement method you intend to use. If this is a partial oil change in the automatic transmission, then the Mazda 3 gearbox will require 4 - 5 liters of fresh lubricant. Here we already take into account how much mining can be drained. When using the full replacement method, buy from 7 to 12 liters of working transmission fluid. Hardware replacement requires double the filling volume for an automatic transmission, since the equipment operates on the displacement principle.
In case of partial self-replacement, proceed according to an extremely simple principle. It consists in how many liters of oil you drain, the same amount you pour into the crankcase. In this component, the design of the automatic transmission provided for the Mazda 3 model is quite simple. This will allow you to drain the old lubricant without unnecessary manipulations and difficulties and fill in a new one instead.
Tools and materials
The machine involves the use of 2 main methods for carrying out this procedure:
- partial;
- full.
To completely change the transmission fluid, the Mazda 3 will be serviced at a service station. Choose a good car service that has modern equipment and guarantees high quality of work performed. A complete replacement requires several main components:
- special equipment for hardware replacement;
- working gearbox;
- approximately double the filling volume of transmission oil;
- qualified personnel;
- consumables.
If this is a partial replacement, it is not necessary to visit a service center. This procedure can be easily done with your own hands in a garage. Partial replacement takes a little longer, since you carry out all the work yourself. The bulk of the time will be taken up by dismantling and waiting for the waste to be completely drained. In this case you will need:
- inspection hole, overpass or lift;
- set of keys and sockets;
- screwdrivers;
- rags;
- empty container for draining old oil;
- a few free hours.
Even when the car owner undertakes to change the transmission oil on a Mazda 3, it is recommended to carry out the maximum possible amount of work. Therefore, in case of complete or partial replacement, be sure to buy:
- fresh in the right quantity;
- oil filter;
- sealant.
Pay special attention to the filter and sealant. It is better to buy an original filter element. But its price, which is about 2.5 thousand rubles, can stop you. There are good analog devices available at a price of about 1000 - 1500 rubles. The instructions for many machines indicate that if the pan is dismantled, the sealing gasket must be changed.
But the peculiarity of the Mazda 3 is that there is no gasket on the pan from the factory. There is only a layer of sealant provided. Therefore, when changing the oil, you do not need to buy a seal. You can easily get by with high-quality original sealant. Its catalog number is TV1227С00. It costs approximately 350 - 400 rubles.
When is only a complete replacement necessary?
If the car's mileage is more than 100 thousand km, and the fluid has never been changed, then a partial replacement can negatively affect the operation of the box, even to the point of failure. Only a complete replacement of the fluid and high-quality flushing of the gearbox can thoroughly cleanse the entire system of various deposits that clog the oil channels and restore access to normal gearbox cooling.
Over time, the transmission fluid in the box loses its physical and chemical properties, gradually accumulating combustion and friction products. Therefore, complete pumping out of the old fluid is necessary, and not partial.
What kind of oil to fill in the Mazda 3 automatic transmission?
For the Mazda 3 VK (2003 - 2009) and Mazda 3 BL (2009 - 2013) models, the manufacturer uses original MAZDA ATF MV oil.
For the Mazda 3 BM (2013 - 2019), the manufacturer recommends using the original MAZDA Original Oil ATF FZ, which is produced specifically for automatic transmissions of the SKYACTIVE-DRIVE type.
The energy-saving characteristics of this oil help reduce fuel consumption during vehicle use and provide reliable operation under different loads over a wide range of external temperatures.
Mixing oils of different types and manufacturers is strictly prohibited! Since during a self-replacement it is impossible to completely drain all the fluid from the gearbox, fresh oil will definitely mix with the old one. This can lead to sedimentation, curdling of the oil itself and additives, which, in turn, can damage the box.
A Skyactiv type gearbox is a rather complicated unit, and choosing an appropriate alternative to branded oil will be very difficult. Also, such a box is quite difficult to repair and the wrong choice of transmission fluid can incur significant financial costs. Therefore, it is better not to save money and change the oil to the original one.
How much to fill
When replacing or topping up the material yourself, it is important not to overdo it with the amount of oil, so as not to encounter breakdowns due to extreme pressure in the unit. On the other hand, you need to fill in a sufficient amount, since it is not recommended to mix oils afterwards.
The easiest and most correct way to find out how much oil should fit in 3 is to read the manual. Each engine requires a certain amount of lubricants, so the amount of oil should be determined based on a strictly specific model. Mazda 3 is equipped with a wide variety of engine types, so there is no single recipe. For the most common types of engines, the volume of oil poured into the gearbox is as follows:
- Z6 of all years of manufacture with manual transmission – 3.9 liters
- LF 17 – from 2.87 to 2.9
- Z6 of all years of production with automatic transmission – 8 liters.
If for some reason there are difficulties with access to technical literature and information about the type of engine in the car, the amount of oil for the gearbox can be determined using a crude homemade method, which some novice car owners successfully use. When there is enough oil, it will simply flow out of the filler hole. After this, you need to try and “select” back a certain amount of lubricant, and also wipe dry all the parts on which the oil could get.
Note:
Periodically check the level and quality of the fluid in the automatic transmission, and make a timely decision about the need to replace it.
Although it is possible to carry out the replacement yourself, also contact qualified service stations. There they carry out a complete flushing and replacement of the transmission oil using professional equipment, after which the gearbox will serve much longer and without breakdowns.
Motorists carry out the replacement procedure 2-3 times in a row, every 1 thousand km. mileage Then the partial replacement method, carried out at intervals of several stages, helps to replace about 75-90% of the old fluid, which significantly increases the efficiency of the gearbox.
A partial fluid change requires approximately 4-5 liters. fresh oil, and for full - 7-12 liters.
Stage two
Before you change the oil in the manual transmission in the Mazda 3, you need to wash the pan and clean it of carbon deposits.
After 100,000 km, this measure is simply necessary.
The procedure is carried out in the following sequence:
- 1.5 liters of special flushing is poured through the hole.
- One of the driving front wheels rises.
- The engine turns on. It should work for 5-10 minutes.
- Engage second gear.
- Dispense the rinse into a container.
After a good flushing of the system, you can safely fill in new transmission fluid.
Stage three
Step-by-step instructions for filling new oil in a manual transmission in a Mazda 3:
- In order to fill the lubricant through the filler hole, you will need a special syringe. Without it, the mass will take a very long time to pour in.
- The level to which it is necessary to fill is the beginning of the scarring of the hole. If you pour oil close to the bottom of the cap, this will lead to a leak.
- Tighten the filler hole bolt.
- Drive the car 5-7 km and check the fluid level. If its level drops, you need to top it up.
About 3 liters of new oil is enough to replace it.
All Mazda models are filled with mineral-type lubricant from the factory. When replacing, you can try switching to synthetics. The manual states that 75W-90 gear oil must be used. The best oil for Mazda 3 is Shell Transaxle Oil 75W-90.
It is important to never mix different types of oils or dilute them with each other. Timely oil changes in the manual transmission will ensure normal operation of the car.
Mazda 3 cars from the Japanese automaker have become quite widespread in Russia and the CIS countries. This is a relatively inexpensive car with an elegant appearance, decent technical characteristics and a reliable design. Considering the combination of price and quality, Mazda 3 remains in demand in the secondary market and among new cars. Not so long ago, a new generation came out, which conquered even the most strict experts with its exterior. In order for this car to operate smoothly and not cause unnecessary trouble to its owner, it is necessary to organize appropriate care. It involves not only careful driving and refueling with high-quality fuel, but also timely replacement of consumables. In a Mazda 3, you can change the automatic transmission oil yourself. You have to choose between the full and partial methods.
Changing the oil in a Mazda 3 automatic transmission can be done using the method of complete or partial lubricant replacement.
Periodic oil changes in the automatic transmission on a Mazda 3 car are mandatory in order to maintain the performance of the car. If you ignore the recommendations and continue to operate the car with the old transmission lubricant, the fluid will gradually lose its properties and stop enveloping the rubbing parts, which will lead to rapid wear and failure of the automatic transmission. Therefore, on a Mazda 3, the oil in the automatic transmission must be changed. The only question is when to change the oil in the gearbox and what method is best to do it. Here we turn to the official technical regulations of the Japanese automaker. According to it, the frequency of oil changes in the automatic transmission of a Mazda 3 car is 60 thousand kilometers.
But in fact, this interval may differ slightly from the real one. It all depends on the conditions in which the car is operated and on the condition of the gearbox itself. If you adhere to an aggressive driving style and regularly travel different distances, then it makes sense to reduce the regulated period to 40 - 50 thousand kilometers. But there are also cases when the car owner adheres to a measured driving style, operates the car only on smooth and asphalt roads, and the climatic conditions remain moderate. Then the box is able to operate effectively on the same oil for 60 - 100 thousand kilometers.
Therefore, take into account the specific situation and the state of the lubricant in the automatic transmission, and make a timely decision about the need to replace it.
Changing the automatic transmission oil of Mazda 3 BK (1.6 l.). Work order:
1. Warm up the engine to a temperature of about 70°C and drive the car for several kilometers (this will facilitate more active drainage of waste fluid from the automatic transmission).
2. Place the car on a lift, pit or overpass. Go under the car and inspect its underbody.
3. Using a 10mm socket, unscrew the 7 bolts securing the mudguard of the engine compartment. Using a flat-head screwdriver, pull out the 2 fastening clips and remove the shield.
This will open access to the gearbox.
4. Place a prepared empty container with a capacity of at least 7 liters under the drain hole.
5. Using a 14mm wrench, unscrew the crankcase drain plug.
6. Wait until the liquid is completely drained and put the container aside.
7. Clean the threads of the drain plug and replace its copper ring.
8. Using a 10mm socket, unscrew the 20 bolts securing the gearbox pan.
9. The pallet is also secured to the box with sealant. Take a sharp knife or flathead screwdriver and carefully pry the pan out. But be careful not to bend or scratch the metal.
Warning:
There will still be some liquid left in the middle of the box, and when you remove the pan, it may spill out on you.
10. Set the tray aside.
11. A filter is installed between the internal mechanisms of the box and the tray.
12. Disconnect the oil temperature sensor from it.
13. Slowly pull the filter towards you and remove it.
Note:
Be careful: when removing the old element, a sufficient amount of transmission oil will leak out!
14. Check the presence of the O-ring on the neck of the new filter element.
15. Replace the Mazda 3 BK automatic transmission filter with a new one and install it in place.
Filter mounting locations
16. Connect the oil temperature sensor to it.
Note:
It is not recommended to reinstall the removed filter, since over time a sufficient amount of sediment and mechanical impurities accumulates in its middle.
17. Carefully remove the old sealant from the pan. Be careful not to damage or scratch it. Rinse the pan and remove any blockages.
18. There is a magnet installed at the bottom of the tray.
Take it out and clean it well.
19. Apply a thin layer of new sealant to the pan. Give it some time to dry.
20. Degrease the mating surface of the gearbox.
21. Replace the tray and secure with bolts.
22. Tighten the drain plug tightly.
23. Go to the engine compartment. Next you will need to add oil.
24. Fresh fluid is added through the oil dipstick hole.
25. Pull the oil dipstick out of the hole.
26. Insert a funnel into its hole. Fill the liquid to the maximum level.
Note:
Add transmission fluid slowly: Since fluid quickly fills the system, excess fluid will be difficult to remove back.
If too little or too much oil is added, this will negatively affect the performance of the automatic transmission.
27. After filling the fluid, start the engine and gradually move the automatic transmission selector to different positions from P to D. Return the selector to P
28. Check the oil level in the Mazda 3 VK automatic transmission using a dipstick. On a warm engine, it should be in the middle of the sector, on the side of the indicator with the 65°C mark.
When checking on a cold engine, the level should be approximately in the middle of the sector with the 20°C mark.
29. If necessary, add oil.
Changing the oil in the automatic transmission Mazda 3 BL (2.0 l.). Work order:
1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature and stop. Alternately switch the gearbox selector lever to different positions. This will help warm up and circulate the fluid through the system.
2. Place the car on a lift, pit or overpass. Go under the car and inspect its underbody.
3. Using a 10mm socket, unscrew the 7 bolts and use a flat screwdriver to pull out the 2 crankcase protection mounting pistons.
4. Remove protection.
5. Place a suitable empty container with a capacity of about 7 liters under the oil pan.
6. Use a 8mm hex to unscrew the drain bolt.
7. Wait until the liquid is completely drained (about 3.5-5 liters). Place the container aside.
8. Clean the threads of the drain plug. If necessary, replace its copper ring.
9. Using a 10mm socket, unscrew the 20 bolts securing the pan and remove it.
10. The pallet is also secured to the box with sealant. Therefore, after all the bolts have been unscrewed, take a sharp knife or flat-head screwdriver and carefully pry the pan out. But be careful not to bend or scratch the metal.
Warning:
There will still be some liquid left in the middle of the box, and when you remove the pan, it may spill out on you.
11. Set the removed pan aside.
12. A filter is installed between the internal mechanisms of the box and the tray. Disconnect the oil temperature sensor from it.
13. Place an empty container under the filter element. Slowly pull it towards you and remove it.
Note:
Be careful: when removing the filter element, a sufficient amount of transmission oil will leak out!
14. Replace the Mazda 3 BL automatic transmission filter with a new one and install it back.
Note:
Before installation, check the presence of the O-ring on the filter neck.
It is not recommended to reinstall the old element, since over time a sufficient amount of sediment and mechanical impurities accumulates in its middle.
15. Connect the oil temperature sensor.
16. Carefully remove the old sealant from the pan. Be careful not to damage or scratch it.
17. Rinse the pan and remove any blockages.
18. There is a magnet installed at the bottom of the tray.
Don't forget to take it out and clean it well.
19. Apply a thin layer of new sealant to the pan. Give it some time to dry.
20. Degrease the mating surface of the gearbox.
21. Reinstall the removed pan and tighten it with bolts.
22. Tighten the drain plug tightly.
23. Go to the engine compartment. Next, you will need to fill the automatic transmission of the Mazda 3 BL with oil.
24. Oil is poured through the dipstick hole.
25. Pull out the oil level dipstick and insert a funnel into its hole.
26. Fill with fresh fluid to the maximum level.
Note:
Add transmission fluid slowly. Since the liquid quickly fills the system, the excess amount will be difficult to remove back.
If too little or too much oil is added, this will negatively affect the performance of the automatic transmission.
27. move the automatic transmission selector to different positions from P to D. Return the selector to P
28. Measure the oil level of the Mazda 3 automatic transmission. It is determined by the marks on the dipstick.
When the engine is warm, the level should be in the middle of the sector, on the side of the indicator with the 65°C mark.
When checking on a cold engine, the level should be approximately in the middle of the sector with the 20°C mark.
29. If necessary, add fluid.
Note:
On a Mazda 3 (BL) car with a 1.6-liter engine capacity, checking the fluid level is carried out in the same way, but the location of the level indicator in the engine compartment is different.
What to fill
Not only the quantity, but also the quality of the oil being poured plays a fundamentally important role for the “health” of the box. You need to choose based on several main characteristics:
- Origin: synthetic, semi-synthetic, mineral
- Viscosity
- Recommended area of application.
You cannot purchase the same oil for an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. It is necessary to take into account the location of the drive axle in the car. It’s even better if the oil has extreme pressure characteristics. Among the recommended brands for Mazda 3 today are Castrol, Dexron, and API oils.
Hello!
According to technical regulations, the oil in the Mazda 3 automatic transmission must be changed every 60,000 km. Depending on operating conditions, this period can be shortened or extended.
It is better to fill in the original oil - MAZDA 0000-77-112E01, “ATF MV”. To replace it yourself, you will need 5 liters, and for a hardware replacement - 7-10 liters.
Replacing it yourself is not that difficult. You need to go to an inspection hole or lift, have oil, an oil filter, and special wrenches for unscrewing the sump nuts and drain plug.
1) we drive into the pit
2) unscrew the drain plug, placing a container for the liquid.
3) We wait until the oil drains, but that’s not all, since there is oil left in the crankcase. We unscrew the bolts of the pan, remove it, and clean it.
4) Change the automatic transmission filter, install the pan in place, tighten the drain plug.
5) Pour new fresh oil into the hole located in the engine compartment.
The whole procedure is completed. After changing the automatic transmission oil, many owners note that the transmission began to shift more smoothly. And it will last longer if the fluid is replaced in a timely manner.
original Mazda automatic transmission oil. Photos - drive2.ru/users/denil/
Proper selection of oil, its quality throughout the entire period between changes, and its constant availability guarantee the full functioning of the gearbox.
It is necessary to constantly monitor the fluid level in the manual transmission: it may leak onto the protection or other components, and the driver may not immediately notice puddles of fluid, which will lead to the transmission malfunctioning.
Changing the automatic transmission oil of Mazda 3 VM. Work order:
1. To more actively drain the old fluid, warm up the engine to a temperature of at least 70°C and drive the car for several kilometers.
2. Place the car on a lift, pit or overpass. Go under the car and inspect its bottom.
3. Remove the mudguard from the engine compartment.
4. Place a prepared empty container with a capacity of at least 7 liters under the gearbox hole.
5. Unscrew the drain plug with a size 8 hexagon.
6. Wait until the liquid is completely drained and put the container aside.
7. Clean the threads of the drain plug and replace its copper ring.
8. Unscrew the pallet mounting bolts.
9. The pallet is also fixed to the box with sealant. Once all the bolts have been removed, take a sharp knife or flathead screwdriver and carefully pry the pan out. But be careful not to bend or scratch the metal.
Warning:
There will still be some liquid left in the middle of the gearbox, and when you remove the pan, it may pour out on you.
10. Place the tray aside.
11. A filter is installed between the internal mechanisms of the gearbox.
12. Unscrew the 2 filter mounting bolts.
13. Slowly pull it towards you and remove it.
Note:
Be careful: when removing the element, a sufficient amount of transmission oil leaks out!
14. Check the presence of o-rings on the new element.
15. Install the new filter in its place and secure with bolts.
Note:
It is not recommended to reinstall the removed element, since over time a sufficient amount of sediment and mechanical impurities accumulates in its middle.
16. Return to the pallet. Remove the old sealant from it. Be careful not to damage or scratch it.
17. Rinse the pan and remove any blockages.
18. There is a magnet installed at the bottom of the tray. It must be taken out and cleaned well.
19. Apply a thin layer of new sealant to the pan. Give it some time to dry.
20. Degrease the mating surface of the box.
21. Reinstall the transmission pan and tighten its drain plug.
22. Go to the engine compartment. Next you will need to fill in new oil.
23. Fresh fluid is added through the oil dipstick hole.
The dipstick itself is installed in a specially equipped tube, which is attached to the cylinder block. Its lower part is immersed in transmission fluid located in the engine crankcase.
To access the oil level indicator, you need to disassemble the Mazda 3 air filter housing:
1. Unfasten the metal fasteners securing the casing by pulling them towards the top.
2. Disconnect the chip from the box.
3. Disconnect the mounting clamp.
4. Using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the 2 bolts securing the intake air duct.
5. Pull out the air filter and the lower part of its housing.
6. Using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the dipstick mounting bolt.
7. Pull out the dipstick.
8. Insert the tube into its hole. Connect the tube to the funnel.
9. Fill the Mazda 3 BM automatic transmission oil to the maximum level.
24. Start the engine and gradually move the gearbox selector to different modes. Return the selector to P .
25. Measure the fluid level in the box. It is determined by the marks on the automatic transmission dipstick, and should be located in the middle of the sector, on the side of the indicator with the 50°C mark.
26. If necessary, add fluid.
Self-checking the oil in a Mazda 3 automatic transmission:
1. Take a small clean white sheet of paper, napkin or white cloth.
2. Pull out the oil level dipstick and apply a few drops of fluid to the paper.
3. Rate the color of the liquid:
- transparent blue tint for Mazda (BM) - the fluid is in normal condition and does not need to be replaced;
- transparent pink tint for Mazda (BK/BL) - the fluid is in normal condition and does not need to be replaced;
- gray/crimson color, maybe still transparent or slightly cloudy - you will have to change the oil soon;
- dark color, opaque, there may be a burning smell - fluid replacement is already necessary.
