Replacing Manual Transmission Fluid

[skulkingghost]

My mazda 3 just it 30k, I was told by the dealer that part of the 30k service should include the transmission fluid being replaced. My car is a Manual 2.3l hatchback what do you guys think?

Also I am looking to get the oil changed with a good synthetic, I was thinking mobil 1 or amsoil, but anyone else have recommendations?

 

[StageLeft]

Check the manual and I bet you 10:1 it says nothing about replacing this fluid @ 30k. I bet you 100:1. Dealers always make up rubbish to get money from you. It's why "30k" and "60k" intervals are just such a load of wasteful garbage.

The real 30k--what is in your manual has MUCH LESS than the stealership is trying to charge and do be hesitant about doing anything else. In fact, never take the stealership's 30k interval, just ask specifically to have them do what's in the manual. And don't listen to the lies; the warranty is maintained by adhering to the manual, not the board they have up with all the crap you'll get for $400.

Now, this aside, is it worth changing the fluid? Perhaps, but unless your manual says it is specified at this interval it is more an optional than a mandatory thing. I would be more inclined to change every 60k probably.

 

[BUTCH1]

Maybe the sales person didn't know yours is a manual, manual gear boxes do not use transmission "fluid" they have gear oil, I can't say if it needs to be changed or not, usually service just means making sure it's at the proper level. 30K possibly might be a change interval for an automatic, check your owners manual and see what it recommends. I know my dealer is always looking to sell me an injector flush or something else..

 

[overst33r]

Check your manual. I bet it's not before 60k or 100k. Hell on a Mazda 3 it could even be "lifetime" fluid. I wouldn't touch it.

 

[StageLeft]

Check your manual. I bet it's not before 60k or 100k. Hell on a Mazda 3 it could even be "lifetime" fluid. I wouldn't touch it.

I bet it is (my guess is the manual talks about inspecting it every 15k or something but never has an R in the schedule matrix anywhere), although manuals seem to just kind of ignore life after 100k so it certainly sounds like a good idea to get it replaced at some point, but 30k is a bit aggressive.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Looks like 62.5K miles. This is a link to UK spec cars, but it'll be the same.

http://davidgowenlock.co.uk/mazda3/esicont/en/srvc/html/B3E000000013W01.html

I.e., 30k is bullshit.

 

[LTC8K6]

I believe Ford in the US recommends a long interval for manual transmissions in cars. It's over 100K miles, I believe.

 

[CraigRT]

Right from the manual of my Saturn it says to change the manual trans fluid at its first service and then never again.

You can change it, if you put Amsoil or Redline in there it will feel great, but youll never have to change it again.

Can't go wrong with Amsoil, whether for gear oil, or engine oil.

 

[thescreensavers]

I would look at the fluid if its dirty or dark change it, if not wait till 60k.

Its better to change at least once it before 100k preferably at around 50k.

but

If your cars leased, then I would pass, if its not required don't do it.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I replace mine at 50k and consider it overkill. Would recommend Royal Purple Synchromax personally, my transmission (NV3500) didn't like Redline MTL.

 

[jlee]

I replace mine at 50k and consider it overkill. Would recommend Royal Purple Synchromax personally, my transmission (NV3500) didn't like Redline MTL.

I ran Royal Purple and my transmission hated it (Toyota E153) - Redline Shockproof Lightweight was worlds better.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

So I guess the conclusion is to find out from people that own similar models what fluid your car likes.

 

[jlee]

So I guess the conclusion is to find out from people that own similar models what fluid your car likes.

Pretty much - cars are weird that way.

 

[vshah]

i changed mine at 30k, but there was a TSB on my car for that

 

[MrWizzard]

Lol, changing a manuals transmission fluid. Ask them to change the hargedoplesnorgledofusnatenflanglers fluid too while they are at it.

 

[CraigRT]

Lol, changing a manuals transmission fluid. Ask them to change the hargedoplesnorgledofusnatenflanglers fluid too while they are at it.

It's only funny if they say it should be changed repeatedly... But I do agree on changing it to something better. Every car I've owned shifted better after putting in a high quality synthetic lube. Amsoil in my Satty and Redline in the Maxima.

 

[skulkingghost]

is ther a specific amsoil i should look for for my mazda3?

 

[punjabiplaya]

Lol, changing a manuals transmission fluid. Ask them to change the hargedoplesnorgledofusnatenflanglers fluid too while they are at it.

don't be so technical, it's called blinker fluid

 

[Gibson486]

Mazda 3's manual does not have intervals on tranny fluid. Atleast the US version does not.


On the automatic, you need to do it in short intervals. After 30K, it almost looks as dark as motor oil.

 

[StageLeft]

Mazda 3's manual does not have intervals on tranny fluid. Atleast the US version does not.


On the automatic, you need to do it in short intervals. After 30K, it almost looks as dark as motor oil.

I did my MPV around 75k or so and it was some pretty damn black fluid.

I did put Redline in my Max @ 60k I think it was. Maybe even sooner, but I was l337 back then, back in the day.

 

[Gibson486]

I did my MPV around 75k or so and it was some pretty damn black fluid.

I did put Redline in my Max @ 60k I think it was. Maybe even sooner, but I was l337 back then, back in the day.

yeah....my gf was watching me change the fluid....she just went, "how come the used old is black and the new stuff is red...."

 

[hanoverphist]

you prompted me to look at the manual for my truck when i get home... i have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 and ive never thought about checking the transmission fluid. it has almost 189k miles on it too, probably could use a refresh by this point.

 

[CurseTheSky]

I just did oil in my Fusion the other day, at 42.5k miles. I meant to do a transmission drain / refill at 35-40k, but have extremely busy and it slipped my mind. The manual doesn't say anything about a transmission service schedule.

Luckily, when I checked the dipstick, the fluid is still bright red. I got the car at 26k miles, so unless someone changed it before then I guess it's just going strong.

 

[BUTCH1]

Lol, changing a manuals transmission fluid. Ask them to change the hargedoplesnorgledofusnatenflanglers fluid too while they are at it.

Do they actually call it fluid now, manual transmissions (I thought) used gear oil..

 

[jlee]

Do they actually call it fluid now, manual transmissions (I thought) used gear oil..

Most do, but IIRC early Toyota S54 / MR2 non-turbo transmissions were spec'd for ATF.

you prompted me to look at the manual for my truck when i get home... i have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 and ive never thought about checking the transmission fluid. it has almost 189k miles on it too, probably could use a refresh by this point.

If you've never done it, you probably really need to change the gear oil in your differential(s) as well.