Best synthethic transmission fluid to use in manual transmission Mazda 3 2010 GT

[Ps3alltheway]

I've looked up at many forums, and on internet and can't seem to find ''the'' answer to my question
What would be the best choice of fluid to use??


I've heard redline mt-90 ... but other brands too!

[stevenma188]

Motul Gear 300 75w90: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...e-Fluid-MoCool Alpha has it available.

[Sparcas]

I did a fluid flush/fill using Redline MT90 @100K ... it's been 80K since, no slipping, or noticeable problems.

I bought mine from Rick @ G16

Mine's a 2007 GT....

[Ps3alltheway]

I've heard that i should use 75w80 in my tranmission, but i guess 90 would not cause any issues since it is a minimal difference?

[stevenma188]

Where did you hear that?

[Booter22]

i think 75w80 is what the manual says. but i havent seen it for sale anywhere. i went with motul 75W90 in mine and ford syncromesh in the gfs. so far. i like the motul better, but i wouldnt say there is next to any difference. they both shift the same.

[Ps3alltheway]

il try to pick up some motyl 75w80 (motul) but if i go to 75w90 for the same reasons as you could it bring me warranty problems ??

[Harbour Rat]

I've heard that i should use 75w80 in my tranmission, but i guess 90 would not cause any issues since it is a minimal difference?

I believe Mazda changed their spec from 75W90 to 75W80 or 70W80 some time in the last couple of years. I'm not sure which model year marked the change. Your Owner's Manual will tell you what grade of oil is correct, as well as the quantity. Itis in Section 10, "Specifications" in my manual.

If your car is one which specs 75W80 I would not worry if all you can find is 75W90. As you say, the difference is pretty minimal. My '08 5 speed calls for 75W90 and I have run 75W140 with no trouble. Choosing the correct API spec - GL4 or GL5 - seems to make a bigger difference than viscosity.

Switching from conventional to synthetic fluid will make a noticeable difference in shifting, especially in sub-freezing conditions. Differences between various brands of synthetic fluid seem pretty minor (to me) compared to the difference between conventional and synthetic.

As for brand, I know what I have used and what I like but I won't say any brand is "the best". Some people claim big changes, good or bad, after switching to one brand of fluid or another. As long as the correct viscosity and grade are used I have never noticed transmission fluid making a huge difference in several vehicles over almost 30 years of driving. There is sometimes a slight difference in how the shifts feel from one brand to the next but it is subtle enough I'm not sure it isn't mostly in my head.

For warranty purposes I'm sure using anything but the specified fluid would be a problem. This assumes Mazda finds out you put in something other than the specified fluid. If you never say anything they will never know. I seriously doubt they are going to send a sample of the oil to be tested in the event of a transmission failure. Even if they do, I doubt the results would tell them the difference between a 75W80 and a 75W90. It isn't like you're going out in left field and putting ATF or motor oil or TDH in there, something that would be really obvious.

[Squib]

Every mechanic that I ask suggests sticking with OEM.

[Harbour Rat]

Sticking with OEM is always a safe course of action as you know you are getting the right fluid for the application and don't have to worry about the sort of questions this thread is about. And let's face it, many, many cars run the factory trans fluid for the life of the vehicle and never have a problem. Those of us (myself included) who choose to spend $10-20+ per litre for fancy synthetic gear oil, well, we're kind of weird and maybe not the first or best choice for advice. I'm just sayin'. . .

[Booter22]

its as easy as this TSB perfect information

TSB: 05-10-11
2009 MAZDA5 AND 2010 MAZDA3 - MANUAL TRANSMISSION OIL SPECIFICATION CHANGE
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2009 Mazda5 vehicles (5 M/T) with VINs lower than JM1CR******351687 (produced before Dec. 9, 2008)

2010 Mazda3 vehicles (5 M/T and 6 M/T) with VINs lower than JM1BL******109737 (produced before Dec. 15, 2008)

DESCRIPTION
The manual transmission oil changed from 75W-90 to 75W-80 during production of the 2009 Mazda5 and 2010 Mazda3. Vehicles produced before the above production date use 75W-90. Vehicles produced on or after the date use 75W-80.

NOTE: Some related parts changed due to the oil specification change.

When it becomes necessary to replace the manual transmission oil, always refer to the Owners Manual.

NOTE:

•If 75W-90 is used in transmissions designed for 75W-80, it may result in reduced fuel efficiency and/or deterioration of shift feel when cold.

•If 75W-80 is used in transmissions designed for 75W-90, it may result in gear rattle noise.

[Ps3alltheway]

do you guys know a trustable Canadian parts and accessories website for Mazda? Can't seem to find any 75w80 !

[stevenma188]

Pffff GenPu's and their obscure tranny fluids

[Ps3alltheway]

no one knows a website?

[pwdunmore]

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=140&pcid=7

Meets the requirements for Genpu's I believe

[Booter22]

you can use 75W90 in a car that came with 75W80, i have it in two of my cars. but its not advised to go from a car that came with 75W90 to 75W80. so just go with 75W90. you will be ok. i couldnt think the fuel economy would change that much, and i dont find the shifting worse then before. its drives the same.

[Ps3alltheway]

thx ... but I don't understand why it is so hard to find 75w80 makes no ****ing sense

[Booter22]

thx ... but I don't understand why it is so hard to find 75w80 makes no ****ing sense

no idea. i just know its easier to find 75W90

[sarujo]

JRP out in Mississauga (Erins Mills Pkwy & QEW) has the complete line of Redline tranny oils. I was there today and they had MTL, MT-90 and the new MT-85 (75W85) in stock.

They also have the Redline SI-1 complete fuel system cleaner - grabbed some today to try in coming weeks..

[sarujo]

Stop guessing..just use Redline's application tool and it will tell you..

http://www.redlineoil.com/application.aspx

My 2010 w/ 5MT shows MTL via their lookup tool, and that's what I have in my gearbox atm.

It also recommends/shows MTL for 2012 5 and 6 speeds manual transmissions...

I wonder when TheMan will jump in here!?

[morganc]

AC Delco Synchromesh Transmission Fluid is what Mazda is putting in MTs now. I just changed mine and it's phenomenal. It's basically un-tinted ATF, so it remains at low-viscosity at any temperature.

[sarujo]

Where exactly did you hear this? Be more specific (part numbers etc) regarding this syncromesh.

AC Delco Synchromesh Transmission Fluid is what Mazda is putting in MTs now. I just changed mine and it's phenomenal. It's basically un-tinted ATF, so it remains at low-viscosity at any temperature.

[Booter22]

Where exactly did you hear this? Be more specific (part numbers etc) regarding this syncromesh.

yup thats news to me too, the trans fluid comes from petro. i dont have the spec in front of me but its not ac delco.. at least not at our shop.

ive found the motul is still the best. the gfs car has the ford syncromesh and its nice, but i like how mine shifts better. could be a bias to my car.. but what can you do.

[sarujo]

^^ John, yours shifts better because the wheels are not pink!

[morganc]

yup thats news to me too, the trans fluid comes from petro. i dont have the spec in front of me but its not ac delco.. at least not at our shop.

ive found the motul is still the best. the gfs car has the ford syncromesh and its nice, but i like how mine shifts better. could be a bias to my car.. but what can you do.

I've received the same piece of advice from Burlington Mazda as well as Mountain Mazda. Both parts managers havehad it in their cars since virtually new and it's been running great in mine