AT Transmission fluid change on the SKYACTIV?

[Akiba48]

I've been reading some mixed answers around the internet but there's no clear answer. Mazda says this is a "lifetime fluid", so the transmission is sealed.

Various forums say that you can change the fluid, but some places aren't willing to touch sealed transmission units (including the dealership themselves). This answer also applies to those ZF units which could introduce various problems if you mess with those sealed units.

Anyone have any experience with transmission fluid drain and fill on a SKYACTIV Mazda?

[Aitch]

I have not but I'm interested to hear more.

[Dubcee]

This is also a point of controversy on the Volvo forums.

Transmission fluid is never a lifetime fluid, especially if you tow, track, autocross, or hoon.

With the Volvo's they have adaptive transmissions that change behaviour based on age if the transmission and fluids. These adaptives must be reset when new fluid is used to avoid transmission malfunction or failure. Many shops don't want to deal with resetting adaptives because if it goes wrong, it can be their fault

[ottoyu34]

Any oil in general is will require changing at a certain interval; heat, moisture, friction and such will break it down. Mazda just never specify that interval.

[ryan2.3]

automatics are usually about 50k km aren't they? you can go longer between changes with a manual

[Bizantino]

I'm also interested to know, I have an automatic 2012 sky gs with 50k and i'm curious about when should i flush or drain my at fluid.
I read that you can check it, there is a bolted dipstick under the intake to see the oil level and color.
Its here:
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2...id-change.html

[Milan96]

If I recall correctly, I remember hearing that the skyactiv transmissions do have drain and fill plugs on them somewhere. Sounds to me like manufacturers are moving toward "lifetime" components on their vehicles, but I feel like "lifetime" means it'll be okay for your warranty period and then after that good luck to you

[Akiba48]

If I recall correctly, I remember hearing that the skyactiv transmissions do have drain and fill plugs on them somewhere. Sounds to me like manufacturers are moving toward "lifetime" components on their vehicles, but I feel like "lifetime" means it'll be okay for your warranty period and then after that good luck to you

Which is weird because ZF states a recommended interval for fluid change on their website BUT it may vary depending on the car manufacturer's specified interval
But car manufacturers state it's a sealed unit with lifetime fluid. There is a drain and fill plugs, there is liquid you can purchase, and there's also a filter you can buy.

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[Reddie1337]

For a Skyactiv AT fluid change, you need about 3L of Mazda's FZ Transmission fluid, There is a drain plug, and the fill port is the tiny dipstick on the front of the transmission below the breather box.

Done a couple of them, we normally do Transmission services around 80K.

[Akiba48]

For a Skyactiv AT fluid change, you need about 3L of Mazda's FZ Transmission fluid, There is a drain plug, and the fill port is the tiny dipstick on the front of the transmission below the breather box.

Done a couple of them, we normally do Transmission services around 80K.

Where?

[markow202]

I have a 2013 Sky approaching 60k with the 6AT tranny. Shifts just fine although when cold its a bit "notchy" especially downshifts. Debating to change it on the next service soon however, I dont trust the dealer. Should I go to Street Performance?

[Reddie1337]

I have a 2013 Sky approaching 60k with the 6AT tranny. Shifts just fine although when cold its a bit "notchy" especially downshifts. Debating to change it on the next service soon however, I dont trust the dealer. Should I go to Street Performance?

A) Why don't you trust the dealer?
B) What mileage are you at?
C) I am sure Street Performance is able to do something like this. It's pretty easily done, especially on a hoist

and @Akiba48 HOLY totally missed this, I work at an independent shop in Cambridge, how do you think I've had so many Mazda's over the years?

[markow202]

Im approaching 60K

A) Why don't you trust the dealer?
B) What mileage are you at?
C) I am sure Street Performance is able to do something like this. It's pretty easily done, especially on a hoist

and @Akiba48 HOLY totally missed this, I work at an independent shop in Cambridge, how do you think I've had so many Mazda's over the years?

[Reddie1337]

Im approaching 60K

I normally change it around 80k-100k. It starts to smell and get discoloured by then.