Transmission Fluid Change Questions

[LKMS]

Hey, I just picked up a 2005 Mazda 3 GS. One thing I noticed was that the automatic transmission fluid is brownish which means it's a good idea I change out the fluid. The transmission shifts gears fine while driving though. I'm very happy Mazda included a drain bolt :D.

I've been looking at whether I should drop the pan and change the filter. But some Google searches point out its a 'strainer' and not worth changing at all.

I'm not looking to do a transmission fluid FLUSH. The car itself had about 180k km on it and I'm afraid of damaging the transmission because of that and the fluids colour.

So here's my question:

So would it be okay to pass on the strainer, not remove the tranmission fluid pan and just drain and fill with atf M-V?

[BUZZ3R]

If it is a steel mesh filter screen then just draining it would be fine....but drain it fill it then run up to temp and through gears then drain and flush again.

[Milan96]

I agree, 3X a drain and fill should be enough. Seemed to do the trick on my 2010 auto when I had it. The filter doesn't seem to really be an item that needs servicing on these transmissions, as is the case a lot with Japanese cars

[geeboss]

IDEMITSU Type M

[LKMS]

Here's an update; (Not a mechanic but mechanically inclined.. hmm)

Anyways I took it to my mechanic to get a second opinion and he said to just drain and fill.

Bought 3 litres of m5 tx fluid from Mazda ($6.95ea) and drained and filled. Not going to 3x as of yet, maybe a little down the road.

Thanks everyone.