Mazda 3 manuals

Mazda 3 Service Manual: Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Inspection [FS5 A EL]

Mazda 3 Service Manual / Drivetrain / Transmission/Transaxle / Automatic / Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Inspection [FS5 A EL]

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Condition Inspection

1. One way of determining whether the transaxle should be disassembled is by noting:


ATF Condition

Possible cause

Clear red

Normal

Light red: pink

Contaminated with water

  • Broken oil cooler

  • Poor filler tube installation:

    • Problem could be occurring to parts inside the transaxle by water contamination. It is necessary to overhaul transaxle and detect defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle.

Reddish brown

Has burnt smell and metal specks are found

Deteriorated ATF

  • Defect powertrain components inside of transaxle: Specks cause wide range of problems by plugging up in oil hose, control valve body and oil cooler.

    • When large amount of metal specks are found, overhaul transaxle and detect defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle.

    • Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility to have specks plugging up oil hose and/or oil cooler.

Has no burnt smell

Normal

  • Discoloration by oxidation


Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Level Inspection

CAUTION:

NOTE:

1. Inspect the ATF level before driving the vehicle.

a. Park the vehicle on level ground, and then engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks at the front and rear of the wheels.

b. Verify visually that there is no ATF leakage from the oil hose or housing.

c. Start the engine and warm it up in the P position.

CAUTION:

d. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean while the engine is idling.

e. Install the dipstick and remove it again.

f. Verify that the ATF level is in the range as shown in the figure.


2. Inspect the ATF level after driving the vehicle.

a. Shift the selector lever and pause momentarily in each position (from the P position to the D position) while depressing the brake pedal.

b. Drive on city roads at a minimum of 5 km {3 mile}.

c. Connect the M-MDS to the DLC-2.


d. Verify that the ATF temperature is 60—70 °C {140—158 °F} using the M-MDS.

e. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean while the engine is idling.

f. Verify that the ATF level is in the range as shown in the figure.


Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Adjustment [Fw6 A EL]
CAUTION: Only adjust the ATF level when the ATF temperature is 45—55 °C {113—131 °F}. If the ATF level is incorrect, it could damage the transaxle. Do not add ATF over the specifica ...

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Inspection [Fw6 A EL]
CAUTION: If the ATF level is not within the specification or ATF is not adhering to the dipstick after warming up the engine, do not drive the vehicle. Otherwise, the transaxle could be ...

Other materials:

Oil Pump Removal/Installation [Mzr 2.0, Mzr 2.5]
WARNING: Hot engines and engine oil can cause severe burns. Turn off the engine and wait until it and the engine oil have cooled. A vehicle that is lifted but not securely supported on safety stands is dangerous. It can slip or fall, causing death or serious injury. Never work ...

Opening the Hood
With the vehicle parked, pull the release handle to unlock the hood. Insert your hand into the hood opening, slide the latch lever to the right, and lift up the hood. NOTE The lever is located a little to the left of center when facing the vehicle. Grasp the support r ...

Lights-On Reminder
The lights-on reminder is operable when the time setting *1 of the auto headlight off function is off. If lights are on and the ignition is switched to ACC or the ignition is switched off, a continuous beep sound will be heard when the driver's door is opened. *1 If the light switch is le ...

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