Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Condition Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Protege5 and 2003 Mazda Protege. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

One way of determining whether the transaxle should be replaced is by noting:
- If the ATF is muddy or varnished.
- If the ATF smells strange or unusual.
  
  Fig 1: ATF Condition Chart
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.