Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Condition Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Remove the dipstick in the order indicated in the table.

PARTS DESCRIPTION CHART

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

If the ATF is muddy or varnished.
If the ATF smells strange or unusual.

Fig 1: Dipstick, O-Ring And Bolt Of ATF
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

POSSIBLE CAUSE CONDITION CHART

ATF condition			Possible cause
Clear red		Normal	-
Light red: pink		Contaminated with water	Broken oil cooler inside of radiator 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 pipe, control valve body and oil cooler in radiator. 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 pipe and/or oil cooler inside of radiator.
Reddish brown	Has no burnt smell	Normal	Discoloration by oxidation

Install the dipstick in the reverse order of removal.
CAUTION:
- If the O-ring is damaged, replace the O-ring with a new one. Otherwise, ATF could leak.
Tightening torque 8-10 N.m {82-101 kgf.cm, 71-88 in.lbf}