2002 Mazda B3000 Frequency of transmission flushes

DPROZZO

MEMBER
2002 MAZDA B3000
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

How often do you recommend changing the transmission fluid? The manual says 150,000, the Mazda Service Dept says about 45,000, other opinions (on the internet) are all over the map. Also, should the pan be removed and the filter changed? The dealer says that "Mazda doesn't recommend this." Once again, opinions vary. Thanks.

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 11:02 AM

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
Thanks for the donation.

Your automatic transmission fluid should be inspected every 30,000 miles under normal driving conditions. The fluid should be changed per owners manuals' instructions. 150,000 miles is a very common distance to drive a vehicle before changing the ATF. Dropping the pan and changing the filter is the way that I recommend if you do not know if the vehicle has has scheduled tranny flushes. Flushing the tranny fluid (which will bypass having to drop pan) can cause the build up at the bottom of the pan to go through system and cause harm to components. If the fluid hasn't been flushed regularly (approx every 150k miles) then I would suggest just changing the fluid and filter and not having the system flushed.

Hope this helps.
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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 AT 7:38 PM

DPROZZO

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thank-you. Seems like people often recommend preventive maintenance at a frequency more often than that recommended by the car's mfg. It is often said that oil changes should be at 3000 mile intervals, but I don't think any car company recommends that - unless the car is being used as a taxi.

I don't want to scrimp at routine service because neglecting these may cost more in the long run, but unneeded service costs money too.

As an aside, I discovered last evening - while changing my oil - that I have a transmission fluid leak. Dealer's Service Dept checked it this morning and said I have a leaking output shaft seal. They have to order the part. I'll keep an eye on the transmission fluid level till it is repaired next week.

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 9:57 AM