Changing the oil in the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission must be carried out regularly; for stable operation of the machine, the lubricant level in the automatic transmission must be regularly checked and adjusted if necessary.
A complete oil change in the automatic transmission can be done at a service center or independently.
Checking the lubricant level in the automatic transmission
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The dipstick for measuring the oil level in the automatic transmission on Mazda 6 2008 cars before restyling, you need to look for in the engine compartment near the brake fluid reservoir. The lower part of the working fluid indicator tube is attached to the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission, the upper part is attached to the engine cylinder block.
It is recommended to measure the oil level after a trip, when the engine is warm. Correct data can be obtained when the liquid temperature in the machine is 55 degrees Celsius.
Instructions for checking the oil level in a Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission:
- Remove the dipstick.
- Wipe it with a clean rag and put it back.
- Take it out and check if the level is within the marks on the meter.
- If necessary, add fluid and return the dipstick to its place.
If the oil level regularly drops, you need to contact a service center to find and eliminate the cause.
Where is the Mazda6 GH automatic transmission dipstick after restyling?
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After updating the Mazda 6 in 2010, the dipstick for diagnosing the lubricant level in the automatic transmission changed its location. It is located directly under the brake fluid reservoir, if you look under the hood of the car from top to bottom, and is secured with a nut of ten.
For some reason they made it very short, its upper part is fixed to the body of the “machine gun”.
We assess the condition of the oil in an automatic transmission by color
You can diagnose the need for an automatic transmission oil change yourself in a few steps. Algorithm for Mazda 6 2009 and higher:
- Prepare a white napkin (paper or fabric).
- Remove the dipstick to check the oil level in the automatic transmission, apply a little lubricant to a napkin.
- Study the color of the drops:
- pink-red tint - the liquid does not need to be changed;
- cloudy or transparent gray - will need to be changed soon;
- opaque dark - needs updating.
Another distinctive feature of old oil is the burning smell.
It is better to replace the fluid in the Mazda 6 GH box with a warm engine, driving the car into an inspection hole or overpass.
When is only a complete replacement necessary?
If the car's mileage is more than 100 thousand km, and the fluid in the gearbox has never been replaced, then a partial replacement may negatively affect the operation of the gearbox, even to the point of failure. Only a complete replacement of the fluid and flushing of the automatic transmission can flush out various deposits that clog the oil channels from the entire system, and restore access to normal transmission cooling.
Over time, the transmission fluid in the box loses its physical and chemical properties, gradually accumulating combustion and friction products. Therefore, it is necessary completely pump out the old fluid, and not a partial oil change. Possible problems:
- noise is heard when the box is operating;
- long and hard gear shifting;
- increased fuel consumption;
- incorrect operation of electronic sensors;
- accelerated wear of automatic transmission parts (bearings, bushings, sliding washers);
- oil leakage at the junction between the engine and gearbox;
- clogging of the oil filter and reducing its throughput;
- additional load on the oil pump.
What and how much oil to pour into the automatic machine
Mazda 6 generation 2 entered the market with a recommendation for the use of automatic transmission lubricant of the ATF M-V brand (article 000077112E01). The original ensures correct operation of the transmission and has a higher price compared to analogues.
If the viscosity level and class match, you can pour liquid with a non-original part number. Neglecting these conditions may result in damage to the automatic transmission or its parts.
ATF M-V (art. 000077112E01)
The total volume in the automatic transmission is 8.14 liters; for a partial replacement, half is enough; for a full replacement, take a reserve, plus transmission fluid for flushing (if necessary). In this case, the entire volume of oil for the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission must be of the same brand.
If the owner of a 2012 Mazda 6 GH does not find the original oil suitable for the price, you can stop at lubricants.
Their liquid is sold in containers of 0.946 and 4.74 liters under article numbers 10113042P and 30040092953. With identical parameters (analysis results are posted on the forums), the cost differs from the original lubricant by almost half.
Motor oils and everything you need to know about motor oils
What kind of oil to fill in Mazda 6
Every motorist knows well that the choice of oil for Mazda 6, as for any other vehicle, must be made in accordance with the requirements of the service book. However, it often happens that standard parameters do not always reach optimal values.
What kind of oil to fill in the Mazda 6 engine
The sixth Mazda is very sensitive to the quality of engine oil. If it is of low quality, it will begin to actively evaporate - at best. Or it will simply damage the engine. Hence the conclusion: you need to choose the oil very carefully and take into account all its characteristics in order to drive for a long time without repairs.
Recommendations from professionals
The Japanese manufacturer recommends filling the engine with original Dexelia oil with the following viscosity:
However, such parameters will not be enough. To make an informed choice, you need to take into account the series of the car and the year of its manufacture. A new vehicle requires one type of lubricant, while a car with high mileage requires a completely different one.
Mazda, which came off the assembly line between 2002 and 2007, usually runs on semi-synthetic or mineral oil. Quite often, the owners of such cars try to choose the best lubricants for it and fill the engine with synthetics. It's better not to do this. For cars manufactured 10-15 years ago, mineral motor oil is more suitable.
To operate Mazda in winter, you need to use a lubricant with a viscosity of 0W-30 or 5W-40. Moreover, the composition must contain additives with the SM class. In summer, oil with a viscosity of 25W-40 is suitable. For the middle zone climate, you can use an all-season one with a viscosity coefficient of 15W-40.
For cars manufactured in 2008-2012, higher quality oil is needed. In this case, you cannot do without synthetics. You can also opt for semi-synthetics, but the lubricant class for a gasoline internal combustion engine should be SN, and for a diesel unit - CJ.
The latest generation includes cars manufactured between 2013-2016. Only synthetic lubricant is poured into them, the class of which must be:
During the summer months, viscosity values change. 15W-60 is considered optimal. With the onset of cold weather, 0W-60 is poured into the engine.
Tips from Mazda owners
Of course, everyone chooses for themselves which oil to fill in the Mazda 6. However, statistical data show that world-class motor oils are most often used:
If the car has run more than 100,000 km, Dexelia should not be filled. It begins to evaporate very quickly, which does not meet the standard set by the manufacturer. It must be said that SL class additives cannot be considered the best, and you have to pay very dearly for such a lubricant.
Sometimes it becomes noticeable how quickly the car “eats” the lubricant. To solve this problem, it is worth trying to find a more suitable viscosity. You can use semi-synthetics, the viscosity of which corresponds to 10W-40. For such cases, lubricants are often used:
Of course, they are quite expensive, but they reliably protect the engine from damage.
The Mazda 6 is suitable for the latest HighTech oil with a viscosity coefficient of 5W-30. Unlike others, it does not burn or evaporate. You can drive it even more than the standard for the replacement.
Automatic transmission filter articles
Automatic transmission oil filter
It is better to change the automatic transmission oil filter along with the lubricant. Original or analogue – the owner chooses. The list of current offers looks like this (article, brand, price in rubles):
- FNC121500A, Mazda original from 1000
- 2051031SX, Stellox from 600
- DFT4254, Double Force from 650
- Z15159R, Zikmar from 1000 (set)
- MVFILT26, MV-parts from 350
- VPMFNC121500A VPM from 310
For the Mazda 6 GH, VIN code specialists can select other analogues.
Parts and consumables:
- Container for draining old oil
- Funnel
- Rags
- Fabric gloves
- Solvent or gasoline for cleaning surfaces
- Extension hose
- Mazda oil filter - FZ01-21-500
- Mazda sealant - TB12-27-C00
- Sealant remover
- Transmission oil Mazda Original Oil ATF FZ - 8300-77-246 (1 l.) or Mazda Original Oil ATF FZ 8300-77-994
- Mazda crankcase mounting bolts - 9YA0-10-615A
- Mazda drain plug gasket - 9956-41-400
- Mazda drain plug - FS50-21-249
Partial replacement of automatic transmission lubricant
To top up or partially renew the lubricant in a Mazda 6 GH with your own hands, you will need: a figure eight hexagon, a funnel and a container for waste fluid.
Instructions for changing automatic transmission oil:
- Warm up the lubricant with the engine running.
(link to photo source) - Remove the dipstick, wipe it and return it to its place.
- Remove the mudguard and crankcase protection.
- Open the plug and drain the grease from the pan, be careful it is hot.
(link to photo source) - Replace the aluminum washer-seal of the plug (if there is visible deformation), close the container.
- Add through the dipstick hole the same amount of oil in the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission that was drained.
- Check level.
It is better to repeat this procedure after 1-2 thousand kilometers, then it will be possible to renew approximately 50-70% of the fluid in the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission.
Reasons for changing the oil:
- Dirty oil cannot remove heat well and lubricate gearbox parts, which, as a consequence, leads to various types of malfunctions of the vehicle gearbox.
- A very dirty liquid is an abrasive suspension. Under strong pressure, it begins to produce the result of sandblasting. Strong exposure to liquid leads to thinning of the valve body walls at the locations of the control valves and contributes to the occurrence of various leaks.
- Under the influence of unfavorable climatic conditions, the oil gradually loses its quality, automatic transmission components are poorly cooled, quickly become clogged with metal shavings, dirt and become unusable over time.
Do-it-yourself complete oil change in an automatic transmission Mazda 6 GH
To change the oil in an automatic transmission yourself, you need to drive into a wide hole, leaving the left driver's side as free as possible. It will be more convenient to work from this position. Changing the oil in the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission:
- Remove the crankcase protection and drain the old substance from the pan. To do this, you will need to unscrew the cover using an internal hexagon. The volume of drained liquid is on average four liters. In each case, the exact amount of waste material must be measured.
(link to photo source) - Tighten all the pan bolts one by one. Their diameter is ten - around the subframe, additional tools and skill may be required. Remove the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission pan. It is secured with sealant or gasket; it is better to pry it off with a chisel. It is important not to damage the mating surfaces.
(link to photo source) - Carefully remove the chip and the filter itself (hot liquid will flow out from under it).
- Change the filter to a new one, put on the chip.
- Carefully clean the automatic transmission and pan from old sealant and degrease. Wash the tray and magnet well.
- Apply a new layer of sealant if a gasket is not included with the filter. Wait 15 minutes, secure the tray to the accessible bolts, but do not tighten yet.
- Raise the Mazda 6 GH on a jack, remove the driver's side wheel and the lower left boot, tighten the bolts near the subframe.
- Tighten all the bolts and the pan plug, pour into the box through the funnel exactly the same amount of lubricant that was drained at the first stage.
- Remove and turn over the air filter housing. Without it, the car will not work. Remove the hose from the return fitting of the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission, with the engine running, drain the waste mass one liter at a time and add new mass through the dipstick hole. It is more convenient to perform these procedures with an assistant: one starts and stops the engine, the other fills the container and adds oil. The operation must be repeated until clean lubricant flows from the hose. Usually it takes about 4-5 more liters.
For replacement, it is recommended to buy nine liters of oil, so that there is a small reserve for setting the level.
Changing the oil completely or partially in the Mazda 6 GH automatic transmission can be done by yourself.
To completely renew the lubricant, you will need some skill and an assistant. But if the procedure is carried out correctly, operating the 2nd generation Mazda 6 gearbox will not cause trouble for a long time.
