Flushing of transmission gets a "BAD RAP" on forums and by many "mechanics that did not understand nor do the procedure properly and with the equipment design specifically for that service. The worst are the DIY with there primitive homemade parts that they think resembles a transmission service equipment for transmission fluid recement. The key word is fluid replacement and not really flushing, there is nothing that can be harmed from replacing the complete transmission fluid using the proper equipment. You can go to websites from several companies that offered the equipment and see and learn why. The trouble happens when the pressures are not constant and there is a back flush episode with DIY trying to do a complete fluid service. And there is a problem that if the fluid is not first examined and all mechanical problems along with wear or worn internal parts mainly the clutches if not considered before a fluid service is done is wear the BIG problem are created and generally it ends with the transmission failing. The transmission fluid service completely replaces the fluid in all areas of the transmission and part of the way the Transmission service equipment does this is using constant fluid pressure. The fluid leaving the transmission is collected and new fluid is replaced simultaneously. The service equipment we use allows to watch the fluid as it is collected so you can see the color and clarity change as the service is done. The replacement of the complete fluid is NOT a fix for any condition already existing which is also another misconception, and it is simply to replace the fluid that has been used for years of service and naturally becomes dirty even in the best of Pan filter and fluid service at 25k intervals. The best time to do a full transmission fluid service is at 100k miles. I stress again that a routine pan, and filter service should be done at 25k intervals.

Here is the thing and constant observation I see on many forums. There are some owners that are competent DIY for basic service like minor elections tune-ups, engine oil and filter services, filter services and easy stuff but when it comes to the transmission pan service and filter service, they all miss a BIG observation when they drop the pan. Aside from myself I have yet to see on any platform forum that the *valve body was wiped with a clean white paper towel. If more DIY as well mechanic did this, you would have a CLUE how much buildup start to form even if the transmission oil looks clean and clear. That varnish is what causes servos and other operating vales to eventually start to stick. This generally is seen with transmission in excess of 100k miles having never been serviced. If the varnish becomes too widespread even a full fluid service with the cleaners added during the fluid replacement cannot remove all of that varnish.

POST # 299

Mazda3 Things I like to do - Page 30 - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums

The 2 top reasons and causes automatic transmission fail is the torque converts and the valve body with sticking servos. The 3rd is transmission heat. Thats another subject and even the auto manufactures seldom actively seem to be concerned and design (I did not say engineer) engines and transmission around achieving the lowest emission and highest MPG sacrificing the longevity of automatic transmissions service life.
Oil analysis done at least one time at 50k miles and then again at 100k miles can tell a lot about what is going on in the transmission. A sample can easily be drawn through the dipstick hole with a small diameter hose. A turkey baster or clear aquarium hose are both great ways to pull a sample.

Transmission | Blackstone Laboratories (blackstone-labs.com)

POST #238

Mazda3 Things I like to do - Page 24 - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums

 

Unfortunately my Mazda CX-5 2018 which had 25000 miles had the same issue today and the service center informed me they will replace head cylinder assembly and gaskets to fix this issue. Is this acceptable??

 

Mazda has a 36k mile warranty so the warranty should cover it and if it's repaired at a Mazda shop they should give you a loaner

 

Yes, they are covering under the warranty and they provided the CX5 2022 as loaner.

What happens if the issue persists after 36k, mazda warranty doesn’t cover it right? In this case is it better to have extended warranty?

Thanks..

 

By law you have to give Mazda a chance to fix the issue. If the issue persists after a few attempts to fix you can hire a lemon law atty and they can go after Mazda. I had to do this when first got my car. I had to give the atty all of my service records regarding my smart city brake support system failure (I had 6) and Mazda settled for $2500 and gave me an extended 100k mile warranty so total 136k mile warranty and they replaced the scbs (which is what I've asked them to do in the first place) a faulty transmission is maybe considered a afety issue. You have to give Mazda a chance to fix the issue no matter how frustrating it may be. Keep all your service records and photos of the warning lights that show up on your dash. Record record record ( for evidence)

 

Extended warranty is not a bad idea in this case. We got a 6-year warranty in 2018 when we purchased our CX-5. The warranty will expire in January 2024. My main concern is that due to Covid, we did not drive much and the car is still below 30K miles, so by Murphy's law, the head gasket might blow after the extended warranty expires

 

Agreed on both statements regarding extended warranty.

Yeah, it might happen but I wish you all the luck to not have this problem. It’s frustrating!!!

 

Just discovered I have this problem with our 2018. It has 51,000 miles. Started smelling the burning last week. Saw smoke yesterday and verified oil all over the back of the motor. Yippee🙄. Very lucky that my wife changed jobs last year and now works from home. If she didn't our mileage would be way above 60,000 and then it would be a battle to get it covered.
They can't look at it until the 28th. I'll update when I hear a decision.

 

There's no reference to CD in my owners manual or window sticker for my '18 grand touring. Also do not have the interactive display that shows it doing it's thing.
Anyone know why that might be?

 

No warning lights or codes? Really???