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Hello, this is officially my first post on this forum. I just acquired a 2018 CX-5 Sport Trim with i-ACTIVSENSE Package. The car currently has 118K miles on it. I've had a Honda (CRV) before, and Mazda is kinda new to me. After some research on Google Gemini, I am thinking of draining and filling the transmission (with Mazda FZ fluid). I read some people use a "fluid extractor" to extract the oil through the dip stick hole, then refill the same amount. Is it the proper way? TIA
You should be removing the drain plug on the pan and really at that miles you should do a pan and filter change.
FZ Mazda fluid is fine I recommend replacing the fluid with Castrol instead. That blue FZ is going to look very black if this is the first time the transmission filter has been changed the bottom of the pan as well is going to be extremely dirty and the pan magnet likely full and not as efficient as it could be.
Using the dipstick hole to drain only the fluid is ridicules consider getting to the dipstick is more than half the parts removal to a proper drain remove pan and filter service that any DIY with very common garage tools can do in about 1-2 hours the first time and less than an hour after you do it once.
Lots of already posted information on this service and the whys if you use the search feature.
Here is one older response:
The color in ATF is based on who markets it . Mazda does not formulate Their fluids but may request “some” of their ATF to be the blue died color to identify it from other brands as more or less like a trademark. You can mix other brands of ATF if they meet the Mazda requirements FZ if the brand state meets the requirements. It will NOT void the warranty if you still have one on your Mazda nor will it EVER harm the transmission in any way. In fact imho it seems to work better. But That’s because I am use to RED ATF. lol I change the pan oil now the same time I do engine oil changes which is everything 3000 miles. And a pan and filter service about every other engine oil and filter change . That’s just me I am not suggesting other do the same unless there is a reason to. Every 30,000 miles should be ok. I use and recommend Castro ATF. I use it in most of my vehicles and specifically my Mazda from my first pan filter and fluid change at about 3000 miles . I used Castrol Transmax for Skyactiv automatic transmissions.
As Callisto said the dip stick hole is in a bad place and too small for pumping out fluid and actually requires a tube for filling.
2x/3x drain and replace after 100 miles or the full drop pan, replace filter, sealant clean/replacement.
All are personal choice, but the fluid is certainly a bit cleaner if the pan drop/filter replacement is done if you get a certified technician that does it correctly.
My two closet Mazda dealers one of them will do a drop pan and the other only does the drain and fill.
He says this because, as of yet there is no gasket, so he won't guarantee no leaks with sealant.
Meaning he has as much confidence as I in most of today's technicians taking the time to completely clean the old sealant off the base, the pan and putting new on. But that is my personal hangup.
Is Sky active engine bit noisy? I hear this ticking noise at cold start then it goes silent once the engine is fully warmed up.
Also.. does all 2018 cx5 come with cylinder deactivation? My VIN has M (8th) but I don't think mine came with it. I can't find it on dash screen ( the fuel info).mine was built 11/2017
I finally figured out the source of the ticking/tapping noise.
Apparently there was a TSB Bulletin No.: 01-002/21
I followed the repair procedure and the noise is gone.
DESCRIPTION Some vehicle may exhibit a tapping noise from the engine during idling; etc., and synchronized to the engine rpm. The tapping noise may be caused by the switchable hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA), which may not work properly due to air bubbles accumulated in the oil passage in it. Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify customer concern. NOTE: If the vehicle returns with the same issue after TSB is performed, contact Hotline.
2. With the vehicle parked, keep the engine rpm at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes. NOTE: Engine rpm will fall to idle normally due to the failsafe function.
3. Again, keep the engine rpm at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes. NOTE: DO NOT skip this step even if the noise is gone. Engine rpm will fall to idle normally due to the failsafe function.
4. Confirm the noise is gone. NOTE: If the noise still exists, contact Hotline.
As usual a owner or DIY not not read the TSB fully understanding ALL the steps and skip to one they knew how to to do..The posted info in the previous response was step 5 btw in the TSB. So it was NOT followed properly as per the TSB fully understanding.
. It also seems have been rewritten from the original TSB ?
If anyone is going to post a TSB please at least post a http with the complete version…
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify customer concern.
NOTE: If the vehicle returns with the same issue after TSB is performed, contact Hotline.
2. Using a listening device or stethoscope, start the engine and listen to each cylinder's intake and exhaust side to
determine the location of the tapping noise.
3. Remove the cylinder head cover and check each switchable HLA of the cylinder that makes the tapping noise to see if
it can be pressed down with a finger like the attached video clip (to confirm if the noise is caused at the switchable HLA).
•
•
If it can be compressed even a little, it should be replaced.
If the noise is caused at other parts, this TSB is not applicable. Diagnose and repair according to the instructions
on MGSS.
Page 1 of 5
Read the complete service and follow the first step not jumping to the second step..
Also the important part that is they are meant and written for Mazda service and not DIY even for reference.
Read the CUSTOMER NOTICE on every page of the TSB.
Take it as a warning….and don’t mention it if you end up going to a Mazda dealership if the problem with a question or issue was not resolve , you could be denied your WARRANTY.
Below is the full version of the TSB MC-10191534-0001.pdf
Last edited by Callisto; Mar 12, 2026 at 12:32 AM.
New CX-5 owner
