Transmission fluid flush for 2002 Tribute ES
 

Hi there, just want to share my experience of flushing ATF for my Mazda again. I posted one for my Mazda3 here already, pretty similar procedures, same brand of fluid (Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATF). I happened to take some pictures for my Tribute, so hopefully can provide more useful information. Here we go
1) took 5 10mm bolts off from guard panel (diver side). I did not take the whole panel off because with 5 bolts off I was able to access the fluid tubes

2) drained out 4.7 quarts of old fluid from the drain plug (driver side, use 3/8" drive ratchet. I saw people said 10mm hex, but mine is 3/8").

3) put the plug back on, located the fluid tube (close to the center of the vehicle), pulled off the tube and then put on a 3/8" i.d plastic tube

4) poured 5 quarts of new fluid in through dipstick tube

5) started the engine, the pressure generated from the torque converter will push the old fluid out through the plastic tube. I let the converter push 3.2 quarts of old fluid out

6) shut the engine and then poured 4 quarts of new fluid in

7) started the engine again and let the converter push 4 quarts of old fluid out

8) disconnected the plastic tube and put the inlet tube back on

9) put the guard panel back on, and then add 3 quarts of new fluid in, and then I was done:)

Not a difficult task, but it took me more than an hour to finish because I started with the tube far away from the center of the vehicle, then when I started the engine the old fluid came out from that tube and messed up the floor:mad: So I needed to clean it up and redo from the other tube

About 50 miles in so far, I noticed smoother shifting, hope the new fluid will not harm any seal, band and gasket. Some people may doubt about the Castrol ATF, check out their website, you will find the answer

ps: don't know why I can't attach photos, will try again later