Hello, I have a 2006 Mazda 3 with a 5 sped auto (sportronic) transmission. I just checked the transmission fluid and it's burned badly. It was also low perhaps .5 of a liter.

It has 55,000 KMs and is not abused or raced.

A local transmission shop that I highly respect from previous dealings said that it was an indication of a severe transmission problem and that I should take it to the Dealer to look at.

I called the dealer and they said that it was normal and they get that even at 40,000 kms.

I have never had cars burn up fluid so badly and am dubious of this response.

Any help appreciated.

 

While I do not know too much about Mazda automatic transmissions, I do know that the fluid used in many transmissions from other makers is a synthetic base, and it can look burned and smell bad coming right out of the bottle or shortly thereafter. If you are really worried about it, you can try a couple of things:
[ol][*]Buy a quart of new fluid and compare the smell and color[*]Extract a small sample of your fluid and send it off for Used Oil Analysis. This type of service should cost between $20 and $30 and will give you a feel for the relative health of your transmission and the oil in it.[/ol]
Oh, and next time, buy a stick!

 

^^^ I like his sense of humor.... ^^^
He"s just kidding, demon.

 

Haha..me too.

I actually like stick better but we have a teen in the house and my wife did not want her starting off with a stick. (bad decision).

From looking around it looks like mazda's can burn up fluid pretty quick as it is fairly light weight and just to be safe, I am going to have it cleaned out well and the pan dropped to check for chips. It says to check every 30,000k but it seems you should check it every oil change for color. (i think it should be red but will check on it as suggested and post back).

After that, I am going to buy a fluid extractor and do a partial exchange every oil change or two.

thanks

 

You"re right!! What better time to teach someone manual shifting than when they are first learning to drive?
I realize this is water under the bridge for you, but I myself couldn"t wait!!
I started testing my skills @ clutching and shifting at age 14.
Once a new gen person learns automatic, they are not liable to regress into a manual... something even my mothersaid was a good thing to know, just in case.

 

One of the really big reasons behind springing for the new Mazda3 this week was thatwe have a fourteen year old who will be getting his license in all of fifteen months, and he cannot wait to start clutching. In fact, our eleven year old daughter is getting the itch as well. [8D]

Side note on our daughter, she had a stroke when she was born and is officially classified as being paralyzed on her left side (hemiparesis), and many folks have cautioned us not to let her get anywhere near a car with a stick shift. That said, she is now "Vaulting" on horseback, playing the piano and playing the violin, and I'm thinking that if she can do those things, she can certainly drive a stick.

 

Ooooo!! A stroke? "Tough way to come into the world.
But hey, if you don"t know you are supposed to be physically limited, who knows how far you can take it!!!

 

I got my system flushed and was impressed by the 75 dollar charge from Mazda for a transmission filter. I guess it changed for the 2006 and since there is no aftermarket filter they can charge whatever they want.

 

I just checked my fluid and this is what it looks like. I was worried and just got back from an oil change and the dealership told me not to worry this is about the color it looks like and next oil change I should think about getting it flushed. I have 22,500 miles and Mazda recommends it done at 30,000. How does yours look compared to mine?