wow...it never occurred to me that a magnetic bolt exists. Thanks a ton. I have only 90k miles on my 2015 mazda5. I dont know if I need a filter yet. Given the age, I thought its easy to just extract fluid like above instead of going under the car and working through drain plug. I just want to extract 1qt at a time if its even better that way. I did drain through drain plug with a mechanic. It costs 120$+ in bay area (thats cheapest I could find). I did that service msyelf on my old infinity. The fluid became brownish right after the refill. So I think it needs another quick refill. But if this youtube way of extraction works, its just amazing. (On a side note, the fluid didn't become brown after refill even though it mixed with old fluid. May be old was not that dirty enough or something is wrong with this mazda5 transmission which turned the new fluid brownish right away).

I am shocked mazda5 manual doesn't even talk about replacing transmission fluid.

 

Just want it clear...

I do not recommend or advocate the syphon method for changing any automatic transmission.

ASE

 

I didn't pay attention to what type of ATF fluid to use so far. The user manual and 2016 Mazda ATF Service Bulletin prescribes ATF M-V (Type M5) transmission fluid for my 2015 Mazda 5. I just don't get what it is equivalent to MERCON. The bulletin clearly says ATF M-V its neither MERCON V or MERCON LV. I just cant get why Mazda needs only OEM fluid not any MERCON. It seems only a dealer item. Pls suggest

 

alpsholic, what do think Mercon fluid is, or means?

 

I use CASTROL, go to the CASTROL website and you will find the fluid you need. You can get CASTROL at most all Auto parts outlets and even through Walmart.

 

Old thread, but:
I routinely partial-change trans fluids through the siphon method for many of my vehicles, Mazda and Dodge.
My new-to-me 2.5L 2013 mazda 5 with 5spd automatic: I can only siphon 2 litres up the tube, at best.... and only drain out 3 litres from the drain hole.
Much reading and head scratching lead me to decide to stick with the Mazda OEM M5 fluid, partly because I've learned the fluid Dodge specifies for my vans is quite critical to longevity and I like longer life in my transmissions.
I'm cheap but the price difference is not enough to cause concern.
The Mazda has 106,000 km and this was its first trans oil (partial) change. To be clear, the fluid was very dark brown, couldn't see through it at all and I think it should have been changed much sooner....for those undecided about such matters.
I'll probably run this until next summer then do a pan drop and change out another 3-4 litres.
Here's the Service Bulletin where Mazda says NOT to use Mercon or other fluids:
SB-10097348-2532.pdf
Comments are always welcome!