Mazda has always been a reliable car manufacturer, and its 3 model is no exception. If you are the owner of a Mazda 3, it’s important to know how to take care of your vehicle.
Genuine Mazda Owner’s Manuals were used to list the transmission fluid capacities for Honda Civic.
Keep in mind that if you service your Mazda 3 incorrectly or incompletely, it may cause issues while operating. Additionally, performing maintenance tasks yourself during the warranty period could void the warranty coverage.
Transmission fluids Mazda 3 requires:
- ATF M-V automatic transmission fluid or equivalent;
- GL-4 SAE 75W-80;
- Mazda Genuine ATF FZ;
- Mazda Long Life Gear Oil G7.
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
2003 – 2007 Mazda 3 was equipped either with manual or automatic transmission and requires between 3.0 and 7.6 quarts.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual transmission | 3.0 quarts (2.9 liters) | GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 80W-90 or SAE 75W-90 |
| 4-speed automatic transmission | Change: 7.6 quarts (7.2 liters) | ATF M-V |
To keep your automatic transaxle functioning properly, it is important to check the fluid level regularly. You can measure it as described below. The volume of fluid changes with the temperature, so makes sure to check it at idle when the car is at normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level is low, this can cause slippage in the transaxle. Overfilling can also cause foaming, fluid loss, and transaxle malfunctioning.
In terms of fluid change, manual transmission fluid must be changed every 60,000 miles.
Manual Transmission Recommended Shifting Speeds
You’ll achieve the best fuel economy and performance if you upshift or downshift at the following speeds:
| Gear | Km/h | Mph |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 or 2 to 1 | 21 | 13 |
| 2 to 3 or 3 to 2 | 39 | 24 |
| 3 to 4 or 4 to 3 | 55 | 34 |
| 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 | 78 | 49 |
Slippery and icy roads are incredibly dangerous to drive on – especially if you choose to shift gears while in motion. This sudden braking can cause your tires to skid, leading to a loss of control over the car. Do not use sudden engine breaking if you value remaining safe on these types of surfaces.
2003-2007 Mazda 3 Transmission Problems
You can experience your first problems as early as 20,000-30,000 miles. The most common are:
- Shifts roughly from 1st to 2nd gear (34,000 miles);
- Transmission failure (29,000 miles);
- The transmission line rusted out (20,000 miles);
- Transmission fluid leak (30,000 miles).
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
2008 – 2012 Mazda 3 holds between 2.6 and 8.6 quarts of gearbox oil, depending on the transmission type and engine size.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L manual transmission | 2.9 quarts (2.8 liters) | GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 80W-90 or SAE 75W-90 |
| Manual with turbocharger | 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters) | GL-4 SAE 75W-90 |
| Manual without turbocharger | 3.1 quarts (2.9 liters) | GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 80W-90 or SAE 75W-90 |
| 4-speed automatic transmission | Change: 7.6 quarts (7.2 liters) | ATF M-V |
| 5-speed automatic transmission | Change: 8.6 quarts (8.15 liters) | ATF M-V |
A low fluid level can cause your car to slip. Overfilling the transaxle with fluid will cause foaming, loss of fluid, and potentially break down the entire system. Experts recommend using Mazda Genuine automatic transaxle fluid for the best results.
2008-2012 Mazda 3 Transmission Problem
You can experience your first problems as early as 45,000 miles. The most common are:
- Transmission failure (100,000 miles);
- Jerking, grinding while driving (140,000 miles);
- Clutch failure (85,000 miles);
- TCM module failure (100,000 miles);
- Grinding going into 2nd gear (45,000 miles).
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
The 2013-2018 Mazda 3 manual transmission requires 1.8 quarts, and the automatic transmission holds 8.2 quarts of transmission fluid.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| C66M-R 6-speed manual transmission | 1.8 quarts (1.7 liters) | GL-4 SAE 75W-80 |
| FW6A-EL 6-speed automatic transmission | Change: 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters) | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ |
Manual Transmission Recommended Shifting Speeds
You’ll achieve the best fuel economy and performance if you upshift or downshift at the following speeds:
| Gear | Km/h | Mph |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 or 2 to 1 | 24 | 15 |
| 2 to 3 or 3 to 2 | 40 | 25 |
| 3 to 4 or 4 to 3 | 65 | 40 |
| 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 | 73 | 45 |
| 5 to 6 or 6 to 5 | 81 | 50 |
To avoid overworking your engine or using up too much brake pad, downshift before slowing down in traffic or on a steep hill. This will give you a speed boost when you need it. Lower gears will help keep your car at a steady pace when coming down a large incline and save some wear and tear on the brakes.
2013-2018 Mazda 3 Transmission Problems
You can experience your first problems as early as 7,500 miles. The most common are:
- Transmission hesitates (13,000 miles);
- Humming sound from transmission (7,500 miles);
- Transmission valve body (40,000 miles);
- Transmission failure (85,000 miles).
2019 2020 2021 2022 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
2019-2022 Mazda 3 transmission fluid capacity is between 1.75 and 8.3 quarts, depending on the engine size and transmission type.
| Transmission type | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-speed Without CYLDA automatic | Change: 7.6 liters (8 quarts) | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-speed With Cylinder Deactivation automatic | Change: 7.9 liters (8.3 quarts) | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 automatic | Change: 7.6 liters (8 quarts) | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 manual | 1.75 quarts (1.65 liters) | Mazda Long Life Gear Oil G7 |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 manual | 1.8 quarts (1.7 liters) | Mazda Long Life Gear Oil G7 |
2019-2022 Mazda 3 Transmission Problems
You can experience your first problems as early as 1,500 miles. The most common are:
- Jerks and lurches at low speeds (1,500 miles);
Overall, these are still fairly new cars, so we don’t have a lot of complaints about the gearboxes.
What Is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a type of oil that helps keep your car’s transmission system cool and lubricated. The fluid is usually clear or reddish in color and should be checked regularly to ensure it is at the correct level.
Why Is Checking The Transmission Fluid Level Important?
It’s important to check your transmission fluid level because if the fluid gets too low, it can cause damage to your car’s transmission. The transmission is a vital part of your car, and if it isn’t working properly, it can affect your car’s performance.
Transmission Fluid Comparison
- Honda Civic transmission fluid capacity: 6.2 – 8 quarts.
- Toyota Corolla transmission fluid capacity: 6.1 – 8.2 quarts.
- Hyundai Elantra transmission fluid capacity: 1.8 – 8.2 quarts.
How Often Do I Need To Change My Mazda 3’s Transmission Fluid?
The answer to this question may surprise you – most experts agree that you should change your Mazda 3’s transmission fluid every 90,000 miles. That may seem like a lot, but it’s really not when you consider how often you use your car’s transmission.
Mazda 3s are equipped with an automatic transmission, which means that the transmission fluid must withstand high temperatures. Over time, the fluid breaks down and becomes less effective at doing its job.
What Are The Consequences Of Not Changing My Mazda 3’s Transmission Fluid?
The consequences can be serious if you don’t change your Mazda 3’s transmission fluid. The most common problem is that the transmission will overheat. This can lead to transmission failure, which is a very expensive repair. In some cases, it may even require a new transmission.
Another consequence of not changing your transmission fluid is that it can cause your car to shift gears improperly. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can cause your car to stall in the middle of traffic or lose power while going up a hill.
In short, not changing your Mazda 3’s transmission fluid can put you and your car at risk. Make sure to change the fluid every 90,000 miles to avoid any problems.
Does Mazda 3 Have Transmission Problems?
Mazda 3 vehicles are known for their reliability and overall performance. However, like any vehicle, it can still experience transmission problems. The most common issues reported include a slipping transmission, difficulty shifting gears, no power when accelerating, and fluid leaks. Taking your Mazda 3 in for regular maintenance can help reduce the chances of these issues occurring.
By following the tips outlined above and taking care of your car’s transmission fluid capacity needs, you can ensure that your vehicle will remain safe to drive while giving you the best possible performance over time. It’s important to be aware of the various types of transmission fluids available and understand how they interact with each other so that you can make informed decisions about what is right for your car.
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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented. The reader is advised to consult a qualified professional, such as a mechanic or dealership, before making any decisions related to their vehicle's engine oil or maintenance.
