MAnual 5speed trans fluid
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
MAnual 5speed trans fluid
What atf or other fluid is best for our Mazda 5speed trans gears and syncronizers? Max life atf, ordinary atf or synthetic atf or some other man trans fluid?
Iam noticing that with the cold weather my syncro's are a little slow and am planning on changing the fluid. I would like to put in what is best for the trans.
Dan
Iam noticing that with the cold weather my syncro's are a little slow and am planning on changing the fluid. I would like to put in what is best for the trans.
Dan
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
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From: Trussville, Alabama
I have always used the recommended ATF fluid, and paid no particular attention the the brand. Seems like I have Shell ATF in it right now. I change it about every 30-40K miles and it still works fine at 152,000.
I do notice it is a little stiffer when the temp is in the teens, but it always loosens up in a mile or so.
I do notice it is a little stiffer when the temp is in the teens, but it always loosens up in a mile or so.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Minnesota
I chose to use Mobil 1 atf for cold shifting since I live in Minnesota. Works great. Even below zero it shifts good. The other alternative that others here like is Red Line. I think it is D4. It is supposed to be even tougher than Mobil 1. I am sure others wil elaborate more on it. Other than cold shifting, I don't think synthetic will give much benefit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
I believe Trick Shift and the other similar products are Type-F AFTs, that is, they have no friction modifiers for quicker shifing. Not specified for the Mazda 5 speed though (at least not my '95). Should run a Mercon. I have use Mobil 1, but Redline D4 has more antiwear (GL-4 gear lube level without affecting the yellow metal). Called Mobil and they said their ATF probably would be at most a GL-3 if it were even rated that way. GL-3 is roughly half the antiwear of GL-4 so I am told. I have D4 in mine now. Can't say it shifts any better, but may be my tranny, and at least I have the better antiwear.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Sioux Falls SD
Thanks everyone.
I have changed the fluid three times in the three years and 40,000 miles. I bought the truck with 40,000 and now have 80,000. The first time I used Penzoil mercon atf, second was Mobil1 atf and currently has MAx life atf. I plan on changing the fluid again now and am concerned about the sludge buildup on the drain plug each change. That is why I am asking for the best fluid. I have not noticed any difference in shifting from the three differnt fluids.
TallPaul, what fluid are you using that is D4?
Thanks Dan
I have changed the fluid three times in the three years and 40,000 miles. I bought the truck with 40,000 and now have 80,000. The first time I used Penzoil mercon atf, second was Mobil1 atf and currently has MAx life atf. I plan on changing the fluid again now and am concerned about the sludge buildup on the drain plug each change. That is why I am asking for the best fluid. I have not noticed any difference in shifting from the three differnt fluids.
TallPaul, what fluid are you using that is D4?
Thanks Dan
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Post Fiend
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Redline D4. It is "designed to satisfy the requirements of Dextron III, Mercon, and Mercon V, while satisfying GL-4 oil requirements."
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Post Fiend
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by jimandmandy
The Mercon V thing only applies to certain automatics, like the E4OD.
Jim
Jim
I did put D4 in the Aerostar's A4LD (1992) and it seems fine.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Centerville, Iowa
How do you all get the ATF back in there into the fill plug? The only time I've ever changed fluid is on my old 89 and I did that with the cover off when I resealed the shiftrail plugs. How do you guys do it?
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From: Trussville, Alabama
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Minnesota
I put a tipped cap on off a gear oil container and squeeze it in. You can only get about 3/4 of a quart out, but then I pour into another container. Just get an extra quart do do it this way since you cannot get all 4 quarts out.