Checking Fluid Level & Condition

NOTE: The ATF amount varies according to ATF temperature. Therefore, when checking the ATF level or replacing the ATF, use a thermometer to measure the temperature then adjust the ATF amount to the specified level according to the specified temperature.

Park the vehicle on level ground. Apply the parking brake and position wheel chocks securely to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Adjust the length of thermistor probe to the same length as the dipstick and hold the probe with a paper holder.
Insert thermistor probe into the filler tube and measure the ATF temperature. Inspect the ATF level before warming up the engine. In this case, use the cool range of 59-77°F (15-25°C). See Fig 1 . Warm up the engine until the ATF reaches 140-158°F (60-70°C).
While depressing the brake pedal, move the selector lever to each range (Park to "1"), pausing momentarily in each range. Shift back to the Park position. While the engine is idling, verify that the ATF level is in the HOT range of 149°F (65°C).
If necessary, adjust ATF level to proper level with appropriate fluid. See RECOMMENDED FLUID . DO NOT overfill. If fluid level is to low, check condition of fluid for contamination or burned smell. See FLUID CONDITION table.
If fluid is to high, drain excess fluid. See DRAINING & REFILLING .

FLUID CONDITION

Condition ⁽¹⁾

Possible Cause

Clear Red

Normal

Light Red (Pink)

⁽²⁾ Poor Breather Hose Installation or Contaminated With Water From Broken Oil Cooler Inside Of Radiator Or Poor Filler Tube Installation. If Necessary, Exchange Transaxle.

Reddish Brown With Burnt Smell & Metal Specks Are Found

⁽³⁾ Deteriorated ATF From Defect Of Powertrain Components Inside Of Transaxle. Specks Can Cause A Wide Range Of Problems By Plugging Up Oil Pipes, Valve Body & Oil Cooler In Radiator.

Reddish Brown & No Burnt Smell

Normal Discoloration Caused By Oxidation.

⁽¹⁾	If the ATF condition is a Dark color, overhaul transaxle and repair or replace parts if necessary. If the ATF condition is a Light Pink and/or Reddish brown condition, replace ATF.

⁽²⁾	Problem could be occurring to parts inside the transaxle by water contamination. If necessary, exchange transaxle.

⁽³⁾	When large amount of specks are found, overhaul transaxle and detect defected parts. If necessary, exchange transaxle. Implement flushing operation as there is a possibility to have specks plugging up oil pipe and/or oil cooler inside of radiator.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Dipstick Markings

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.