Owner Maintenance; Inspecting Automatic ; Transmission Fluid Level- Page 198

8-20

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

3. Remove the filler cap and attached 

dipstick.

4. Wipe them clean and put them back.

5. Remove again and inspect the level.

6. It must be between H and L. Add fluid 

if necessary.

Don’t overfill.

If new fluid is required frequently, consult 
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

▼

Inspecting Automatic 
Transmission Fluid Level

The automatic transmission fluid level 
should be inspected regularly. Measure it 
as described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the 
temperature. For that reason, it is best to 
examine the level after having driven the 
vehicle for 15 minutes. If necessary, 
however, it can also be inspected without 
driving when the outside temperature is 
above 20°C (70°F).

1. Park on a level surface and set the 

parking brake firmly.

2. Idle the engine. Push down on the 

brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges 

and set it at P.

Automatic Transmission 
Fluid (ATF)

•

Low fluid level causes transmission 
slippage. Overfilling can cause 
foaming, loss of fluid, and 
transmission malfunction.

•

Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A 
nonspecified fluid could result in 
transmission malfunction and 
failure.

•

The vehicle should not be driven if 
the fluid level is below the bottom 
of the dipstick and the outside 
temperature is above 20°C (70°F), 
or if evident automatic transmission 
fluid leaks are found.

CAUTION

J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book  Page 20  Monday, February 3, 2003  1:16 PM