DIY: 2007 Mazda6 I4 ATF COMPLETE FLUSH with ATF M-V

[cn90]

DIY: 2007 Mazda6 I4 ATF COMPLETE FLUSH with ATF-MV or ATF Mercon V

I see no DIY for 2007 Mazda6 I4 ATF Fluid Flush so I decided to write a short and sweet DIY ATF Fluid Flush using wood ramps and no need to jack the car up. Basically as sweet and simple as possible!

GENERAL NOTES:
1. Car FRONT Tires on wood ramps (I use a home-made wood ramp made from 3 layers of 2x10 lumber), put in P and pull E-brake.
Remove the splash shield: there are seven (7) 10-mm bolts.

2. ATF Fluid: I use Mazda ATF. You can search but I don't want to get into the debate of ATF MV vs ATF Mercon V.
Whatever it is, you need approx. 10-12 qts of ATF; always save 3 qts aside for the Final Fill-up.
I got a good deal at local dealer for $5/qt.

Total 10 qts = $50.

3. Do this in garage or in a place with no trees because you don’t want debris falling inside ATF dipstick. Do NOT leave dipstick open for a long time. If not sure, re-insert ATF dipstick to prevent dirt from coming in.

4. Get 2 feet of Clear Vinyl Tubing with I.D. = 3/8”.

- Get 4 empty milk jugs, 3 jugs for disposal and one for the cap to have a small hole cut out to allow vinyl tubing to go through it.

- Best is to have a 2nd person help you insert the Tubing into an empty container such as empty milk jug or empty windshield washer container.

5. The ATF drain bolt is 8-mm Allen Key (Pic 2).

- Drain old ATF into a pan then dispose it in an empty milk jug. About 3 qts will come out of the ATF oil sump.

- Tighten the drain bolt. I think the torque is approx. 30 lb-ft (IIRC). Anyway, I did not use a torque wrench (no room down there) and hand-tighten then go from 7 o’clock to 5 o’clock (60-degree turn). I re-used the washer (just note the washer orientation during removal and make sure it is the same for installation).

- Fill ATF through ATF Dipstick using a Funnel with 2-3 qts of ATF.
Read a bit on how Auto Trans works, but basically, ATF is sucked from the oil sump and pushed into the Torque Converter ---> to Cooler ---> Return to Transmission via Return Line.
So by having fresh ATF in the sump, it is pushed into the TC and pumps the old ATF out.

6. Using a pair of pliers, preferably OTC 4502 - Stinger Hose Clamp Pliers Set ($15)
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc4502.html
- Remove the clamp on ATF Return Hose:(View from Below: Pic 1).

- Disconnect the ATF Return Hose, then connect the Clear Vinyl Tubing to the Metal Nipple and its other end into the empty milk jug: (Pic 3).

7. Now start the engine with Trans in Park, approx. 2-3 qts of old ATF (from TC) will be expelled into the milk jug: (Pic 4).
- Watch until you see bubbles in the jug for about 5-10 seconds.
- Stop engine.

a- Add 2-3 qts into the dipstick.
- Start engine, watch until you see bubbles in the jug for about 5-10 seconds.
- Stop engine.

b- Whatever it is, you need 2-3 qts for each cycle.
I did 2 qts x 3 cycles = 6 qts.
- Start engine, watch until you see bubbles in the jug for about 5-10 seconds.
- Stop engine.

During the final flush cycle, you will see nice fresh red ATF flowing out into the jug.

Whatever you do, you need to save 3 qts of ATF for final fill-up.

8. Now re-install the Return Rubber Hose to the Cooler Nipple using the same clamp.

Add 3 qts ATF for final fill-up.

9. Start engine and check for leak. Wipe all areas clean to detect any leak later easy to detect.
- Drive car around the block in different gears (R, N, D etc.) for about 5 minutes.
- Park the car, stop engine, wait one minute and check ATF level as per owner’s manual.

10. Congrats on a job well-done, you just did a nice ATF Flush and save a ton of money! Enough talking, go and drink some beer.…

[Goldstar]

Good description and photos. There is no debate on ATF M-V vs. Mercon V for the 6 as the former is the correct fluid.

I've moved your thread to the How-To section.

Happy Motoring!

[cn90]

Originally Posted by Goldstar

..... There is no debate on ATF M-V vs. Mercon V for the 6 as the former is the correct fluid....

Well,

Believe it or not, none of the two (2) local Mazda dealerships carry ATF M-V.
They only carry ATF Mercon V fluid in the dealerships.
I spoke to parts person and different Mazda mechanics, they put ATF Mercon V in the I4 (5-Sp AT).

So, due to the lack of availability of ATF M-V, I ended up using ATF Mercon V.
Car drives fine, no problem.
I also gather from different posts in this forum that many people use Mercon V w/o problems..
Will report back if any problems.

[Henchman]

Nice write-up!

[mabrooks12]

Mobil 1 ATF is a direct replacement for M-V and is the preferable way to go for replacement.

[Goldstar]

Originally Posted by mabrooks12

Mobil 1 ATF is a direct replacement for M-V and is the preferable way to go for replacement.

As is Red Line D4 ATF, as well as Amsoil Synthetic Universal Automotive Transmission Fluid (ATF), among others. Go to:
http://www.imazda.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15847

Happy Motoring!