Gen 2 - Alternative Manual Transmission Fluid

17465 Views 42 Replies 9 Participants Last post by mazda626awd, Aug 2, 2013

Ernie

Discussion Starter · Nov 17, 2010

This is a bit of a sound-off thread. Got my car back after a harrowing experience in a gen1 mazda3 (this hooptie made my old SL1 look like it was loaded with features) . . . After $112 a lighter wallet I got:
Nothing.

What I want to know is this:
What alternative fluid have you tried in your gen 2?

Also, please note if you were trying to remedy any particular problem.

I'll start:
very hard to get into gear below 40 degrees F -- changed to RedLine MT-90 (Synthetic 75W-90; GL-4) at 25k miles

Results:
Nicer than stock for the first 3k, after that, about as good as stock, occasionally have 2nd gear 'bouncing' when I try to shift.

Brought it into the dealer at 41k miles . . . can't reproduce.

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I'm curious if anyone's gone down to something like 70W-90 or even 80/85. I don't live anywhere even REMOTELY cold, but it seems (to me) from the complaints of others about the same thing that this wasn't tested anywhere outside of Virginia, Cali or Arizona.

I'm considering Amsoil (within owner's manual specs) first, then possibly considering Royal Purple, which someone said wasn't good for Mazda's about another vehicle.

Anyone tried RedLine MTL? Seems sort of extreme, or even possibly Smurf's Blood . . . their high-shock gear fluid.

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I'm considering (at this point) writing Corporate for a refund on my extended warranty; it seems like . . . if it isn't something my wife and two of my non-gearhead co-workers would notice AND something that could be fixed by Midas, the dealerships aren't prepared to deal with it . . .

Sound off Gen2 M/T owners

-Ernie

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turdmagnet

· #2 · Nov 18, 2010

I'll support you on that - I've got about 2k on my "second" transmission - getting that special feeling once again !!! They replaced the original after 18k because the shaft bearings failed. It goes in tomorrow for its 1 year service and I've complained about the tranny once again. I have to admit though, my dealer has been great for service so far - we'll see what they have to say this time.

I too have been considering some additives like Lucas or such - I swear it feels like there's not enough lube either getting to the synchros, or staying there.

I put a 5 speed out of an S10 in my 51 Pointiac - was surprised when I found out they use automatic tranny fluid in it - and it shifts 100x smoother than my 6 !!!

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turdmagnet

· #7 · Mar 30, 2011

Had mine back in for service last week - again complained of the 1-2 and 2-3 shifting "clunk". This time Mazda came back with having them drain a litre of gear oil and replace with auto tranny fluid. Switched cars with the service advisor so he could test it further (they put over 150 kilometers on the damn thing !!) - now they think its something in the shifter gate. Change in oil hasn't made any changes though. Mazda wants them to compare it to another 6 with standard - they won't be getting one till next week.

Only good thing is now the service advisor and tech both agree there is something not right with it - hopefully the hardest part of the battle is over.

Will let you know how things turn out !!!

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turdmagnet

· #10 · Apr 20, 2011

turdmagnet said:
Had mine back in for service last week - again complained of the 1-2 and 2-3 shifting "clunk". This time Mazda came back with having them drain a litre of gear oil and replace with auto tranny fluid. Switched cars with the service advisor so he could test it further (they put over 150 kilometers on the damn thing !!) - now they think its something in the shifter gate. Change in oil hasn't made any changes though. Mazda wants them to compare it to another 6 with standard - they won't be getting one till next week.

Only good thing is now the service advisor and tech both agree there is something not right with it - hopefully the hardest part of the battle is over.

Will let you know how things turn out !!!

Another update !!

Well my dealer got another 6 manual in and gave it to me for the night to compare. Big time difference - whether I shifted at 1500, 3000, or at 5000, it shiftly very smoothly. No clunking, of notching feeling at all. Even my wife commented on how better a shift she was getting. It was a 2011 and I noticed a speed / rpm difference of about 200rpm less when driving at 100km/hr. Mentioned it to the dealer but he wasn't aware of any gearing changes in the 2011s - but it definitely seemed different.

Dealer reported back to Mazda and now they're wanting to pull the tranny again for inspection - Mazda's specifically requesting they pull the synchronizers apart and inspect. Goes in a week Monday - we'll see what they find.

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turdmagnet

· #13 · May 6, 2011

Ok - update on transmission #2. Dealer pulled it out and dis-assembled as per Mazda's instructions. Mazda wanted measurements checking clearances and backlash on the synchros this time. I was told everything was in spec and the only thing they noticed was the surface of the cone portions of the synchros were dull. I asked if it was due to lack of lubrication to these areas, but the dealer said Mazda won't say, they've just be intructed to "REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY !!"

Original tranny replaced at 18k and now 12k later, the second one gets replaced. Does this mean #3 will go 6k next time ? When can I argue the "lemon" act and get a new car ??

So they've ordered another one out of California, and I'm without my 6 for several more days - but my dealer did agree to let me have a CX9 in the interm. I must admit I am very pleased with the dealer's service - just really disappointed in the quality of product from Mazda.

Will let you know how I make out once I get it back next week !!!

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