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    Transmission Oil Specifications, BK

    The American Petroleum Institute (API) Service rating of a transmission oil refers to the amount of extreme pressure (EP) additives it contains. An API Service GL-1 oil contains no EP additives and a GL-4 Service oil contains about 1/2 the additives of a GL-5 Service oil. EP additives are composed mostly of sulfur/phosphorus compounds that can harm yellow metals such as copper or brass that are contained in some synchros. Mazda3 synchros do not contain yellow metals and consequently, as clearly stated in the M/T section of the FSM, either GL-4 or GL-5 oils are completely safe to use. The API service rating is completely independent of the viscosity rating so, for example, an SAE 75W-90 oil could have a GL-4 or a GL-5 or even a GL-1 Service rating.

    According to the Lubrizoil Corporation:
    API Category GL-4 designates the type of service characteristic of spiral-bevel and hypoid gears in automotive axles oprerated under moderate speeds and loads. These oils may be used in selected M/T and transaxle applications.

    API Category GL-5 designates the type of service characteristic of gears, particularly hypoids, in automotive axles under high-speed and/or low-speed, high-torque conditions. Lubricants qualified under SAE J2360 also satisfy the requirements of the API GL-5 service designation.

    In point of fact, API categories GL-1, GL-2, GL-3, and GL-6 were declared inactive (obsolete) by an SAE Technical Committee in 1995, although oils may still be marketed with these designations. Concomitantly, ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) does not plan to maintain the performance tests associated with these categories, as in a number of cases these tests can no longer be run because parts or test installations are not available.

    Manual Transmissions
    G35M-R (5-speed) - All 2.0 L and 2.3 L Engines, 2004-2009
    The capacity is ~ 3.03 quarts (2.87 L). The FSM specifies SAE 75W-90 (all season) or SAE 80W-90 if the temperature never falls below 50 deg F (10 deg C); API Service Grade GL-4 or GL-5.

    A26M-R (6-speed) - 2.3 L DISI Turbo Engine, 2007-2009
    The capacity is ~ 2.69 quarts (2.55 L). The FSM specifies SAE 75W-90 (all-season); API Service Grade GL-4 or GL-5.


    Automatic Transmissions
    FN4A-EL (4-speed) - All 2.0 L Engines, 2004-2009
    The capacity is 7.6 quarts (7.2 L) after a complete fluid removal. The FSM specifies ATF M-V (Type M5).

    FS5A-EL (5-speed) - All 2.5 L Engines, 2004-2009
    The capacity is 8.6 quarts (8.14 L) after complete fluid removal. Again, the FSM specifies ATF M-V (Type M5).

    Some of us thought (myself included) that Mercon V was a suitable replacement for the specified ATF M-V (Type M5) listed in the FSM. Apparently, this is not the case since the two are not interchangeable and use of the wrong fluid can result in problems.

    The importance of using the correct ATF fluid cannot be overemphasized. Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin dealing with this issue. I will abstract a condensed version here since the original document deals with several models, not just the 3.

    TSB: 05-002/11 - A/T - Correct Fluid Applications
    Last issued: 02/23/2011; supersedes the previous bulletin 05-005/08 issued on 04/11/08

    This TSB applies to all 2004-2011 Mazda3s with A/T. Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing the ATF. Using ATF other than ATF M-V (Type M5) in automatic transmissions designed to use this fluid may cause shift quality complaints. Using ATF other than Mercon V or Mercon LV ATF in automatic transmissions designed to use these fluids may cause transmission damage.
    NOTE:
    ATF M-V (Type M5) is not the same fluid as Mercon V or Mercon LV ATF.
    ATF M-V (Type M5) has a greater viscosity than Mercon V and Mercon LV ATF at low temperatures.
    ATF M-V (Type M5) has a greater anti-judder specification than Mercon V and Mercon LV ATF.

    The correct Mazda Service Fluid is ATF M-V (Type M5) part #0000-77-112E-01.

    Mazda ATF M-V (Type M5); Part #0000-77-112E-01




    So just what kind of oil is this Mazda product? I operationally define a true synthetic oil as one derived either from API Group IV (PAO) or Group V (Polyol ester) base stocks (or both) and specified as such by the manufacturer. This excludes oils derived from API Group III (hydrocracked petroleum) base stocks even though they can legally be sold as 100% synthetic formulations (for example, Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1), and any oil where the constituent base stocks are not explicitly stated as being of synthetic formulation.

    As some of you know it's often extremely difficult to determine the constituent base stocks of an oil because most manufacturers don't specify this information. Stating an oil is 100% synthetic, in the absence of any real information, tells us nothing except perhaps the manufacturer has something to hide.

    Fortunately, a small number of manufacturers do specify this information enabling those of us who care about this factor to select a suitable product. In other cases it's sometimes possible to obtain this information via a backdoor route - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - which under US federal law must be provided by manufacturers and importers of potentially hazardous chemical products, is one such avenue. An inspection of such a sheet for the Mazda ATF (Type M5) tells us that it is derived from a proprietary blend of "lubricating oils, petroleum, hydrotreated neutral oil-based (80 to 90%) and lubricating oil additives (15 to 20%)." In other words API Group III hydrocracked petroleum base stocks. To access the MSDS, go to:

    Look at Section 2 - Composition/Information on Ingredients

    The MSDS also tells us that the manufacturer of the Mazda product is the Apollo America Corporation, now known as Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation since September 2006.
    Domain for Sale. ApolloAmerica.com. Request Price. What Are the Advantages of a Super Premium .Com Domain? Increased Traffic. Search Engine Ranking. Brand Recognition. Immediate Presence. Higher Profits. Great Investment. #1 in Premium Domains. 300,000 of the World's Best .Com Domains.


    Consequently, those seeking a true synthetic ATF will want to go aftermarket, although I in no way mean to infer that the Mazda product is not a high quality ATF capable of fully meeting its service demands. After all, it's approved and sold by Mazda - enough said.

    Notwithstanding the above, several aftermarket A/T fluids (true synthetic or otherwise) have been reconfigured to meet the requirements of both Mercon V and ATF M-V (Type M5). Always check the specs before using.

    Happy Motoring!
    Last edited by goldstar; 09-02-2013, 06:53 AM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    #2
    Oil change Intervals

    In the Scheduled Maintenance tables, there is no mention of a mileage interval at which it is recommended that the transmission oil, either M/T or A/T, should be changed. This applies to both schedule 1: Normal driving conditions (U.S.A. only), and Schedule 2: Unique driving conditions (For U.S.A. unique conditions and Canada/Puerto Rico all conditions).

    Manual Transmissions
    My Mazda dealer recommends an oil change every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 24 months, and schedules it as part of the normal 30,000 mile maintenance (and multiples thereof). This interval also seems to be generally accepted, by consensus, on most Mazda forums. Despite this contention, some have argued that with the use of high quality, long life synthetic oils, considerably longer oil change intervals can be employed. However, Red Line addresses this topic in a manner that may well apply to other synthetic lubricant manufacturers as well. "Being formulated with extremely stable synthetic base stocks, MTL and MT-90 will last much longer than conventional petroleum lubricants. However, we do not recommend extended drain intervals, since without a filtration system there is no way to remove metal shavings other than draining the lubricant. The regular maintenance intervals are also recommended to insure that the proper level of the fluid is maintained."

    Automatic Transmissions
    The same dealer recommends an ATF change every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) as above. The Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) Replacement section in the FSM specifies the proceedure as follows:
    1. Remove the oil dipstick.
    2. Remove the drain plug and washer from the transmission oil pan.
    3. Drain the ATF and install the drain plug with a new washer.
    4. Add the specified ATF through the oil filler tube until the level reaches lower notch of dipstick.
    5. Ensure that the ATF level is in the HOT range (65 deg C; 149 deg F). Add ATF to the specified level as necessary.

    However, my dealer asserts that this proceedure is inadequate and rather than just removing the ATF found in the bottom of the oil pan, the transmission and its torque converter should have all the old, contaminated fluid removed and replaced with new ATF. To accomplish this, my dealer uses the process, equipment and additives from BG Products, Inc.
    FYI: http://www.bgprod.com/products/transmission.html

    The color of the ATF can also signal need for a change. According to the FSM, the following table relates ATF color to its condition.
    Clear Red: Normal

    Light Red (pink): Contaminated with water

    Reddish Brown (has no burnt smell): Normal, discoloration due to oxidation

    Reddish Brown (has burnt smell and metal specs are found): Deteriorated ATF

    Finally, again according to the FSM, one way of determining whether the transaxle should be disassembled is by noting:
    -If the ATF is muddy or varnished
    -If the ATF smells strange or unusual

    Having never owned an A/T car, I have no knowledge of, nor opinion about, when to change the ATF.

    Happy Motoring!
    Last edited by goldstar; 11-04-2011, 06:55 AM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    Comment


      #3
      Current List of 100%, Fully Synthetic Transmission Oils

      Updated October 2011

      Based on the API's definition of a true synthetic oil as one derived from Group V (Polyol ester) or Group IV (PAO) base stocks, for purposes of this thread I'm operationally defining a true synthetic oil as one in which the manufacturer specifies his oil is derived from one of the above groups, or both in combination. It's not enough simply to state that the oil is synthetic, fully synthetic or 100% synthetic.

      I'm in no way implying that hydrocracked Group III oils labeled as synthetic are not high quality products and shouldn't be used. Nor is the intent here to rank oils in order of quality and claim that one is better than another. This post is strictly for those who believe that true synthetic oils have certain advantageous properties not found in petroleum based formulations and want those properties incorporated in the oil they choose for their own vehicles.

      In line with the foregoing, here is a list of transmission oils I believe to be true synthetics based on their specified constituents as listed by the manufacturer. Not every manufacturer makes every recommended lubricant grade for the vehicles under discussion here and only those available in the required grades are noted. The following oils are listed in alphabetical order.

      Amsoil - Polyalphaolefin-PAO based.
      Synthetic Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90, API GL-4 (MTG)
      Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Transmission Fluid (ATF)
      According to Amsoil, meets Mazda's ATF M-V (Type 5) specification.


      Motul - Polyol ester based. A French company, Motul produces 100% synthetic, synthetic blends (referred to as Technosynthese) and mineral-based oils. The following ester based oils are available in 1-liter containers:
      Gear 300 SAE 75W-90, API GL-4/GL-5
      Gear 300 LS SAE 75W-90, API GL-5
      For transmissions with highly stressed LSDs.
      Explore all Motul products, find the perfect oil for your engine, durable and high-performance products for all cars, motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, and bicycles.

      Motul Canada: http://www.motul-canada.com
      Motul USA: http://matrixsyntheticoils.com/store..._products.html

      Red Line - Polyol ester based. All Red Line lubricants are derived from Group V (Polyol ester) base stocks.
      MT-90 SAE 75W-90, API GL-4 According to red Line, this also fulfills the requirements of an 80W-90 oil, and has the appropriate coefficient of friction for most manual transmission synchronizers. They claim that many gear oils, and ATFs, are too slippery for proper synchro engagement.
      D4 ATF The manufacturer states that this is a suitable replacement for the following products: Dexron II, Dexron III and Dexron IIIH; Mercon and Mercon V; Mazda ATF M-V. Interestingly, this is a GL-4 rated oil making it also suitable for use in some M/Ts and transaxles.
      Red Line has a reputation with racers and enthusiasts alike for creating products that perform and protect better than any on the market. No compromises.


      Torco - Polyalphaolefin (PAO)/Polyol ester based. According to the manufacturer, these oils are derived from 100% synthetic Group IV/V base stocks and are suitable for both racing and street use. Available in 1-liter containers.
      SGO Synthetic Racing gear Oil SAE 75W-90, API GL-5/GL-6 As noted above, API GL-6 is an obsolete classification that would provide a level of EP additive protection far in excess of anything our M/Ts require.
      HiVis ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid Specified for use in Mazda but not specifically for M-V (Type 5) replacement. I emailed them for clarification but never received an answer. I'll try again but I don't recommend its use without independent verification of its suitability.

      USA Vendor for a variety of domestic and imported synthetic oils:


      Happy Motoring!
      Last edited by goldstar; 11-04-2011, 07:13 AM.
      02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
      MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
      MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
      Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
      MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
      Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
      Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
      Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
      Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
      Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
      Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
      Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
      Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

      Comment


        #4
        I dont have the part number. BUt every one is loving the Motorcraft transmision from Ford. ONly problem is its 17 bucks a bottle. BUT no issues. I knwo for the speeds peeps like it.
        Last edited by goldstar; 05-18-2010, 01:49 PM.

        Comment

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