Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Type and Capacity [2003-2023]
Transmission fluid is an important maintenance item for all types of vehicles, including the Mazda 3. However, since there are many different kinds of transmission fluid available on the market. knowing transmission fluid type and capacity is crucial.
The type and capacity of transmission fluid may vary by the production year of Mazda 3. So, you need to be careful. keep reading to learn every bit of details about the type and capacity of transmission fluid based on the year of Mazda 3.
What Type of Transmission Fluid Does the Mazda 3 Use [2003-2023]
Fortunately, Mazda suggests their customers to use only Mazda Genuine ATF FZ as transmission fluid.
But as we mentioned earlier, it will also depend on the year and transmission type (automatic or manual) of the Mazda 3.
In the following part, we will discuss the type of transmission fluid for the Mazda 3 according to the year and gearbox.
2003-2007 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Type
Mazda 3 vehicles that have been produced between 2003 and 2007 are designed with a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission.
The 4-speed automatic gear fluid type is ATF (automatic transmission fluid) M-V (multi-vehicle).
In contrast, the 5-speed manual gear uses SAE 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 or SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 transmission fluid.
| MAZDA 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Type |
| 4-speed Automatic Transmission | ATF M-V Mazda |
| 5-speed Manual Transmission | SAE 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 or SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 |
Read Also: Mercon Vs Mercon V: What’s The Best Transmission Fluid?
2008-2012 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Type
2008-2012 Mazda 3 vehicles were quite special compared to their previous (2003-2007) Mazda 3 vehicles.
Mazda 3 vehicles manufactured between 2008 and 2012 were equipped with four different types of gearboxes, including a manual turbocharged transmission.
As a result, the types of gear oil differ depending on the types of transmissions. The types of Mazda 3 (2008-2012) transmission fluid types are listed below:
| MAZDA 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Type |
| 6-speed Manual Transmission (with turbocharger) | SAE 75W-90 GL-4 |
| 6-speed Manual Transmission (without turbocharger) | SAE 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 or SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 |
| 2.0L Manual Transmission | SAE 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 or SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 |
| 4-speed Automatic Transmission | ATF M-V Mazda |
| 5-speed Automatic Transmission | ATF M-V Mazda |
2013-2018 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Type
The 2013-2018 Mazda 3 vehicles are designed with 4-cylinder engines with different horsepower ratings. According to the engine’s power, the Mazda 3 has different transmissions too. And they are:
- 5-speed manual
- 5-speed automatic (optional)
- 6-speed manual (standard)
- 6-speed automatic
Each of these transmissions requires different types of fluid such as DEXRON®-VI ATF transmission fluid, SAE 75W-80 GL-4, and Mazda Genuine ATF FZ.
| MAZDA 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Type |
| 5-speed Manual | SAE 75W-80 GL-4 |
| 5-speed Automatic (optional) | DEXRON®-VI ATF |
| 6-speed Manual (standard) | SAE 80W-90 GL-4 |
| 6-speed Automatic | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ. |
2019-2023 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Type
Mazda 3 vehicles manufactured between the years of 2019 and 2023 are designed with a super active transmission system. They have five different types of transmission, which include:
- SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-spd automatic transmission (without cylinder deactivation)
- SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-spd automatic transmission (with cylinder deactivation)
- SKYACTIV-G 2.0 automatic transmission
- SKYACTIV-G 2.5 manual transmission
- SKYACTIV-G 2.0 manual transmission
As the characteristics of each of these transmissions are almost completely different from each other, they also use different kinds of fluid. The transmission fluids they use are attached to the chart below:
| MAZDA 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Type |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-spd automatic transmission (without cylinder deactivation) | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ. |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-spd automatic transmission (with cylinder deactivation) | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ. |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 automatic transmission | Mazda Genuine ATF FZ. |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 manual transmission | Mazda Long Life Gear Oil G7 |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 manual transmission | Mazda Long Life Gear Oil G7 |
Read Also: What Transmission Fluid Is Equivalent To Mercon LV?
Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity [2003-2023]
The transmission fluid capacity of the Mazda 3 depends on the type of transmission fluid and engine size. On average, the capacity of Mazda 3 transmission fluid is 4.5 quarts.
Now, in the following section, we will explore the transmission fluid capacity on different Mazda 3 vehicles.
2003-2007 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
We already know that the Mazda 3 vehicles of 2003-2007 have two different types of transmissions. The 4-speed automatic transmission has a transmission fluid tank of 3.0 quarts, while the 5-speed manual transmission comes with a fluid tank of 7.6 quarts.
| Mazda 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Capacity |
| 4-speed Automatic Transmission | 2.9 liters (3.0 quarts) |
| 5-speed Manual Transmission | 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts) |
2008-2012 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
The transmission tank of a Mazda 3 car from the years 2008-2012 has the capacity of holding 2.5-8.6 quarts. The accurate capacity depends on the engine size and fluid type as follows:
| Mazda 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Capacity |
| 6-speed Manual Transmission (with turbocharger) | 2.5 liters (2.6 quarts) |
| 6-speed Manual Transmission (without turbocharger) | 2.9 liters (3.1 quarts) |
| 2.0L Manual Transmission | 2.8 liters (2.9 quarts) |
| 4-speed Automatic Transmission | 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts) |
| 5-speed Automatic Transmission | 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts) |
2013-2018 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
The 6-speed manual transmission of 2013-2018 Mazda 3 can hold 1.8 quarts, while the automatic transmission requires 8.2 quarts of transmission fluid.
| Mazda 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Capacity |
| 5-speed Manual | 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts) |
| 5-speed Automatic (optional) | 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts) |
| 6-speed Manual (standard) | 1.7 liters (1.8 quarts) |
| 6-speed Automatic | 7.8 liters (8.2 quarts) |
2019-2023 Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Capacity
The gearbox fluid capacity of 2019-2023 Mazda 3 automatic transmission is 8 quarts (without cylinder deactivation) and 8.3 quarts (with cylinder deactivation). But as we know, the manual transmission has a lower fluid capacity than the automatic transmission.
So, the 2.5 manual transmission can hold 1.75 quarts of transmission fluid, while the 2.0 manual transmission requires 1.8 quarts of transmission fluid.
| Mazda 3 Transmission Type | Fluid Capacity |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-spd automatic transmission (without cylinder deactivation) | 7.6 liters (8 quarts) |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 6-spd automatic transmission (with cylinder deactivation) | 7.9 liters (8.3 quarts) |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 automatic transmission | 7.6 liters (8 quarts) |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 manual transmission | 1.65 liters (1.75 quarts) |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 manual transmission | 1.7 liters (1.8 quarts) |
Read Also: Mercon Sp Vs Lv: Which Transmission Fluid Should You Use?
Is There Any Alternative to Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid?
There are many alternatives to Mazda 3 transmission fluid. But using authentic OEM fluid is better than using any random transmission fluid.
It can damage your car’s transmission and cause poor engine performance. But if you are in an emergency, you can use a substitute for Mazda 3 transmission fluid.
Some of the most common substitutes for transmission fluid on the Mazda 3 will include:
- Valvoline Maxlife MV
- Ravenol ATF FZ
- Castrol Transmax ATF
- FRAM Transmission Fluid Mercon V
- Mitsubishi Genuine MTF 75W-85
How Do I Check the Transmission Fluid On My Mazda 3?
The transmission system on your Mazda 3 is one of the most important hydraulic systems of the car.
So it also requires regular maintenance to work properly. To do so, you should know the fluid type and the fluid level in the transmission.
If you want to check the fluid type, the owner’s manual can help you to find it.
But if you need to check the fluid level in the transmission, you have to do it practically. Here’s how it goes:
- First of all, park the car on a level surface and leave the engine running.
- Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick.
- Put the dipstick out and clean it with a rag or paper towel.
- After that, put it again into the transmission pipe.
- Now run your Mazda 3 through each gear for about three seconds.
- Then put it back in the park and leave it running.
- Now put out the dipstick again.
- Check the cold and hot mark on the end of the dipstick and determine the transmission fluid level.
Read Also: What is Equivalent to Mercon SP Transmission Fluid?
What Are the Symptoms of Dirty Transmission Fluid on the Mazda 3?
The transmission fluid on the Mazda 3 can become dirty over time because of dirt, contaminants, and metal pieces. When it gets dirty, it should be changed and refilled with fresh transmission fluid.
Otherwise, it can cause various hydraulic issues in your car. Basically, the fresh automatic transmission fluid on the Mazda 3 is bright pink or red. If it is dirty, it will gradually turn into gray, brown, and black gradually.
Here are also some other symptoms of dirty transmission fluid on the Mazda 3:
- Whining noise from the transmission
- Grinding noise
- Slipping gears
- High RPM
- Engine overheats
- Burning smell from the transmission
- Shifting problems
FAQs About Mazda 3 Transmission Fluid Type.
There may be more questions about the type and capacity of transmission fluid on the Mazda 3. So, we will answer three more frequently asked questions on Mazda 3 transmission fluid:
How often should I change the Mazda 3 transmission fluid?
Usually, it will depend on the production year of your Mazda 3. So, you have to check the owner’s manual for the proper information. But on average, you will need to change the transmission fluid on your Mazda 3 every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Does a Mazda 3 drive better after a transmission fluid change?
Yes, changing the transmission fluid on a regular basis on the Mazda 3 will help it to drive better than before. It’s because it helps the engine to run more smoothly and increases the fuel efficiency.
Where is the transmission fluid dipstick located on the Mazda 3?
The transmission fluid dipstick on the Mazda 3 is located in the engine compartment, which is positioned under the hood. In the engine compartment, the transmission dipstick is located closer to the driver’s side, near the transmission.
What transmission fluid is used for Mazda 3?
The recommended transmission fluid for the Mazda 3 is Mazda Long Life Gear Oil G7. This is a full-synthetic transmission fluid that is designed to meet the specific needs of the Mazda 3 transmission. It is important to use the correct type of transmission fluid in your Mazda 3, as using the wrong type of fluid can damage the transmission.
Conclusion
You must maintain your Mazda 3’s transmission on a regular basis if you want it to shift and run at peak performance.
In this regard, make sure that your car uses proper transmission fluid and that the fluid level is as recommended.
So, hopefully this article helped to determine your car’s transmission fluid type and capacity.
Read Also: Will Transmission Fluid Eat Radiator Hose
