Mazda CX-9 Transmission and Power Steering Fluid Service

[@raquielcross5757]

Finally found a good clear video in transmission fluid! Appreciate the Details! Thanks much

[@AmilaSiriwardana]

Great demo. clear voice. no bull dust. Highly recommended youtuber

[@ululi1970]

Nice video! My CX9 has 135k miles. Will do the transmission fluid at the next oil change. I am just surprised that there is no filter. I have replaced fluids in other vehicles, and it normally involves dropping the pan, and replacing the filter as well...

[@austinjohnson1079]

Before you take the drain plug out, put the level check plug back in and it won't drip as you unscrew the drain plug.

[@Mimiandfriend]

Thank you very much for this detailed video. Much appreciated! I’m working on removing and installing my radiator on a 2010 CX-9 but no luck with any informative videos on that department

[@patrickrobichaux]

Thanks for the video. I was able to avoid taking out the air intake by doing the old reach around. If your arms are to big, its definitely worth finding a friend with smaller arms to just set/retrieve fill bolt. Super tight but with a little sweat, I was able to wiggle through.

[@6speeddakota]

I definitely don't have the luxury of skinny arms lol

[@jackhandyy]

It's 3 bolts, it's not hard. A solid 2 minutes

[@mriyasm5165]

Nice video.. Dear..my cx9-2012 had a leak from left axil seal. After replacing,how can i check the oil level? Now i am feeling some rough shift.

[@6speeddakota]

@@mriyasm5165 take the fill plug out. The level should be right at the bottom of the fill plug hole

[@mriyasm5165]

@@6speeddakota Thank you somuch. I couldn’t see oil when I opened the fill plug.. means oil is very low.? Just filled 1 litr Still not seen but shifting slightly improved. I am scared of overfilling.. Shall I fill until visible from the top?

[@mriyasm5165]

Pls advise

[@6speeddakota]

@@mriyasm5165 for some reason I thought you meant the rear differential. For the transmission, you need to set the fluid level with the engine running. If you watch the video, you'll see how I do it. It seems odd to be over a quart low though.

[@MultiMILLER100]

Hello. how much oil needs to be poured in order to start flowing from the drain hole?in liters?

[@pohks2402]

Very informative video you got there. I just got a new 2017 Mazda 6 recently and being I'm a DIY person and had owned a 2005 Toyota Corolla (Altis). I changed/ flushed my ATF using the return line that feeds the hot ATF to the radiator, cold it down before returning it back to the ATF drain pan. I usually drain the atf fluid from the pan, put back the atf drain plug and overfilled the drain pan with 4 liters (usually I drained out about 3 liters from drain pan alone). I will then remove the hose on the return line and direct that hose to a container. I will then start the engine for 15secs while cycling thru the gears. Refill the atf to the oil pan and repeat the whole cycle till I had changed out 8 liters. when I'm done, usually the atf that comes out will be almost the same color as new fluid. Coming back to the Mazda 6 I'm wondering if there are such return line? Anyway, just a suggestion about filling in the atf with the air filter in its original position. How about fitting in a custom stainless steel pipe with threaded ends for the fill plug that will run up next to the air filter box?

[@6speeddakota]

The problem with trying to fill the trans with the air cleaner in place is that it's almost impossible to grab the plug out of its hole. The fitting seals using a crush washer, so putting a threaded pipe in there is almost guaranteed to leak as the threads are not NPT or any other type of sealing pipe thread. It would be so much easier if they just put a dipstick in it.

[@dariobelarmino5035]

I just recently did a DIY atf flush for my 2009 mazda 6 v6 engine using DIY jug filled with fresh atf connected to 3/8 tube then connected that tube to a fluid transfer pump from amazon($13) . I then continue to connect the pump with another 3/8" tube which is connected to return line(it had small blue line on the rubber tube). That blue lines rubber is then disconnected and use to drain the dirty fluid to a pan or big jug. I put 8 quarts of fresh atf from the clean jug. I calculated the difference by measuring the dirty output from the drain. I ended up adding 1 more quart of fresh atf.

[@dariobelarmino5035]

It's probably similar procedure for the cx9 model

[@cesarcarranza42]

Hello, I have removed a solenoid in the valve body that was defective, planning on putting it all back together. Do you know what type of gasket does it need on the transmission oil pan? I cant find it anywhere, is it RTV? CX9 AWD 2010. Thank you.

[@6speeddakota]

@@cesarcarranza42 It should be available, try talk to your local parts store, if they can't find one, you may need to go to the dealership

[@fabioferreira8391]

Very good video, but what is the TF you use?

[@6speeddakota]

Some ford motorcraft fluid the dealership gave me for the trans, regular dex3 for the power steering

[@jackhandyy]

T40 t55 and a 17mm hex

[@mamerc4128]

The change went great, ended up using Castro TRANSMAX INPORT MULTIVEHICLE type T-IV, upper air cleaner can stay, lower housing moves over for easy access to fill plug. May have missed a step by not filling while running. Car shifts great but how much ATF fluid did you add after initial overflow fill? Was there a difference in level after starting the car?. I drained, filled, ran engine, shifted through gears and repeated... twice.

[@6speeddakota]

I added at least half a quart extra after starting it and running it

[@angeltorres-p9j]

the fill plug is stripped could I fill via drain plug with small rubber hose

[@6speeddakota]

I would fill via the breather hose at the top of the diff if that's a possibility.

[@angeltorres-p9j]

@6speeddakota that's a good idea I will definitely try it because the fill plug is not going to come off thank you for the info

[@mm8436]

The hex size is 17mm

[@rubbertoea8088]

Great video and humor you have! Question: How did you find out about this procedure? , Assuming your Car had never been serviced and is not leaking, wouldn't it be logical to replace exactly the same amount that you drained? without having to start the car and waiting for that drizzle to stop. Thanks

[@6speeddakota]

I've learned about the fill procedure from Toyota vehicles that use the same fill method. You could replace exactly what you took out, I just prefer to do it the proper fill method so I know it's done correctly with no guesswork involved

[@rubbertoea8088]

Thank you!

[@DannyPacheco-j6f]

Is there a transmission filter that also would need replacing like engine oil?

[@6speeddakota]

Not on these. The screen is internal and not able to be replaced during service

[@muradzeynalov4371]

Hello All, I have Mazda cx9 2008 and its 4WD system is Not switched on while offroad, could it be transmission problem?

[@6speeddakota]

I didn't know that the CX-9 had a 4x4 mode, I was under the impression it was purely AWD all the time.

[@Flash25296]

What is the other container and clear tubing doing in the video at 10:40 to the left side of the screen?

[@6speeddakota]

That's a marine oil extractor and I'm using it to draw out the gear oil in the transfer case. It's so thick so it takes forever, so I'm doing another job while it's working.

[@Flash25296]

@@6speeddakota That is exactly what I was hoping you would say. Does the extractor work well in the Transfer case. I have seen others use an electric scavenge pump and had decent results. I tried to pump it out by hand but could barely get any fluid out. What size tubing are you using to go into the transfer case?

[@6speeddakota]

@@Flash25296 I'm an avid boater, so I have the pump for changing the engine oil on an inboard outboard, but they are quite expensive if you're not using them regularly. There was 3 sizes of hose, I believe it was 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4, I used the 1/4 and it took a while, but I did all the other work on it while it was extracting.

[@soorajmjose8406]

Hello, I have a question..? Can we fill until clear fluid coming out of the level tube? So like a complete fluid flush?🤞

[@6speeddakota]

No, because once the pan is full of fresh fluid, it’ll just the fresh fluid out. The old fluid is all in the torque converter and in all of the clutch packs.

[@soorajmjose8406]

@@6speeddakota thank you..I am going to do for the first time...

[@Sturmbannführer88]

This may sound dumb, but can you fill through the dipstick opening? And why or why not.

[@mikebrock1965]

These transmissions don't have dip sticks. You fill thru the fill hole on top of the trans case under air filter.

[@tommiller4554]

Mike Brock I have a 2007 CX9 awd and mine does have a dip stick top of it looks like a drawer knob so yes some years did have a dip stick

[@njsongwriter]

Yes. If you have a dipstick fill through the dipstick tube.

[@Mimiandfriend]

If you have a dipstick, is it still the same procedure but the only change is the location you fill it at? Thank you.

[@obiakuelssy8603]

What is the name of the oil you used

[@6speeddakota]

@@obiakuelssy8603 it's ford motorcraft, straight from the dealer. I couldn't tell you exactly what type though. I recycled my last little bit I had left a long time ago.

[@KN-mi7mh]

I thought it is filled through the dipstick..i have the 08 Cx9 u think is possible to fill through the dipstick

[@6speeddakota]

If it has a dipstick, you fill it through the dipstick. This one doesn't have one, so there's a special fill procedure

[@KN-mi7mh]

6speeddakota i appreciate it man

[@mikeunderwood8050]

So does the 08CX9 have a filter

[@6speeddakota]

Most modern vehicles have a strainer inside the transmission that isn't serviceable unless you gut the transmission. All the more reason to keep the fluid changed frequently

[@thebokchoys6284]

I have a quick question same procedure for a 2008 Mazda CX 9? and another question maybe you can help me would you happen to know where that Engine coolant sensor is located at?

[@6speeddakota]

I think that transmission may have a dipstick, which makes it super simple to change. if not, it's the same procedure. I believe the coolant temp sensor is on the front of one of the cylinder heads, but i'm not certain

[@roncrandall]

I have a 2008 CX 9 as well. Mine has a dipstick. Much easier to change fluid.

[@IsiahSanders850]

@@roncrandallwhat makes the procedure different with a dipstick? I have a 2008 Mazda cx9 front wheel drive with a dipstick.

[@beaviskornholio2754]

How many quarts of fluid did you extract from the power steering reservoir? also what brand and type of atf fluid did you use for the power steering? i only saw the bottles i didn't get to see the brand and type used.

[@6speeddakota]

I used castrol brand dexron III I believe. The reservoir drained about 8 oz or so out each time. I asked the dealer and they said to use Dexron III or equivalent. Since the dex3 is much cheaper than anything that supersedes it, that's what I used, but dex IV or VI will work as well as it's meant to supersede Dex 3

[@beaviskornholio2754]

Thanks for the quick reply. I also wanted to ask how many quarts of fluid did you use and how was the steering after the fluid exchange. Sorry to bother you so much, thank you again.

[@6speeddakota]

No problem at all. I think I used 4 quarts and the steering was the same afterwards, it didn't have any issues to begin with, but they wanted the fluid changed

[@beaviskornholio2754]

I changed the fluid already. It feels a little better but not much better. I never had any issues either. The dealer wanted to replace it. Thanks again for your help. Greatly appreciate it.

[@verduro1000]

Hi, this is a question about a different topic... The CX9 of the video should be between 2010 or 2012 model, so this model with 3.7L engine use a fuel filter? I have one 2010 model and I’m wondering if uses that gas filter... regards!

[@dominikdranski7180]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have CX-9 2013 AWD, without dipstick, and you are absolutely sure, that this is the right procedure to change the transmission fluid ? In CX-9 with dipstick I must check the temperature in transmission in which the transmission fluid was.

[@6speeddakota]

The transmission should be warm when filling it. Basically you should take it for a drive, and then double check the level. But that's a pain, and I highly doubt any dealership techs will do that.

[@dominikdranski7180]

Hi, I replaced the oil in the automatic transmission, a strange thing because after unscrewing both screws, a total of 6.5 liters of oil flew out. Maybe it was overfilled? I made the procedure according to your instructions, but I poured about 3.5 liters of oil, nothing more.

[@patrickrobichaux]

@@dominikdranski7180 I poured the same amount initially but once I got the transmission warm, it took another 3 (with some of that leaking out). Also make sure to put fill plug back in with car still running or a quart will come out

[@fcdelgado4043]

Aren’t you supposed to change the transmission filter every 30k too?

[@6speeddakota]

There’s no replaceable filter in these. That’s why you need to service these frequently to keep everything clean

[@senoviamartinez9560]

I have this EXACT sacrifice car , also cranberry red. Can I just take my vehicle to you and you just do it for me LOL I need a transmission flush and I also have a question? I'm used to checking my transmission fluid weekly so how often are we supposed to be checking our vehicles when it comes to the transmission because there is no dipstick so I find it odd but it is what it is so do I just need to do the transmission flush and just leave it alone until 90,000 miles and then do it all over again? That seems that it's pretty much all I can do

[@6speeddakota]

If you live somewhere near the greater Vancouver area, swing on by and I’ll get you fixed up. The transmission should never lose fluid unless it’s leaking from somewhere, so it’s not something you need to check regularly. I also would recommend servicing it every 30k miles and not 90k. These have a lot of clutch packs and the fluid gets contaminated quickly and needs regular service

[@andriibozhenko9298]

is it just 3 quarts? I got CX-9 2009 AWD and there were slightly over 7 quarts in transmission. What kind of transmission fluid did you use in this video?

[@6speeddakota]

Interesting. I bought 4 quarts for this one, maybe the trans was overfilled or something. I'm not 100% sure what the fluid is called, but I know it's not a standard type like mercon. It's a motorcraft fluid that i bought at the mazda dealership

[@Jessehernandez83]

How many miles did the car have when you changed the fluid

[@6speeddakota]

Jessehernandez83 About 80,000 km (50,000 miles)

[@Jessehernandez83]

Was it slipping or did you just do to service?

[@6speeddakota]

Jessehernandez83 just doing basic maintenance. With how nasty that fluid was, I’m shocked it was driving ok

[@Jessehernandez83]

Thank you I’m dressing taking ours in it has 88k in it and black but it shutters slightly occasionally but I don’t want to pay for that repair

[@Jessehernandez83]

Thank you for taking tome to reply

[@coachmorgan7028]

Nice video very helpful I was able to do my 2016 Mazda cx9 transmission fluid change however I cannot find the power steering reservoir in this 2016 Mazda cx9 I only see windshield and brake reservoir anyone has idea were it is located

[@6speeddakota]

Power steering is electric on these models. No fluid to service

[@marcellemay7721]

Wait until you gotta change the water pump and timing chain. I just did mine and it's a bitch. If you like tight quarters and, zero visibility and tough access, the water pump/timing chain job is for you! totally doable, but set aside about 20 hrs to get it done. ;)

[@CalebsCars]

I did the water pump, wasn’t awful just tight spaces. If you’ve done timing jobs on DOHC engines before then it’s not the worst but definitely takes an entire weekend

[@Fremen02]

Should include the model year in the title. My 2017 CX9 airbox looks totally different.

[@alanfuertesreynoso3542]

Great vid! Thanks for taking the time to do it. have a quick question. At 09:26 you checked that the fluid stopped dripping, but did you added some more until it started dripping againg before you shifted the gears? Thanks again!

[@6speeddakota]

Absolutely, fire away

[@alanfuertesreynoso3542]

@@6speeddakota At 09:26 you checked that the fluid stopped dripping, but did you added some more until it started dripping againg before you shifted the gears? Thanks again!

[@6speeddakota]

So when you check the level on these transmissions, the engine has to be running. When the engine is running, it drives the pump in the transmission which will draw fluid out of the pan. As a result, the level will go down. Obviously I need to fill the transmission back up before starting the engine, as if I started it up dry, it would destroy itself. So I added fluid until it started running out the fill level plug, then when I started the engine and the fluid in the transmission went down, it stopped dripping because the level went below the fill level tube. I added more fluid until it ran out the fill indicator hole before I started shifting through the gears because I wanted to make sure that the level was correct before I started shifting all the gears. Once the fluid stops dripping out the fill level indicator hole when the engine is running, that means that the fluid level is correct and we can reinstall the level plug. I hope this answers your question

[@HIMI2003]

What type of transmission fluid

[@6speeddakota]

Supposedly it's AISIN type T-IV from what I found on rockauto, but I got some type of motorcraft fluid at the mazda dealership, but it wasn't a standard Mercon type fluid. I'll go take a look tomorrow afternoon, I have half a bottle still sitting at my parents house

[@maddog-oi3hq]

Well i have a 07 and it has one drain plug

[@alexandremelo9559]

Thats an Aisin transmission, toyota/lexus use them. At least the 2014 it is.

[@sanojgeorge5249]

Same procedure is applicable to CX 9 of 2016 model?

[@CRobes57]

Hi i have a mazda 2010 cx-9 it has around 53k miles i just bought it but i dont think the trans fluid has ever been changed its black on the dipstick. Theres some.mechanics that say after alot of mileage its best to leave the trans fluid in because the change can cause issues. What are your thoughts on this and would you recommend i change it?

[@6speeddakota]

at 53K, that's not a ton of miles, what they mean is that when the transmission is on its last legs, starting to slip, not shifting properly, etc. and the fluid is very badly burned and full of clutch material, changing the fluid to clean fluid will cause the transmission to fail because all the contamination has caused the fluid to effectively become more viscous, so changing the fluid with fresh will usually cause it to slip really badly. If the fluid is dark, I'd change it sooner than later, but if it's not giving you shifting issues or slipping, it won't likely cause it to fail.

[@CRobes57]

@@6speeddakota thanks it is giving me a bit of slipping issues so ill change it soon

[@6speeddakota]

53K seems really low for a transmission to start slipping. You've probably got bigger issues going on.

[@CRobes57]

@@6speeddakota from what ive read prior in forums these transmissions are supposed to be maitnenced every 30k miles and my fluid is black on the dipstick. Ive also seen a few people with the same issues im having and a trans fluid swap seems to have been the answer. All the posts were from several years ago so i just thought after 8 years the trans fluid might be too far gone to change

[@Malhamedi]

Bro best way to change oil step by step remove 1 litter from the top by pulling machine from gear and put 1 litter new after 600 km do same way and after 3 time like this all bad oil will remove than open from down and remove all oil and put new oil and after u change it try drive softly without let rpm high after 1000 km your gear is understanding new oil and u will never face issue

[@williewonka3574]

This qualifies as one of the most stupid designs I have ever seen. I'm surprised that this vehicle doesn't need to go back to the factory to be refueled.