How to Check and Fill Fluids [COMPLETE GUIDE] - Mazda 3 (2014-2018)

[@ami_anubhav]

I don't come to the comment section on youtube that often, but I had to let you know that this is a very informative and to the point video. Great work sir! Keep it up. I just got a beautiful 2016 Mazda6, and gonna check all my fluids now. Thank you.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@campervanchick8916]

I have been a driver for 45 years and owned a few vehicles in that time. This has to be the most helpful and informative source of assistance I have ever seen. Thank you so much from New Zealand.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you very much for your kind words! Glad to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@malcomeallen2129]

The video was interesting but I would like to suggest one correction. There actually is a transmission fluid dipstick, it's hiding under the air intake. Just a couple screws and pop the intake off and when you look down you will see a small dipstick with a screw in it. Unscrew it and remove the dipstick to check the level.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you for your input :)

[@KidRiko]

Yeap, i did this before when I was told it was "sealed"

[@mystikmeg]

Does this dipstick exist on the Manual as well as the Auto?

[@malcomeallen2129]

@mystikmeg I'm not sure. Easy way to check just remove the airbox and see if you see it.

[@IkonicInvst]

It’s exactly where you said it would be, I have a 2015 Mazda 6, you just need a 10mm socket. 3 bolts total, filter air exhaust, 2 bolts and the transmission stick bolt.

[@swapnildave9586]

Just in time as winter weather approaches, thank you for sharing!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found it useful!

[@elenabenton83]

Thank you ! You really explain everything about the engine and how everything works together. I understand a lot better now.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Great to hear!

[@sylviagunn4423]

This was a a good source of information. You explained everything clearly I appreciate your expertise thank you.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zvikomboreromugwenjedzi1052]

One of the best videos I've watched

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad I could help :)

[@ProfitfromAInewsnow]

What about a Mazda axela hybrid 2015, will the same products and steps explained also work ?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Should be the same for the most part. Some fluids may be different, just check that. Sorry, but can't say with 100% surety.

[@siyabulelamapuza7018]

Great video, I have saved it for future reference. Great work sir!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BLAZEPSI]

This is great help for who doesn't know. Everything is on point. If I may add to Transmission. A "For Life Fluid is marketing. Definitely drain and fill it (DONT FLUSH!) after every 30-40k. There is a drain plug and dipstick (for filling and checking), its easy to access, just remove the air filter box, super easy to do. Dipstick is plastic and bolted down. So yeah, Drain and fill it. I do it every year and a half, its always better to have a fresh fluid in there. Prevention is better than cure. Thank You for sharing 👍

[@kevindoorknob1538]

I spoke directly with a representative from Mazda and they stated you should never need to flush/replace/add transmission fluid unless you have the transmission replaced or there is damage that results in a leak.

[@BLAZEPSI]

@@kevindoorknob1538 of course that is what they will say. No fluid is meant to last forever, not even 100k miles. Your vehicle your choice. Fluid is cheaper than Transmission.

[@mystikmeg]

Does this dipstick exist on the manual transmission as well? I have a 64 plate. Thanks

[@mjenn8634]

I had mine flushed at 75k miles. Haven't had any issues with transmission so far, added another 8k since.

[@camsanders5756]

How interesting about the transmission & power steering fluid. Thanks!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@danieldimitrov5230]

You’re good, Virar. Thankfully from Bulgaria.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@onixtheone]

I believe there is a tiny dipstick for transmission somewhere deep in the engine bay

[@VirarAutomotive]

You are correct. I missed it.

[@rationalandsane5281]

Great. Very detailed. I have a 2013 Mazda 2 and the hood is very similar to that one. I was wondering where I can have my power steering fluid replenished, I am lucky I came across this video. I am a first time car owner.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad I could help! 😃

[@barryinkpen6026]

I'm sure someone has already said there is an ATF dipstick. It is hidden away and held in by a small bolt but it is there. It is a bit of a trick to check it because you need to run the engine with the air filter box at a 90 degree angle from normal so you can access the dip stick and still have the engine idling normally.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you for sharing!

[@davids9960]

Thanks for this good video. For any fluids always consult the Owners Manual. The manual says Castrol Edge 0W-20 is the engine oil to use if you plan to change it only every 10,000 miles. (FYI - AUDI also recommends Edge). Buy the automatic transmission fluid at the dealer. If you simply drain it 3 quarts should do it. Always measure what comes out and replace it with the same amount.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thanks for the info!

[@skie6282]

It is better for these cars to change engine oil every 5,000-6,000 miles, even with full synthetic. The reason it is 0w 20 oil is because of tight tolerances, which means if you have degraded oil it will wear more. This engine lasts basically forever as long as routine oil changes are done, if you plan to keep it over 100k and ideally over 200k, do more frequent oil changes, it is worth it. Also super easy to diy on this car.

[@Yuforix]

In the manual, they say you should use mazda supra 0W-20 oil... I don't recommend using a different brand even if castrol oil is good it's not made for mazda engines. It's made for Ford engines.

[@davids9960]

@@Yuforix Actually Castrol Edge 0W-20 is specifically mentioned in the 2015 Mazda 3 manual and the 2015 Audi A3 manual, in regard to extending the oil change interval to one year or 10K miles which ever comes first. I don't know what a Mazda Supra is? Toyota Supra perhaps?

[@leekumiega9268]

There is a transmission dipstick under the air filter box ( that you must remove to get to it ) held in by a 10 mm bolt . the car must be warmed up and on a level surface to check it. It should be a medium blue color and many get much darker ( which is not good ) after only 50k miles.Note you must reconnect the air flow sensor part of the air cleaner box for the engine to run.

[@DekkarMTBtl]

A tip for checking the brake fluid is to use a flashlight. If you hold it against the passenger side of the tank, you can look through the other side and easily see where the fluid level is at.

[@VirarAutomotive]

That's a good idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@ricardovelazquez4512]

Great Video!!! please make more vidoes related to Madza. I have a MADZA 3 2018 Sport

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@Charly_9424]

Hola tengo un Mazda 3 del 2018 el cual cuando tengo q entrar a una vía rápida tengo q pisar el pedal a fondo y cuando le pongo la computadora en AutoZone no marca ningún problema

[@user-zf4nq1dy2n]

Great video, straight to the point. Thanks

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found it useful!

[@exploretheamerica]

Nice Video. My car is showing no coolant in reservoir, is that OK? Mechanic is telling thats its fine as coolant is in the radiator.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Well you should definitely top it off to Full Mark and then monitor if/ how quickly the level drops. If you have to top it off every month then there is a leak somewhere, either in the cooling system or the head gasket (hopefully not ).

[@biizzlle]

@@VirarAutomotiveif there is a leak is it crazy expensive to fix

[@JohnDoe-kq1ge]

Thank you,sir.This was very helpful 👍

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@Nohojunocry]

Great video thanks. I'm about to go for a road trip 2000Km and wanted to check a few things to prepare my Mazda CX-3 2022 model

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad to hear that you found the video helpful! Goodluck with the road trip!

[@josecabrera793]

This is a great help I was struggling to check the transmission fluid. Thank you so much!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad I could help!

[@kings17court]

Excellent informative video. Nicely done.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you kindly!

[@sjhanksaz]

There is a small dipstick for it by the radiator. You have to remove a bolt to get to it

[@MarioGunit2000]

Outstanding video, thank you sir!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad I could help! 😃

[@juliandavidramirez9227]

El liquido de transmisión lo puedes verificar sacando la pieza donde va el filtro del motor, toda completa. En la parte inferior hay una tapa con medidor.

[@rohansingh90]

Very Informative, thank you. I also noticed while driving that the clutch on the manual transmission is on the harder side and the 1st two gears are jerky if you are not smooth with the clutch. Is that the case with other M3's as well?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Not sure. Sorry :(

[@mjcaw5790]

question for you as you know what you're talking about. I saw 2 videos where they took the filter box unit out and underneath it hiding is an actual dipstick for the transmission oil once you remove the nut. Is that true? You say it is sealed for life. I am a bit confused now. thanks.

[@VirarAutomotive]

I did make a mistake there regarding the transmission fluid. In this case there is a small dipstick for it. Some of the viewers have mentioned it in the comments how to access it.

[@operationmeh]

Clear and informative video, thank you so much!

[@VirarAutomotive]

You’re welcome! Glad I could help!

[@dawnjohnson8739]

You’re a great teacher! Thank you!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@shoveltrouble7487]

Great content mate

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you!

[@harpinderdhaliwal6596]

I have 2015 mazda 3 and 175000 kms done. My steering wheel is hard to turn now. What can be the issue? There is no sign or light of steering wheel on dashboard. Many thanks in advance for your expertise

[@VirarAutomotive]

It could be any number of issues. Can't say for sure without actually looking at the car. Best to get it checked by a mechanic!

[@AngelLHer]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found it useful!

[@billie7093]

Thank you for helping me understand my new car!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@wilberramirezlinares3237]

Could you please do this video for Mazda Demio 2016?

[@VirarAutomotive]

If I can find the vehicle to make the videos on I will. I'll try my best

[@Keno_jm]

Very helpful video, appreciate it!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IAmShadrackKibet]

Interesting video, thanks for uploading. Q: How about the water for the wipers? Isn’t a fluid to consider checking regularly?

[@VirarAutomotive]

That is correct. I do talk about it at 1:05 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZi1f6uaorxojck

[@Ha_Kr1]

Hello, I added the engine cooland shown in the picture when the engine was cold. It was at the minimum level and reached the maximum level. When I checked a week later, it had dropped to the level you indicated and has remained stable there. Do you think this is normal?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Yeah just monitor it once a week to ensure it stays stable at the level and If it does, then you are all set.

[@Ha_Kr1]

I want to say: "Can it reach the level you showed when it's filled to the maximum? In the video, you showed it somewhere between full and minimum. Does the vehicle fluid maintain itself at this level and discharge the excess? Is it the same for every Mazda?""Because I filled it to full and it came to that level."

[@GorillaBeamz]

I like this guy

[@VirarAutomotive]

I am flattered. Thank you!

[@faysedore6535]

An idiot light came on & went off. I got my Mazda 3 2013 book out & tried to find info on it. NOTHING in that stupid book about where the dipstick is or HOW to check the fluid. THANK YOU sir! This has helped me immensely! They didn't even have a diagram showing where the fluid dipsticks are. Thanks again from a female tech-NO! -idiot.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found it useful!

[@shirleyallan4445]

Bro. Such a helpful video!! You should make content for a living lol

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@OKBAOK]

Thanks for the info 👍🙂

[@VirarAutomotive]

No problem 👍

[@joxosea]

Thank you. This is very helpful

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@its_ya_boi_boi]

What kind of transmission fluid is needed for a Mazda Mazda 3 touring 2018 and can it be bought from an autozone for example?

[@malcomeallen2129]

If it's an automatic it's type FZ. If it's manual it's GL-4 75W80. I recommend just getting the fluid directly from a Mazda dealership that way you know it's correct. But if you choose to use some other brand of fluid that's your decision.

[@danielrmz9505]

Go with OEM(dealer) transmission fluid and filter, I don't advice autozone transmission fluid

[@shoukathali6739]

my mazda 6 is 2014 model and the poewer stering is slightly tight , how can i check the electric problems ?

[@iFlip4Element2x]

Great video!

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@HBOSS7733]

For the engine oil can u put 5W-30 instead of 0W-20?

[@HBOSS7733]

In my orner manuel its says 5w-30 can be used too

[@VirarAutomotive]

If it states that in the owner's manual then you should be okay to do it.

[@AbbieRobinson-f5n]

Thank you very informative .😊

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@diegoalicea6897]

So I need coolant for my car. Where do I add the coolant

[@VirarAutomotive]

By taking off the black cap that says "Coolant" at 5:05

[@diegoalicea6897]

@@VirarAutomotive ok thank you!!

[@crashjose]

I know at this point you already top off your coolant reservoir but it’s worth it to highlight that this Mazdas use FL22 type fluid and not the cheap one sold in hardware stores, the coolant have additives to help your cooling system to work properly.

[@CaboWabotv]

@@crashjose Peak and Prestone now sell an Asian green 50/50 that is compatible with FL22

[@CaboWabotv]

great information

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tmbltmbltmbl7737]

My 2014 Mazda 3 is a manual transmission, is my transmission fluid different?

[@VirarAutomotive]

You need GL-4 grade, 75W-80. According to the Mazda owners manual Make sure it's GL-4 and not GL-5.

[@thomasc5124]

I thought maybe power steering fluid was low I came here to find the location. I get a creaking sound when turning. Both sway bar links are less than 1 yr old. Mech said shocks but it does it when stationary as well turning the wheels.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Front struts is a possible reason yes. Even when stationary as you turn the wheels, it causes the weight to shift from side to side and your upper strut mounts turn. So yes, it is likely that your front struts / shocks is the issue.

[@wonkaIndian100]

Your videos are very insightful and informative…subscribed. I was wondering if you can do a video for a 2023 Mazda CX 5 Carbon Edition? I do plan on learning to change my own oil and filter once the vehicle reaches between 5,000-6,000 miles. Currently at 850 miles. Thank you.

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately I don't have access to the 2023 Mazda CX-5 to make the videos on it :(

[@mystikmeg]

Hi, does the manual 2014 also have this dipstick?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Not sure :(

[@Chichay_24]

How do you measure how much engine oil you have to top up? Thanks!

[@VirarAutomotive]

It takes approximately 1 quart (946 ml) of oil to increase the oil level from minimum to maximum on the oil dipstick mark. Hopefully this helps.

[@mohamedkhan5430]

what about using 5w 30 in the hot weather

[@VirarAutomotive]

Can't say for sure if that works.

[@doinitlive3015]

hi where is the power steering fluid?

[@VirarAutomotive]

It's an electric power steering system, so no power steering fluid to worry about :)

[@elenabenton83]

Can you make a video on the 2009 Mazda 6?

[@VirarAutomotive]

If I can find a 2009 Mazda 6 to make videos on it, I will definitely do so :)

[@lotus956]

FL22 coolant?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Sure. It's a little hard to find the FL22 Mazda coolant. But if you can get it then yes sure.

[@lotus956]

@@VirarAutomotive what’s a good substitute?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Prestone 50/50 coolant for all makes and models. Or the Prestone Max 50/50 designed for Asian vehicles

[@lvgvnhvll]

Great video thankx

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@HogRiderHardR]

Thanks so much man

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@iabaca]

My mazda 6 2014 hisses when I turn the wheel fully in one direction. Thoughts?

[@VirarAutomotive]

I am not sure if the 2014 Mazda 6 has a electric power steering or hydraulic power steering. If it's hydraulic and if its hissing when the steering wheel is turned fully in on e direction, the first thing I would check if the fluid level. Low fluid level could cause that.

[@Gadaidis]

It doesn't have steering wheel fluids?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Not for the 2014-2018 Model Year. Its an electric motor based power steering system. So no power steering fluid to worry about.

[@cncntrateddarkmatter2961]

my engine oil level is slightly above the second dot? is that okay

[@VirarAutomotive]

That's okay. A little bit over is no problem. If it's over by a lot. Like if you look at the difference between minimum and maximum level it's takes about 1 quart of oil to increase the oil level by that much distance. So if you are like 0.5 or 1 quart over the maximum level then may have to drain some out otherwise it's fine .

[@x01e]

Transmission, differential?

[@VirarAutomotive]

The transmission is sealed. I explain that in the later part of the video. No quick way to just check the fluid level. There is a way to completely drain and refill the fluid but requires the car to be jacked up

[@DinaJeanPerez]

I am having some issues my car won't start I found out it says DSC malfunction dynamic stability controls stem TCS malfunction

[@VirarAutomotive]

Is that all because you replaced the battery?

[@FernandoGonzalezRuiz-es7uy]

Thank you soo grtz from south spain Cadiz

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thank you! Glad to hear that you found it useful!

[@winterfun]

Thank you

[@VirarAutomotive]

You're welcome!

[@luisvillalobos2748]

How many liters of antifreze does the mazda 3 2.5 take??

[@VirarAutomotive]

Are you trying to do a complete drain and refill?

[@VirarAutomotive]

If so, then its about 2 gallons. 7.6 gallons. Be careful to not overfill the system.

[@marcusvillarreal7378]

Thank you

[@VirarAutomotive]

You are welcome!

[@mm-il8dg]

preston isnt suitable because it contains 2eha and its free of phosphate

[@VirarAutomotive]

What is 2eha?

[@CaboWabotv]

use the Peak or Prestone Asian green 50/50. It's compatible with FL22

[@JY-tq4ir]

same design, has brake fluid + engine oil too, shake coolant box to see level - 2022 0808

[@VirarAutomotive]

Thanks for sharing

[@Apofica]

¡Thanks!

[@VirarAutomotive]

You are welcome :)

[@Bus_em]

I have a 2015 Mazda 3 Sky Active sport. It has 178,000 just by doing simple maintenance.

[@VirarAutomotive]

That's awesome! Regular maintenance goes a long away towards increasing the vehicle's longevity!

[@King_of_Africa]

🙌🏾

[@VirarAutomotive]

Glad you found the video helpful :)

[@Quassar1972]

Please use just voice off in your videos if you dont look like Brad Pitt or Thor and believe me, you dont.

[@VirarAutomotive]

I don't understand. I should mute myself ?

[@Quassar1972]

@@VirarAutomotive Just describe your videos, don't appear on camera.

[@VirarAutomotive]

@@Quassar1972 Ohh. Sorry to hear you didn't like me appearing on camera. :(

[@davidcarney1827]

Where are all the American mechanics

[@VirarAutomotive]

Busy fixing cars? Probably why they left it for me to make on these topics? lol

[@luismarty1685]

Transmission fluid?

[@VirarAutomotive]

Transmission is sealed. No easy dipstick or view port to check level. There is a drain and fill plug to do a flush if you like to flush the transmission fluid.

[@jaskamalmann3341]

Thank you

[@VirarAutomotive]

You're welcome!