[597]

Hello all! New owner here!

I would like to say I referenced the owners manual extensively and no mention of transfercase, differential or transmission service! (I know it is a “lifetime” transmission fluid which is bs
I want to know what factory recommended service intervals are (already called Mazda USA to no avail on certain items)

To make a very long story short I called my dealer and they are blatantly lying about the service intervals that ARE written in the manual!
Dealer told me that coolant exchange is necessary every 30k mi or my warranty will be void! 😂 Mazda USA says 10yr or 120,000mi for first change.

To make a long story short I am a tech for a living and warranty work is 75% of my work.
(This next topic will be controversial for those who don’t know)

The dealer is also trying to say I need to follow SEVERE schedule service at 5k engine oil changes or my OEM warranty is void!
Again…Mazda USA says otherwise!

I currently have a vehicle with 400,000mi that has always gotten 10k synthetic oil changes and I have been inside that engine and can factually state there is no sludge or large carbon deposits. My other vehicle has the same treatment but has 200,000mi.

My driving is all highway and about 60mi a day with very little idle time makes a justifiable 10k interval.

I made a case with Mazda and am waiting to have them define what a cold weather region is to see if Missouri falls into severe service.
(Usually these are places regularly below 0°F)

In my experience with warranty claims, we are not a cold weather region and thus do not meet the requirements.

Will be slapping my dealer with all the info when I have it in hand from the manufacturer!

I would not dream of screwing my customers in such a fashion as to threaten warranty invalidation.

TLDR; What are all the fluid service intervals and my dealer is a damn dirty liar

 

[Litfuse]

Where do you live in Missouri?

 

[597]

Where do you live in Missouri?

The greater St. Louis area. I am assuming this is the account for Lou Fusz. Which also happens to be the place that I’m talking about.
I’m impressed with the sales department yet unimpressed with the service department.

Lou Fusz’s service advisor seemingly can’t handle hard questions from an adult in an official capacity. After imposing that she was misinformed on Mazda OEM warranty information which I already obtained and am getting further clarification on. She decided to hang up on me at this point.

I would like to further clarify that I only care about what I need to service to maintain Mazda’s OEM warranty. NOT the Lou Fusz family promise warranty from the dealer. In which the coverage is really lacking. (Only internally oil lubricated parts and it specifically mentions no valve train components).

It really is just an attempt to bring a steady stream of work into the shop by having customers pay to constantly over-service their vehicles. Where in, I would assume at this point, the customer would’ve spent enough money in the service department to justify the replacement of either a transmission or an engine after some time.
I will say, in all fairness, that some of the services are at a justifiable interval…others not so much.

 

[Litfuse]

The greater St. Louis area. I am assuming this is the account for Lou Fusz. Which also happens to be the place that I’m talking about.
I’m impressed with the sales department yet unimpressed with the service department.

Lou Fusz’s service advisor seemingly can’t handle hard questions from an adult in an official capacity. After imposing that she was misinformed on Mazda OEM warranty information which I already obtained and am getting further clarification on. She decided to hang up on me at this point.

I would like to further clarify that I only care about what I need to service to maintain Mazda’s OEM warranty. NOT the Lou Fusz family promise warranty from the dealer. In which the coverage is really lacking. (Only internally oil lubricated parts and it specifically mentions no valve train components).

It really is just an attempt to bring a steady stream of work into the shop by having customers pay to constantly over-service their vehicles. Where in, I would assume at this point, the customer would’ve spent enough money in the service department to justify the replacement of either a transmission or an engine after some time.
I will say, in all fairness, that some of the services are at a justifiable interval…others not so much.

I bought my CX50 from them as well. I have never been impressed with their dealership in sales or service. I bought my CX50 from them and my 2016 Miata. Unfortunately, I think their business model is to take advantage and not assist their customers. In your situation, it’s either an employee who is not educated about their product, or like I said before, a business practice at Lou Fusz to take advantage their customers. Either way, both situations are scary.

 

[597]

Where do you go for warranty work? I’m hoping to never have to deal with it! I take care of my vehicles. I’ll also be doing all the fluids personally.
As far as I can tell Mazda basically tells you not only to mess with the other fluids on the vehicle. I don’t believe these lifetime fluid fills personally after owning a 13 fusion 185k with original transmission (They are known for failure without regular fluid changes)

 

[597]

.

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

Go to a different dealership. Transfer case and differential should be changed at 30k or whenever the units have been submerged as gear oil does not mix with water and you will have problems. Transmission fluid is fill for life and provided your vehicle isn't submerged or flooded you should never have to deal with any transmission issues. This is not a Ford product, it is actually designed for being reliable as proven by documented sources like Consumer Reports, Edmunds, KBB, etc.

My CX-5 has 153k miles and runs like a top. Never changed the transmission fluid, never plan to. Not sure why the dealership thinks they can amend the manufacturer owners manual recommended intervals. As far as what constitutes a cold climate? I wouldn't be concerned with that. It describes in the owners manual (section 6) what is considered "severe" service. If you fall in that description, follow the severe service schedule.

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

Also, I am curious. Why would you think fill for life transmission fluids are bs?

 

[597]

Also, I am curious. Why would you think fill for life transmission fluids are bs?

There’s no proof that a fluid is lifetime rated. lifetime is merely a consideration of how long the customer will keep the vehicle or the expected service life of that component.
I am a tech for a living and can attest to the fact that this is the case. I am well aware that these are not Ford products. I change my fusions trans fluid every 40,000 miles and you would not believe how much wear metal is in that Mercon LV. I’ve gotten fluid sampling done a couple times, and Blackstone highly recommended changing the transmission fluid between 60k-80k. Granted, Mazda are not known for these issues after Ford but fluid is cheap. Transmission are not.

Unfortunately, as much as I love the Mazda brand, they are no exception to wear metal and sluggish response times due worn fluid. Mazda also has no factory interval for fuel induction services or valve cleaning yet, as we all know, they are pretty necessary for GDI engines. So, unfortunately just because they don’t recommend it doesn’t mean it’s not necessary.

As far as severe service, Mazda explicitly defines none of these. I called Mazda and started a case with Mazda USA on the subject and I am awaiting a response from a case manager. I will update if they consider our region in Missouri a.k.a. the Midwest, a cold-weather region.

That’s fine if you’re not worried about it, but I take warranty work seriously because I do it for a living. 70% of the claim approval is almost entirely based on how the dealer handles the claim when it is submitted to Mazda, or any other company for that matter.

I should say that Mazda doesn’t even recommend changing the diff fluid or transfer case fluid on my car unless it’s been submerged. That is per the owners manual. We all know that gear oil doesn’t last that long and should be changed every 30k-40k.

In my experience with Kubota, we are not considered a cold-weather region, and my claims for CCV heater kits are declined because we are temperate enough.

I only really care about the intervals so that I don’t get a warranty declination if I ever need to get warranty work done.

I will DM you a UOA of Mazda FZ ATF

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

There is plenty of proof the transmissions are fill for life. Infact, Mazda has it published on their website already

Here:

Mazda USA Official Site | Cars, SUVs & Crossovers | Mazda USA

The official Mazda site to research and shop for all Mazda vehicles. Explore our models, features, photos, specs, build your own, and more on MazdaUSA.com.

mazda.custhelp.com

DO I NEED TO REGULARLY CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IN MY MAZDA?

All Mazda vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY* have lifetime transmission fluid that only needs to be changed when a major transmission component or the entire transmission needs replacement.
For Mazda vehicles that do not have SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY:
Mazda has specific recommendations on the service intervals for your vehicle, including the transmission. While most non-SKYACTIV Mazda transmissions do not need regular maintenance, to determine when your transmission should be serviced, please reference your owner's manual under "Maintenance and Care." We recommend having your vehicle inspected by a Mazda Dealer if the fluid is dark, has a dirty consistency or a strong foul (burnt) odor. Manuals & References
Some Ford-sourced products such as the Mazda Tribute need regular transmission fluid changes. If you own this or a similarly produced vehicle, please consult your maintenance schedule or owner's manual for assistance. You can obtain both here: Manuals & References
*SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fuel induction services and valve cleaning is not necessary with Skyactiv vehicles. The Six Port injectors atomize fuel very efficiently. They are direct injection to the combustion chambers. If you have a higher mileage Skyactiv vehicle like I do, you may have carbon build up in the intake prior to the Combustion chamber since it is not a common rail injection system. But as long as you on occasion floor the car to open the values and clean out the build up, you will be fine.

Mazda does list in the owners manual what is considered "Severe Service". It is pretty explicit.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you drive your vehicle under any of the following conditions, follow the Severe Driving Scheduled Maintenance and replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Otherwise, follow the Normal Driving Scheduled Maintenance intervals.
1. The vehicle is idled for long periods or driven at low speeds, such as with police cars, taxis, or driver's education school car.
2. Driving under dusty conditions.
3. Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or driving regularly for short distances only.
4. Driving under extremely high temperature conditions.
5. Driving continuously in mountainous regions.
If you are following the Severe Driving Scheduled Maintenance (8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months oil replacement interval), set the vehicle status monitor manually.
Refer to the Information section in the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual. Please contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if necessary.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturers spend hundreds of millions developing powertrains which includes the maintenance thereof. Mazda has over 10 years of market data and over 2,000,000 of testing prior to that of data for Skyactiv powertrains. They are plenty reliable and the scheduled maintenance guide is appropriate in its recommendations.

 

[597]

Please get out of here if all you’re gonna do is quote the manufacturer. here’s a reason they issue bulletins because the manufacturer doesn’t always get it right. I’m not even here for this conversation.
Oil Analysis doesn’t lie, it is unbiased and relies on facts. Oil analysis shows that “lifetime transmission fluid” usually lasts 80k-100k miles. You can argue all you want but third parties that don’t have anything to do with the oil manufacturers can show otherwise.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say you’ve never actually taken an engine apart in your entire life. In which case I have no interest talking to you because you have no first-hand experience.

Now, if you’re done misconstruing this post for the purposes, other than what it was intended…

would you like a copy of the bulletin where Mazda says that you should get deposit cleaning on your valves?
Will, that shut you up?

 

[597]

Mazda wrote this for the skyactiv-g 2.0

 

[597]

You’re CLEARLY not reading the messages.
DEFINE COLD WEATHER.

I don’t think you understand I work on hundred thousand dollar pieces of equipment and deal with Kubota out of Japan to help the engineers understand better how to fix the equipment and to mitigate the issues there of.

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

Please get out of here if all you’re gonna do is quote the manufacturer. here’s a reason they issue bulletins because the manufacturer doesn’t always get it right. I’m not even here for this conversation.
Oil Analysis doesn’t lie, it is unbiased and relies on facts. Oil analysis shows that “lifetime transmission fluid” usually lasts 80k-100k miles. You can argue all you want but third parties that don’t have anything to do with the oil manufacturers can show otherwise.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say you’ve never actually taken an engine apart in your entire life. In which case I have no interest talking to you because you have no first-hand experience.

Now, if you’re done misconstruing this post for the purposes, other than what it was intended…

would you like a copy of the bulletin where Mazda says that you should get deposit cleaning on your valves?
Will, that shut you up?

I misconstrued nothing. I told you where to find the infomation about the intervals. I told you Mazda has published the Skyactiv transmission fill is for life. I am familiar with Blackstone and I've done oil analysis for AMSoil, Mobil One, and Royal Purple. I'm plenty familiar with how oil may wear and degrade.

You asked for clarification from Mazda's perspective, which I provided. Why you would act insecure and insult me has me asking why would anyone want to help you. The fact you and throwing around your "experience" tells me you don't really appreciate the information I provided. Which is fine, I really don't care if you don't want to listen.

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

You’re CLEARLY not reading the messages.
DEFINE COLD WEATHER.

I don’t think you understand I work on hundred thousand dollar pieces of equipment and deal with Kubota out of Japan to help the engineers understand better how to fix the equipment and to mitigate the issues there of.

Don't care to define cold weather as that is covered when describing "severe driving".

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

Mazda wrote this for the skyactiv-g 2.0

This is not the "fuel induction service" either. This is actual disassembly and cleaning. And if you stopped being upset and actually read my post you would see I covered this. I have a CX5 with 153k miles and I already explained how to keep the valves free from significant carbon build up over time. And again, its not my problem if you don't want to listen.

 

[Bwulforst]

There is plenty of proof the transmissions are fill for life. Infact, Mazda has it published on their website already

Here:

Mazda USA Official Site | Cars, SUVs & Crossovers | Mazda USA

The official Mazda site to research and shop for all Mazda vehicles. Explore our models, features, photos, specs, build your own, and more on MazdaUSA.com.

mazda.custhelp.com

DO I NEED TO REGULARLY CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IN MY MAZDA?

All Mazda vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY* have lifetime transmission fluid that only needs to be changed when a major transmission component or the entire transmission needs replacement.
For Mazda vehicles that do not have SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY:
Mazda has specific recommendations on the service intervals for your vehicle, including the transmission. While most non-SKYACTIV Mazda transmissions do not need regular maintenance, to determine when your transmission should be serviced, please reference your owner's manual under "Maintenance and Care." We recommend having your vehicle inspected by a Mazda Dealer if the fluid is dark, has a dirty consistency or a strong foul (burnt) odor. Manuals & References
Some Ford-sourced products such as the Mazda Tribute need regular transmission fluid changes. If you own this or a similarly produced vehicle, please consult your maintenance schedule or owner's manual for assistance. You can obtain both here: Manuals & References
*SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fuel induction services and valve cleaning is not necessary with Skyactiv vehicles. The Six Port injectors atomize fuel very efficiently. They are direct injection to the combustion chambers. If you have a higher mileage Skyactiv vehicle like I do, you may have carbon build up in the intake prior to the Combustion chamber since it is not a common rail injection system. But as long as you on occasion floor the car to open the values and clean out the build up, you will be fine.

Mazda does list in the owners manual what is considered "Severe Service". It is pretty explicit.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you drive your vehicle under any of the following conditions, follow the Severe Driving Scheduled Maintenance and replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Otherwise, follow the Normal Driving Scheduled Maintenance intervals.
1. The vehicle is idled for long periods or driven at low speeds, such as with police cars, taxis, or driver's education school car.
2. Driving under dusty conditions.
3. Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or driving regularly for short distances only.
4. Driving under extremely high temperature conditions.
5. Driving continuously in mountainous regions.
If you are following the Severe Driving Scheduled Maintenance (8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months oil replacement interval), set the vehicle status monitor manually.
Refer to the Information section in the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual. Please contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if necessary.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturers spend hundreds of millions developing powertrains which includes the maintenance thereof. Mazda has over 10 years of market data and over 2,000,000 of testing prior to that of data for Skyactiv powertrains. They are plenty reliable and the scheduled maintenance guide is appropriate in its recommendations.

Yeah seriously why are you actually going to follow that when your trans starts having issues you'll be kicking yourself I have a 3 with 115k 4 transmission services and shifts as good as the day I took it off the lot

 

[ZeekZirconPPT]

Yeah seriously why are you actually going to follow that when your trans starts having issues you'll be kicking yourself I have a 3 with 115k 4 transmission services and shifts as good as the day I took it off the lot

No I won't. I have a CX5 with 153k also no issues.