1997 Mazda 626 4 cyl CD4E auto trans. PLEASE HELP

[DaddyBlogger]

After getting downsized from my employer in the lovely state of Michigan I lost my company vehicle. My parents were kind enough to give me a low mileage 1997 Mazda 626 4 cyl CD4E auto trans.

I am aware that the CD4E auto trans has a high failure rate and would like to do a drain/fill several times to change out the ATF fluid with a synthetic ATF. I also plan on adding a Magnefine ATF filter because the one on the vehicle is buried deep within the tranny from what I was told.

Here is where I need help. FOR THE LIFE OF ME I CAN FIND NOWHERE on the internet a picture or diagram on how to do a drain/fill on this transmission. Some have told me there IS a drain plug and other have told me there is NOT a drain plug. If there is a drain plug can someone send me a link to a picture and/or diagram? If there is NOT a drain plug for the ATF any particular device you could recommend. I do have a Amsoil Fluid Extraction Pump (G2576)however I can imagine that with a hand drawn pump like this that I could draw much fluid.

I would TRULY appreciate any help over the debate that it does or does not have an ATF drain plug. If it does or doesn't what is the best method to do a drain/fill on this particular (CD4E)auto trans.

 

[spasm3]

I believe my 01 escape has the cd4e , i have a square 3/8s drive recessed plug on the bottom of my trans sump. i use a 3/8 ratchet and short extention. i change my fluid every other oil change 7k miles, as there is no filter on this trans.

 

[ItsuMitsubishi]

Good luck. The CD4E is a ZF transmission built to Ford's strict penny-pinching standards. To put the "penny pinching" in perspective, ZF makes some of the strongest gearboxes around for automakers like BMW, Opel etc. I don't want to make you nervous though, I believe 97' had the lion's share of defective engineering worked out! Best of luck!

 

[DaddyBlogger]

Is it 1/2 or 3/8? I have been told both so far and thank you for the responses to date.

 

[spasm3]

mine is 3/8 but mine is an 01

 

[RF Overlord]

DaddyBlogger, my niece used to have a '99 Ford Contour which had the CD4E transaxle and I can tell you for an absolute certainty that it DOES have a drain plug, as I did a number of drain-and-fills on that vehicle myself. It's on the bottom of the unit and it faces the ground. It's about an inch and a half diameter and has a square recess where you put a ratchet handle (no socket needed). Can't remember whether it's 3/8" or 1/2", but I think it's 3/8".