Originally Posted By: Pele
I also have a Mazda MPV (2003)
It's a Jatco JA5A-EL Transmission.
Same transmission as used in several other applications with different names:
Mazda6 (Different model number "JF506E"; Different electrical connectors.)
VW Golf/GTI/Jetta (Called the "09A")
Land Rover Freelander
Jaguar X-Type
Owner's Manual for the MPV says to use ATF M-III or equivalent (Dexron 3)
Service manual confirms this on pages 05-17-23 "Automatic Transaxle Fluid - Inspection and Replacement" as well as 05-50-1 "Transmission/Transaxle Technical Data"
I've read that the M does NOT stand for Mercon, which is usually used in Ford products.
VW Specs an OEM fluid, number "G 052 990 A2"
Jaguar specs an OEM fluid number "C2S 12120"
Land Rover specs an Esso part number, a Shell part number, an Idemitsu part number, Mercon V, and a Jatco proprietary fluid.
Some other Jatcos spec a weird "Matic S, K or D" fluid that I've never heard of. But that appears to be a Nissan OEM fluid.
Then I've found this:
http://www.automotoroil.com/atf/atf-auto...l-jf506e-fluid/
$9 GRAND?! I can buy two of my vans for that price.
Anyhow... Being that it's the same transmission across many makes, there should be one fluid that meets all of the above specs...
Many people report running this:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9012226&contentId=7028224
It meets the requirements of some vehicles including Mercon V... However it does not mention Mazda's M-III, nor does it mention compatibility with the VW, Jag, or Rover fluids.
I'm currently having shifting issues, so I'm looking at draining and refilling the fluid. I have a Dodge (Cummins Diesel) with an automatic and I have heard of the headaches caused by filling with a wrong spec fluid. (In the Chrysler's case, filling with Dexron or Mercon when the transmission specs ATF+3 or ATF+4.)
Is there an aftermarket fluid that meets Mazda M-III requirement or better? Or am I stuck going to the dealership?
Plain old Dex3 is fine for your MPV