Genuine Mazda MX-5 Miata Transmission Filter

Mazda MX-5 Miata Transmission Filter Parts and Q&A

• Filter
  SJ01-21-500
  Q: How to drain and replace the transmission filter and automatic transmission fluid on Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  A:

  The automatic transmission fluid must be emptied and a fresh one should be installed at the right time and a proper transmission fluid must be bought before the work starts. The tools that will be needed in this job are jackstands to hold the vehicle in a jacked up position, wrenches, a drain pan that has the capacity of at least eight quarts, newspapers, and clean rags. The draining of the fluid should occur immediately the vehicle has been driven because it is more effective when the fluid is hot and able to clear the accumulated sediment. Once the fluid has been warmed, lift the vehicle and place it firmly on jackstands making sure it is flat on the case of a 2006 or later model (so the fluid level checking process is accurate). Install a drain pan beneath the transmission pan and for 1997 and older models, unscrew the rear and side fluid pan bolts, loosen the front pan bolts approximately four turns, loosen the pan using a pry tool to drain off the fluid and then unscrew the front pan bolts and drain off the remaining fluid. Wipe off the fluid pan and the mate surface of the transmission gasket, install the pan with a new gasket and screw the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the required torque with new bolts as recommended. Bring the vehicle down and pour in fresh fluid using the dipstick tube with the level constantly checked to ensure that one does not overfill. Turn the engine on, move the selector lever to all positions and observe the level of fluid at idling stage and add fluid when required. To drain the fluid, 1999 and later models, remove the drain plug and later models of 2006 and thereafter also remove the overflow plug on the left side of the pan. After all the fluid has been emptied, replace the drain plug using a new sealing washer and screw it in place, to the recommended torque. Put the vehicle down, insert new fluid in the dipstick tube, and monitors the level. On 2006 and later models, eliminate the fill plug at the left of the transmission case, pour in the recommended type of automatic transmission fluid until it drips out of the overflow tube, then install the fill plug with a new sealing ring, screwing it into position to the required amount of torque.