Change transmission fluid

[Bongolia]

Just been topping up the steering fluid this morning, and noticed (not sure why i have not noticed before) that there appear to be bolts missing from the engine ? Surely this cant be a good thing. Trying to post a pic but how ever small i make the image says its too big.

They appear to be for holding covers or some such. Others on here may be able to identify what covers they may be. It not uncommon for plastic covers to be left off like this. If all appears to be OK I wouldnt worry to much as long as nothing is flapping about. Would be nice if anyone with a V6 could ID them tho.

[jonnyred]

Just getting ready to slide under the van and count the number of nuts holding the sump on as per the comment from mazdabongo.com

Normally I would say it should be the V6 Petrol Alternative being the late model.
Please see the link below and expand the picture, you should then be able to compare it with gearbox sump on your car, The differences are the number of bolt holes and their spacing.

http://mazdabongo.com/catalog/mazda-bon ... ternative/

The chassis number is showing a unknown part number which is available to special order from Japan,£25.44 + VAT + delivery. Special order items normally take 2-4 weeks for delivery.


Just my luck to have a special order from Japan for the gasket !

[jonnyred]

So last weekend i went ahead and changed the fluid, good job i did ! As you can see from the picture links it was totally black ! I removed 2.5 litres via a vacuum pump then the rest by loosening the sump cover. Despite the dark colour there were very few bits in the filter or on the magnet. Also lucky that i already had the metal gasket, which never moved at all while cleaning the pan. Burnt smell now gone while driving the van, and gear changes seem better, although the van does not seem to kick down as far when overtaking. All in all fairly simple task with the right tools.

https://goo.gl/photos/KLC8GR3sGTg2d8KD6

https://goo.gl/photos/MMGD1BUAb8HdpYb89