Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Manual - part 86

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) LEVEL INSPECTION 

1. Place the vehicle on level ground.  

2. Apply the parking brake and position wheel chocks securely to prevent the vehicle from rolling.  

3. Adjust the length or thermometer probe so that the length is the same as the depth gauge, and hold the 

probe with a paper holder. Insert into the filler tube and measure the temperature. 



If necessary, inspect the ATF before warming up the engine. In this case, use the ATF temperature 
(15-25 °C {59-77 °F}).  

4. Warm up the engine until the ATF reaches 60-70 °C {140-158 °F}.  

5. Shift the selector lever and pause momentarily in each range (P--D) while depressing the brake pedal.  

6. Shift the selector lever to P position.  

7. Verify that the ATF level is in the HOT range (65 °C {149 °F}) while the engine is idling. 



If necessary, add ATF to the specification. 

with water

 
Problem could occur to parts inside the transaxle due to 
water contamination. 
If necessary, replace the transaxle.

Reddish 
brown

Has burnt smell 
and metal particles 
are found

Deteriorated 
ATF

Defective powertrain components inside the transaxle: 
Particles cause wide range of problems by clogging the 
oil pipe, control valve body and oil cooler. 



A large amount of metal particles are found. If 
necessary, replace the transaxle.  



Flush the system due to possible clogging of the 
oil pipe or oil cooler.  

Has no burnt 
smell

Normal



Discoloration by oxidation  

CAUTION:



The ATF amount varies according to ATF temperature. Therefore, 
when checking the ATF level or replacing the ATF, use a 
thermometer to measure the temperature and adjust the ATF amount 
to the specified level according to the specified temperature.  

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transaxle (AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL) - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:29:30 AM

Page 13 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 6: Adjusting Length Or Thermometer Probe
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

ATF type  

JWS3309  

Fig. 7: Identifying ATF Level In HOT Range 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) REPLACEMENT [AW6A-EL, 
AW6AX-EL] 

1. Remove the oil dipstick.  

2. Remove the oil drain plug and gasket.  

3. Drain the ATF into a container.  

4. Install a new gasket and the drain plug. 

Tightening torque  

23.5-54.9 N.m {2.4-5.5 kgf.m, 17.4-40.4 ft.lbf}  

5. Add the specified ATF through the oil filler tube until it reaches the lower notch of dipstick. 

WARNING:



A hot transaxle and ATF can cause severe burns. Turn off the engine 
and wait until they are cool before replacing the ATF.  

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transaxle (AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL) - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:29:30 AM

Page 14 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 8: Locating Oil Drain Plug 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

ATF  

Type: JWS3309  

Capacity (Approx. quantity): 7.0 L {7.4 US qt, 6.2 lmp qt}  

6. Ensure that the ATF level is in the HOT range (65 °C {149 °F}). 



Add ATF to the specified level as necessary.  

TRANSAXLE RANGE (TR) SWITCH INSPECTION [AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL] 

1. Inspect the TCM. (See TCM INSPECTION [AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL].)  

TRANSAXLE FLUID TEMPERATURE (TFT) SENSOR INSPECTION [AW6A-
EL, AW6AX-EL] 

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION 

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.  

2. Remove the air cleaner component. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

[MZI-3.7] .)  

3. Remove the TCM. (See TCM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL].)  

4. Verify that there is no continuity between coupler component terminals B7 and GND, or B8 and GND. 

NOTE:



TR switch function is installed as one part of TCM. 

CAUTION:



Water or foreign material entering the connector can cause a poor 
connection or corrosion. Be sure not to allow water or foreign 
material on the connector when disconnecting.  



Do not damage the terminals.  

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transaxle (AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL) - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:29:30 AM

Page 15 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 9: Identifying Air Cleaner Component 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 



If there is any malfunction, perform an off-vehicle inspection of TFT sensor. (See OFF-VEHICLE 
INSPECTION.)  

5. Install the TCM. (See TCM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL].)  

6. Install the air cleaner component. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [MZI-

3.7] .)  

7. Connect the negative battery cable. 

Fig. 10: Identifying Air Cleaner Component Connector Terminal 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

OFF-VEHICLE INSPECTION 

WARNING:



A hot transaxle and ATF can cause severe burns. Turn off the engine 
and wait until they are cool before replacing the ATF.  

CAUTION:



Water or foreign material entering the connector can cause a poor 
connection or corrosion. Be sure not to allow water or foreign 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transaxle (AW6A-EL, AW6AX-EL) - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:29:30 AM

Page 16 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.