Maintaining your Mazda Speed 6 is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. This guide provides essential information on the recommended fluids and maintenance practices for your Mazda Speed 6, ensuring it continues to deliver the exhilarating driving experience you expect. Whether you are a seasoned DIY mechanic or just starting to learn about car maintenance, understanding the right fluids and procedures is key to keeping your Mazda Speed 6 running smoothly.
Essential Fluids for Your Mazda Speed 6
This section outlines the necessary fluids for your Mazda Speed 6, including types, capacities, and crucial considerations for each system.
Fuel Tank
- Capacity: 15.9 US gallons (approximately 60 liters)
- Fuel Type: Premium unleaded gasoline is recommended for optimal performance in the Mazda Speed 6’s turbocharged engine.
Power Steering Fluid
- Recommended Fluid: ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g., Dexron® II). Synthetic ATF is highly recommended, especially for those who engage in performance driving or live in harsh climates.
- Dry Fill Capacity: 1 quart (approximately 0.95 liters)
- Maintenance: Power steering fluid flushes are recommended to maintain system health and prevent power assist failure, particularly under demanding conditions like autocross. Consider a power steering flush if you notice stiff steering or unusual noises.
Brake and Clutch Fluid
- Recommended Fluid: SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3. Using a high-quality DOT 4 fluid can offer improved performance, especially in high-performance driving scenarios due to a higher boiling point.
- System Flush Capacity: 1 liter (approximately 1 US quart)
- Maintenance: Brake and clutch fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lower its boiling point and compromise braking performance. Regular flushing (every 2-3 years or as recommended in your owner’s manual) is vital for safety and optimal clutch operation.
Coolant
- Recommended Coolant: Mazda FL22 OEM Coolant (Part # 0000-77-508E-20) or Ford Specialty Green Coolant (Motorcraft Part # VC-10-A). Zerex Asian Vehicle Coolant is a suitable aftermarket alternative.
- System Capacity: 8.5 US quarts (approximately 8 liters or 2.25 US gallons)
- Type: Mazda FL22 is a Phosphated Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) coolant, distinct from conventional North American green coolants. It is crucial to use a compatible P-OAT coolant to prevent corrosion and maintain system integrity.
- Important Note: Do not use conventional North American green coolant in your Mazda Speed 6. Even German G-05 coolant is less ideal than P-OAT coolants like FL22 or Motorcraft Specialty Green for Mazda engines with aluminum blocks and radiators.
Engine Oil
- Recommended Viscosity: 5W-30 as per the owner’s manual. However, many Mazda Speed 6 owners and experts recommend 5W-40.
- Capacity: 5.5 – 6 US quarts (approximately 5.2 – 5.7 liters). 7 US quarts (approximately 6.6 liters) if the balance shaft is removed.
- Oil Filter Type: Cartridge style
- Recommended Oil Filter Part Numbers:
- Motorcraft/Ford OEM: FL-2017B
- Mazda OEM: L321-14-302-9U
- Napa Gold: 7203 (made by Wix)
- Wix: 57203
- Purolator Premium Plus: L15505
- Purolator Pure One: PL15505
- O’Reilly’s/Microgard: GL15505
- Baldwin: P7313
- K&N: HP-7013 (made by Champion Labs)
- Carquest: 84203 (made by Wix)
- Hastings: LF594
- Fram: CH9641
- Champ: P960 (Champion Labs)
- STP: S9641 (made by Champion Labs)
- Mobil1: M1C153
- Oil Filter Wrench: 76mm with 14 flutes
- Crush Washer Part Number (Mazda OEM): 9956-41-400
- Drain Bolt Torque Spec: 23-30 ft-lbs (approximately 31-41 Nm)
- Key Considerations:
- 5W-40 Recommendation: Many Mazda Speed 6 enthusiasts advocate for using 5W-40 oil, especially for tuned or performance-driven vehicles. The slightly thicker viscosity may provide better protection against turbocharger smoking issues by reducing oil seepage past turbo seals.
- Short Interval Oil Changes: Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) engines like the one in the Mazda Speed 6 are prone to fuel dilution in the oil. Therefore, shorter oil change intervals are highly recommended (e.g., 3,000-5,000 miles or 5,000-8,000 kilometers) to combat fuel shear and maintain optimal engine health.
Transmission Fluid
- Recommended Fluid: API Service GL-4, SAE 75W-90. Synthetic GL-4 75W-90 is highly recommended for improved performance and protection.
- Capacity: 3 US quarts (approximately 2.8 liters). Actual fill is closer to 2.5 US quarts (approximately 2.4 liters).
- Recommended Brands/Fluids:
- Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 API GL-4 (MTG)
- Red Line MT-90 (75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil)
- Motorcraft Ford Manual Transaxle fluid XT-M5-QS (75W-90 GL-4 Gear Oil)
- Drain and Fill Bolt Torque Spec: 20.2-37.5 ft-lbs (approximately 27-51 Nm)
- GL-4 vs GL-5 Note: It is critical to use GL-4 rated gear oil in the Mazda Speed 6 manual transmission. GL-5 gear oil, while often marketed as compatible with GL-4 applications, contains sulfur compounds that can be corrosive to the yellow metals used in synchros within the transmission. Using GL-5 can lead to premature wear and damage. Always adhere to the GL-4 specification for your transmission fluid.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and Rear Differential Fluid
- Recommended Fluid: API Service GL-5, SAE 80W-90. Synthetic GL-5 75W-90 is a superior alternative, offering better performance across temperature ranges.
- Capacity: 3 US quarts (approximately 2.8 liters) total for both PTU and Rear Differential.
- PTU (Transfer Case) Actual Fill: 1.3 US quarts (approximately 1.2 liters)
- Rear Differential Actual Fill: 1.1 US quarts (approximately 1 liter)
- Recommended Brands/Fluids:
- Amsoil SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Lubricant 75W-90 (SVG) – Highly recommended.
- Amsoil Long Life Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-90 (FGR)
- Red Line 75W-90 (75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil) – Ensure it is NOT the “NS” (non-slip) version, as friction modifiers are needed for some differentials, although the Mazda Speed 6 rear differential generally does not require limited-slip additives.
- Drain and Fill Bolt Torque Specs:
- Transfer Case (PTU): 29.0-43.3 ft-lbs (approximately 39-59 Nm)
- Rear Differential: 29.0-39.7 ft-lbs (approximately 39-54 Nm)
Helpful Hints and DIY Tips
- Plug Sizes: Fluid drain and fill plugs for the transmission, transfer case, and rear differential are typically 23mm or 24mm.
- Torque Specifications (Reiterated):
- Engine Oil Drain Bolt: 23-30 ft-lbs
- Transmission Drain/Fill Bolts: 20.2-37.5 ft-lbs
- Transfer Case Drain/Fill Bolts: 29.0-43.3 ft-lbs
- Rear Differential Drain/Fill Bolts: 29.0-39.7 ft-lbs
- Crush Washer Part Numbers:
- Transmission Oil Plug Washer: A601-17-117
- Transfer Case Oil Plug Washer: 9956-21-800
- Differential Oil Plug Washer: 9956-41-800
- Fluid Pump Recommendation: A fluid pump is highly recommended for refilling the transmission, transfer case, and rear differential. Inexpensive hand pumps are readily available at auto parts stores and make fluid changes significantly easier.
Addressing Common Mazda Speed 6 Issues
Squeaky Clutch or Shifter
A common issue in Mazda Speed 6 models is a squeaky clutch or shifter. This is often caused by a lack of lubrication in the shifter mechanism or the clutch slave cylinder push rod.
- Shifter Mechanism Lubrication: Clean the shifter mechanism thoroughly with paper towels to remove old grease and debris. Apply a waterproof grease, such as a green waterproof grease available from auto parts stores, to the openings of the shifter mechanism. Work the grease in and wipe off any excess.
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Push Rod Lubrication: If the squeak is coming from the clutch pedal area, it is likely the clutch slave cylinder push rod. Apply a bit of the same waterproof grease to the contact point where the push rod meets the release arm.
Post-Transplant Start-Up Procedure (Turbo or Engine Replacement)
When starting your Mazda Speed 6 after a turbocharger or engine replacement, proper lubrication is crucial before the initial engine start to prevent damage.
-
Priming the Oil System:
- Install the new turbocharger and connect all oil and coolant lines.
- Disconnect the coil pack connectors to prevent the engine from starting.
- Crank the engine for 10-15 seconds to circulate oil through the new turbocharger and engine.
- Wait for a minute and repeat the cranking process for another 10-15 seconds.
- Reconnect the coil packs.
- Start the engine.
-
Alternative Fuel Injector Fuse Method (Recommended):
- Locate the fuel injector fuse in the under-hood fuse box (labeled ‘FUEL INJ’).
- Remove the fuel injector fuse.
- Crank the engine until the oil pressure light turns off. This ensures oil circulation without fuel injection.
- Reinstall the fuel injector fuse.
- Start the engine. This method is considered superior as it prevents fuel from being injected into the cylinders during priming, which can wash down cylinder walls.
Conclusion
Proper fluid maintenance is paramount for the performance, reliability, and longevity of your Mazda Speed 6. By adhering to the recommended fluid types, capacities, and maintenance schedules outlined in this guide, you can ensure your Mazda Speed 6 continues to deliver an exceptional driving experience for years to come. Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and changes, is an investment in your vehicle’s health and your driving enjoyment.
