I own a 2003 Mazda Tribute 6 cyl. 3.0 L and a 2002 Mazda Protege' 4 cyl. 2.0 L. Both were purchased new. The transmission fluid on both vehicles has never been changed since I purchased them. The '02 has 86k miles and the '03 has 120k miles. There is no notice of any problems shifting or slipping of the gears and they both run just fine. The dipsticks indicate that levels are where they should be and the color of the fluid is brownish with some traces of pink. I have been told by a mechanic that I may do more damage if changed the fluid now as I didn't follow the regular maintenance schedule of replacing the fluid every 50/60k.

I was thinking of replacing the fluid myself by simply dropping the pan and replacing with the same amount that I collect. Don't know if there's a filter or screen in either vehicle.

Can you shed some advice as to what I should do or just leave well enough alone?

Appreciate your help,
Thanks, Jim

Changing the filter on the bottom is easy, just a lot of bolts.
Personally I would change the filter, and top with fluid, if fluid is bad, replace.
Look for particles/chips on the filter.

no expert here but I have been told the same by 2 different mechanics, they both said that if you don't change your tranny fluid on schedule that once you get into the higher miles it could (one said without a doubt would) cause the tranny seals to not only leak but likely need repair sooner than if you had not changed it. My truck (2000 Ford F150 4x4) had 220k miles when I traded it in a couple of months ago and I never had any transmission problems or leaking and it had never been changed.

I would drop and clean the pan and magnet, change the filter, and refill with Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF or Amalie Synthetic ATF. I've never had a problem doing this on high mileage used and abused cars and trucks in Texas. I've heard stories like you related for years but I've never had a problem. Instead, the transmissions performed much better and lasted a long time.

Why not perform this procedure on one car first and see how it goes?

I would drop and clean the pan and magnet, change the filter, and refill with Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF or Amalie Synthetic ATF. I've never had a problem doing this on high mileage used and abused cars and trucks in Texas. I've heard stories like you related for years but I've never had a problem. Instead, the transmissions performed much better and lasted a long time.

Why not perform this procedure on one car first and see how it goes?

Thank you for replying so quickly. Do you know if either of these 2 vehicles have a filter or a screen? If no filter and I drop the pan, is the screen cleanable or must I have it done by a tranny specialist? Thinking about the $$$$$ taking them to a specialist.
Thanks, Jim

. 2003 Mazda Tribute 6 cyl. 3.0L: Filter and gasket $22.99, AutoZone.

. 2002 Mazda Protégé 4 cyl. 2.0L: Filter and gasket $19.99, AutoZone.

The only problem with replacing what comes out when you drop the pan and change the filters is the 60% of the old , dirty fluid is still in there. Personally, I would have them flushed with completely new fluid put in. A few hundred dollars spent on that instead of a few thousand spent to repair the transmissions would be the way I would go. I just flushed the transmission on my 2004 Honda Civic with 154K miles on it and never changed fluid before(bought it used) and everything seems to be fine.