Mazda Repair: brakes and transmission fluid, mazda 626, tranny oil

Question
Hey Josh. How's it going. I was reading another article about changing the transmission fluid on an MPX van and you recommended to have it done at a shop because the pan only holds 2 out of 8 qts of oil. I have a 1998 mazda 626 sedan and want 2 change the transmission fluid. Would you recommend the same thing for me or should i do it myself?  

Answer
i always recommend a shop doing the tranny oil changes mainly because of the gasket they use if you over tighten it it, it pinches and damages the gasket causing it to leak also a shop will be able to look at the fuild and see if there is any damage internally and advise you what actions to take however it is a simple task that anyone with basic automotive knowlegde can handle just remember when doing it only lossen the bolts all the way around and pry from one side other wise you'll have a mess every where if you unbolt the whole pan and pry it off pry from one side and let it drain as much as possible then remove the whole thing.  by a tranny filter kit. if comes with every thing you need other then the fuild/tools. Use dexron as recommended from the manufactor.

note: i beleive there are 12 bolt and it's a metric bolt/when tightening use the right torque- sorry i don't have them off hand for your car
Note: look at the fuild for metal shaving a small amount is ok and somewhat normal.

best of luck.