The transmission fluid inside of the 1997 Mazda Protege is designed to protect all of the moving parts inside of the transmission by cooling and lubrication. When the transmission fluid is pumped out of the transmission pan, it circulates throughout the inside of the transmission. The fluid not only protects the moving parts but it also conditions all of the seals. Once that the transmission fluid breaks down, it will not be able to protect the transmission as it should and will need to be replaced.
Drive the 1997 Mazda Protege around for about ten minutes to warm up the transmission. Park the Protege on level ground and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and lock the hood in place. Leave the engine running and the transmission in "Park."
Locate the transmission dipstick on the side of the engine. The dipstick is located between the air intake and the battery. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off with a clean rag and read it. It will tell you whether to keep the engine running or not, and what type and grade of fluid to use. Put the dipstick all the way back into the tube and pull it out again. Check the fluid level. It should be between the "Add" and "Full" marks.
If fluid is needed, put the long-neck funnel into the dipstick tube and pour in a small amount of Dexron-3 automatic transmission fluid. Then remove the funnel and put the dipstick back in the tube to check the level again. Repeat until full, but do not overfill.
Start the engine and hold the brake pedal down. Slowly shift through all the gears and then put the shifter back in park.
Pull the transmission dipstick back out of the tube and recheck the fluid level on the dipstick.
Put the dipstick back into the dipstick tube and close the hood. Shut the engine off.
