Service Bulletin

Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618·2922

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© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.

Bulletin No:

Subject:

RECREATIONAL TOWING- VEHICLE WITH ALL 4 WHEELS ON THE GROUNDEXPANDED GUIDELINES TO PREVENT TRANSMISSION DAMAGE
Last Issued:

05-006/13
10/29/2013

BULLETIN NOTE
This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletins 05-006/11, issued 08/08/11 and 05-018/09, issued on 11/25/
09. The DESCRIPTION, SERVICE PROCEDURE, PART(S), and WARRANTY INFORMATION have been
revised.
Changes are noted below in Red beside the change bar.

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)NINS
2009-2011 Tribute equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission

DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission gain enhanced flat tow performance with an optional
transmission cooling pump kit for recreational towing. The kit is available from the Parts Department and will
help prevent transmission overheating.
Customers having this concern should be advised of the optional cooling pump kit.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
For customers that choose to purchase the transmission cooling pump, follow the installation instructions provided with the kit.
There are specific instructions listed in the Owner Guide that must be followed to recreational tow/flat tow/tow a
vehicle with all4 tires on the ground.
Advise customers of the following expanded recreational towing guidelines.
1. Transmission fluid level must be
checked at operating temperature of 185 •f - 200 •F (85 •c 93 •c). At this temperature,
adjust fluid level between minimum line and the minimum hole
at the bottom of the hash marks
on dipstick. This level is within
the safe operating fluid level and
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does not require the customer to
have the fluid level readjusted
after flat tow operation (see figure).

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CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers." Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical-including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of infonnation storage and retrieval system --without permission in
writing.

Last Issued: 10/29/2013

Bulletin No: 05-006/13
© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.

2. Tow the vehicle in a forward direction,,
3. Maximum towing speed is 65 MPH (1 0.5 Km/h).

4. Do not flat tow the vehicle for greater than 6 hours at a time.
5. Start and run the engine for:
a. 5 minutes before towing each day.

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These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to the transmission due to 0!/arheating: .• ·

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If se~ing the.~~!~ !e,v,el fora qu~to.m,.~r ttJ.llt ~iH bNecreational.(fll!'9. t~~ing t~e vehiSie, sE\t the, level betwee~ . , .
mmu'l'lum II lie ari&1h~lrnmum hble ar-IM'bo'ttofu·ofthe'has'J!r-matkS'on a·blade typ'e d1pst1ck-or 1n t/1e· Flat Tow··,,,
area below the hash marks of the bullet,oo-a-wire type dip;;ti~k,. . , ·. .
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NQTE: There is a significant difference in transmission dipstick readings between a cold transmission and a
tra_n.s~Vi~iG!':I pt_operlj~ng l!'mpe[l!tl!ra. F