The Mazda 3 was equipped with the 4F27E or FN4A-EL transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda 3 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda 3 Transmission Models
Mazda 3: 4F27E Transmission
Mazda 3: FN4A-EL Transmission
Mazda 3 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Mazda 3 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4F27E | 1856 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda 3 transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Mazda 3 Recalls
2010 Mazda3 – 09V126000 / 5409d
Summary
Mazda recalled 25,400 copies of the 2010 Mazda3, equipped with the automatic transmission. It seems that the clearance between the engine harness and the housing of starter motor may be insufficient. Because of this, the covering of the harness may be damaged through vibration during vehicle operation, possibly causing a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing. A short-circuit can result in engine control malfunction and/or poor transmission shift quality.
Consequence
The main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
This recall began on May 6, 2009, and dealers were instructed to inspect the engine harness and add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness. If necessary, the harness will be repaired as well. Owners can contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, referring to Mazda recall number: 5409d. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236
Mazda 3 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2004-2008 Mazda3 – TSB 05-12/08
Problem:
On some vehicles, the shift position lamp in the instrument cluster does not come on in the “P” position, and the engine does not start. However, the engine can be started in the “N” position. This is due to rust on the connect- ing point of the shift cable and lock cable lever causing the select lever not to move to the location where it is recognized as “P” range. There is no issue about the transmission reaching Park. This is only an issue about the confirming “P” indicator in the instrument cluster. A slit on the mud guard has been removed to prevent salt water from getting to the location where rust would occur.
Solution:
If rust is present on the connecting point of the shift cable and lock cable lever, then the lock cable lever will have to be replaced with modified one (part # B2YE-46-310). Also, it’s strongly recommended to replace the nut and washer as well.
2004-2005 Mazda3 – TSB 05-010/05
Problem:
Some automatic equipped versions of the Mazda may exhibit intermittent shift shock during 1-2 upshift. This issue is caused by improper PCM calibration.
Solution:
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will have to be reprogrammed with the updated calibrations.
Common Problems with the Mazda 3 Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Mazda 3 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Mazda 3 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda 3 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Mazda 3 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Mazda 3 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda 3 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Mazda 3 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda 3 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Mazda 3 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Mazda 3 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda 3 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda 3 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Mazda 3 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Mazda 3 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Mazda 3 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
I have a mazda3 2.3l 2006, auto trans trip triptronic shift
It just started to slip out of drive on transmission. Sometimes by itself, or on acceleration. Is this a sign of a bad tcm? I just got fluid and pan changed is it possible that something was masked up? Thxs chris
How to change transition filter
2006 3 2.3 ltr it drives like a champ every once in awhile hard shifts from 5th to 4rth researched every thing I know even had the codes cleared and the pcm is corresponding with tcm and they suspect a lose wire.Does any one have this issue.
yeaa mine does the same thing after i changed out my tcm. before i changed it, it was going into fail mode staying stuck in 3rd gear
I have a 2005 Mazda 3 2.3 with approximately 150,000 miles. After starting engine when it is cold sometimes takes a couple tries before it will engage in reverse. Second problem when driving and it shifts from 2nd to 3rd it slams very hard and then when slowing from third back to second feels like you’re getting rear ended by another car when it downshifts. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks
Sean Kell
I have a 2006 mazda3s automatic with 150k miles, one day driving home engine light came on and also AT sign but it got me home. Next say only AT sign is on, when i first step on gas the first gear change is delayed so if i dont let go of gas it jolts when it changed the gear. After that gear it runs normal at highway speeds. The car is also sometimes not reversing I would have to drive forward then put it in reverse until it works. Im not sure if theres any fix or i will need a new car. I’m not too well off so dont want to make unnecessary spending. Thanks you:)
My 2020 runs great. It has 140,000 and I’m starting to hear s vibrating type noise when I go in reverse. The fluid level is good but I don’t know what this noise could be. I need help.
The tcm is going bad on my Mazda3 2010 2.0
I have a 2010 Mazda 3, the illuminated lights for the gear position doesn’t light up when engaged in gear.My AT light and engine light is on. I cant use the manual mode to shift gears.Can anybody tell me what may be going on with my car?
Mine did the exact thing. Transmission module
Mine does the same thing it has done it for a couple years. Haven’t figured it out.
I have a 2011 mazda 3 and it drives good but every now and than the D disappears on the dash and the rpms start going up and down like it’s not in gear but no check engine light comes on I’m confused does anyone else have this problem
The mazda 3 2009 model makes a clunking sound when reverse is shifted.
Please diagnose,
I have a 2007 mazda 3 5 speed manual transmission around 156xxx last week it was driving absolutly fine i hit my clutch it and it goes to the floor and refuse to go in any gear i let it sit for a long while and it finally started shifting and i got clutch pressure but now it acts like its slipping really bad im not sure where to start i feel like if it was the clutch or master/ slave id have noticed something off long before it failed but this happen out of the blue and its confusing because like why would it fail then build pressure but slip? Like if it went it should stay unable to shift or habe no clutch pressure right?
Has anyone changed the TCM successfully ? Purchased new or refurbished ? Worth trying before full transmission rebulid ?
I had mine replaced, cost about ~1200 bucks. Gears were shifting funny before that (i.e. wouldnt go to 5th, would stay at 4th etc). After the TCM, it felt like a brand new car. Mines a 2008. Hope that helps.
Thank you !!!
what tcm did u put i bought a refurbished one mine was letter A ending in E
Hi, I have Mazda 3 2006 model last two months it started by losing power while am driving then refused to excelarate and now it’s no longer sparking. I did changed all camshaft sensors and vvti sensor but still not starting but it’s cranks. Please help and thanks in advance.
Have you checked the fuel pump? They are known to go out one day to the next. I changed mine on my own but its definitley a lengthy repair
Its your throttle. Body causing it
U can also advance the timing you may the the cam / cranksensor out of place
Hey. I would really appreciate another opinion from a mazda people. I have a 2012 mazda 3 with 180k miles. I had a trans flush around 100k miles. 1st prob I had I had been driving all day, I was on the freeway, and it jolted hard 1 time the “AT” light came on briefly it was so fast I didnt see if the wrench sign came on. No other probs for a couple months or so. Then after a few hours of driving it jolted again at freeway speed and the AT light and wrench light came on and it kept jerking like it was slipping I guess so it limped off the road. I pulled over and sat for a hour it smelled like burned transmission briefly and I drove it home in manual mode and made it home no prob. I drove it a little in manual mode and no prob for about a week( no more then a few miles to test). after I got another transmission flush I had the guys check the codes because I suspected a bad TCM that was overheating the guys said that there were no codes that were coming up for the transmission or TCM. The next day I drove for 2 hours and it was worse then before. On the freeway, another jolt, The gears didnt show on the dash, the at and wrench lites flashed, I was barely able so pull over in time and it didnt even show park or any other gears. I sat for at least an hr and suddenly there was no prob so I drove home in manual.
Could this just be the TCM?
I had this EXACT thing. Took it in to get serviced (it sat for several days) they can’t find anything wrong. Now what ?
Yes, that’s the exact symtoms that my 2010 Mazda 3 experienced. After enough research, I decided it was the TCM, so I sent it in (allcomputerresources.com) and had it repaired for $200. Unfortunately while this fixed the problem, I knew it was only a bandaid in my case because I haven’t changed the fluid in 100k (fear of sudden trans. death) and was just waiting for the day I needed to replace it. If you kept your trans. well maintained and it doesn’t have black sludge for fluid (causing it to overheat), then this should be a long term fix. After 2 months mine got to hot and cooked the TCM again, so time to swap the tranny at 175k.
I have 2010 mazda 3. My at light came on it stopped shifting. Have shift sensor solenoid replaced also had the transmission wiring harness replaced. The 3erd shop was a dealership and they said i need to replace transmission. If light not on shifts like it should drives like a dream. Light on nothing. I only have 127443 miles on this car. Any ideas
This just happened to me too! Same vehicle with 175,000 on it! I’ve been quoted $3000 by Mazda to fix it
Send your TCM in to be rebuild. Easy install and only cost $200.
How can you tell that the TCM got too hot ?
Light engine check and steering light on and off and make the gear box to slip
Shifting from gear one to gear four
q122q
Had the transmission rebuilt on our 2010 Mazda 3 (manual) when it came back all the lights on the dash remained on—We have had numerous people put the car on the scanning tool and come up with codes but no one can find out why all the lights on the dash stay on —We can’t get the car inspected with the lights on thanks
While on drive at a stop, transmission seams up race and fees like it wants to surge ahead
I have a Mazda 3 2008 bad autotransmision module is that a common problem . Car rides great. But to replace this Module the price is ridicules. It makes me not to buy another one. Too bad nice ride but one I can not afford does any body know a trusted place where I can get a decent price por this Module? thanks for your time.