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!
My Mazda 3 2009 with 149,000 kilometers has an automatic transmission problem. While running, sometimes the gear indicator on the dash sometimes switches off. When it switchess off, the gear only reaches maybe 3rd gear from my calculation because of the high rpm. But this case is not all the time, sometimes when I hit a pot hole it just blinks, but sometimes also it totally shitches off. Any suggestion on what might be the issue?
I have this same exact problem. The illuminated digital ‘D’ for drive either blinks or disappears. When this happens it’s impossible to drive over 60 mph without the RMP being at about 5,000 rpm…I got off the highway, shut the car off and the ‘D’ showed up after restarting…. car has 114,111 miles and I just bought it, hope I can figure out what’s wrong with it before I have to sink money into it…..
I have a 2004 Mazda 3 ( 2.3 engine ) . I bought my car back in 2017, when I bought it I noticed a rotten egg smell & addressed it right away . They said the Catalytic converter was fine, that some times bad gas could cause the smell. In 2019, my car started to throw the code P2188 . My car started driving sluggish when idling or at low speeds. It would randomly and intermittenly cut off at low speeds. The transmission was loud at idle.
Since then I have replaced the following
Struts, Shocks , Lower control arm, Mass airflow sensor, Crank shaft sensor, Valve o ring, Spark plugs, up flow & downstream 02 sensors , Both front wheel bearings & Tie rods . We also did a smoke test on the engine & hoses.
After replacing the Valve rings & sparkplugs it started throwing P0335 code which indicates an issue with the crank shaft sensor. We replaced it again thinking we got a faulty sensor. Two nights ago we replaced the downstream 02 sensor & every thing seemed to be running good again, transmission ran smooth, code went off. The next day , the check engine light came back on and my car started becoming sluggish again at idle and slow paces. Now it’s making a really loud whining noise. Not the same sound of a wheel bearing, it’s louder. It’s like a cross between a wheel bearing and a bad belt. When i drive under 30mph it feels as if it’s not getting enough air, almost like a clogged vaccum hose.I am at my witts end with this car
sounds like you need a tech who can perform diagnoses and find the root cause of the problem
sounds like most of the problems are caused by the person who is working on it
Po884
When I put it in drive or reverse it shifts really hard and if I try to drive the car when I put it in drive it goes straight to 4th gear and when I try to put it in manual mode it still sounds and drives as if it was in 4th gear and I’m not able to up shift nor down shift.
I have the same problem and get a P0766 code. Come up with any solutions? I have checked the solenoid, wiring continuity, replaced the pcm, changed fluid and filter, with no change so far.
I’m having the same issue exactly . With no codes only at warning light I’ve replaced the tcm and replacing speed sensors next . Have you come up with any solutions ?
mazda 3 2007 2.3
143660 miles
and i changed out tcm now its not letting me shift from 4th to 5th some times it will amd some times it dont.
only code was solenoid a but thats obviously not the problem cause i can shift all the way sometimes.
P0763-Shift Solenoid C Stuck On for ’04 Mazda 3.. Tried everything that I could from changing the solenoid out & replacing the fluid. Still have the same problem to this very day. Possible wiring problem? Guess I’ll find out soon, hopefully.
I have a mazda 3, the code is saying lost communication with tcm. Where are the wires and ground connections that I need to check
The lost communication with the tcm means you need to replace it
My Mazda 3, 08 transmission control module went out last year around February and this year around February it went out again. I’m not hard on my car so I don’t know why it did this again
Shift solenoid is going out, is it an easy fix?
2008 Mazda 3
I had the typical Tcm problem and replaced with a reconditioned one from the guy in LA. No more problem for a month or so. Started the clunking into reverse and first again.always had all 5 gears.(auto). Then I dropped pan changed filter and three selonoids that usually go bad in pan.replaced fluid twice with Mazda fluid. Also changed input,output,and trans speed sensor.cleaned all connections with electrical cleaner. Problem fixed, I though. Having all the same problems again. Goes and comes. Accelerator pedal reset won’t work. Only through a code u0??? Before I changed the TCM. Has never thrown a code since then . Checked many times. WTF I can’t figure it out 75,000 miles on car. Well taken care of never abused.no leaks.
i have a 2010 mazda 3 that threw up a code for shift solenoid A so i bought a 6pc kit and replaced all of the solenoids as well as the rest of the sensors on the valve body , when installing i dident notice any broken wires or anything that made me second guess the install, i also replaced the transmission filter and gasket, afterwords i toped up the transmission fluid with fresh and when i started the car and cleared the code not a mile up the road the transmission goes into limp mode and throwes up the same electrical faulty shift solenoid A, any help would be greatly appreciated
check pin tension at the tcm and all trans sensors poor pin connections can cause a lot of issues
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 Automatic Transmission. Shifter stuck on N and engine light on. Can’t even remove the key from the ignition switch. Please help!
I have a 2004 Mazda3 2.3l and it won’t go into 3rd or 4th. 200,000+ miles and runs good other than that. I’m thinking shift solenoid repair kit. What about u?
Did that work?
08 Mazda 3 automatic hatchback…shifts through all gears a little rough but it’s the shudder that’s almost constant…I replaced the pcm last year because of this shudder and it’s still shuddering… What’s going on with it and ideas?
09 mazda 3 at light and check eng
was shifting strange sometimes but now it wont shift into 4th at all and when its shifting from 2nd to 3rd it will hit kinda like neutral and the rpms go way up but when you let off the gas it will grab 3rd and do fine i have tryed to make it slip when in 3rd and it want slip i am lost here
Its the transmission control module! Most if the Mazda transmission issues are solved with a replacement TCM. 20 min job very easy. It is below the battery box and on top of transmission with no airflow so it gets way too hot. Always relocate the TCM somewhere on the firewall. You could even zip tie it😂🤠
Its definitely not the TCM it hasn’t got one separately from the ecm that is its a 2.0 leader but i finally have a code to go by its po766 solenoid D stuck off
Thinking i am going to have to drop the pan
No. I got this code. Replaced the solenoid. (Note that ford and mazda label their solenoids different ) so go back and change the actual shift syllenoud and I still have this problem
I have a 07 Mazda 3 just want to know what other years does the same transmission fit the 07
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 wont go into gear unless in N. The AT light comes on after the trans slips trying to go into high gear. Do I need a new tranny?
Need new position lever at the bottom of your transmission
I have a 2013 Mazda 3 and the check anyone light came on and it dies when I come to a stop and the transmission sounds awful
2012 Mazda 3 clunking into gear, dies.
might be stuck in over drive could be the torque converter
Torque converter. 4K miles. 2019 m3h
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 grand touring AT trans. The car push button ignition is not working properly. Either doesn’t want to turn the engine off the first time you push the button. You have to press the button repeatedly few times before it turns off but then the ignition turn to acc so you need push the button so it goes back to ignition off. I took the car to the dealer and they said the problem was the gear assembly and needed to be replaced
But before I do that I want to make sure that will solve the issue
Any comments? Thanks
David
i had this concern in my cx5 i had to replace my shifter
it fixed it so yep