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 Mazda 3 year 2007, it cannot pass from the 3rd gear, it is stock in that gear, 1, 2 are ok
Tranmission locks up in 1st at 1000rpm and reverse at 2100rpm. new pump , new torque convertor,new filter, new fluid at correct level. no codes ?
That was supposed to be shift solenoid c stuck on
I have a 2006 Mazda 3 2.0 it’s throwing code shift solenoid stuck on I have no more third or fourth gear only first and second and I have to manually shift I’ve done replaced all six solenoids transmission filter and transmission fluid which was not burnt in order to have metal shavings in the pan put it all back together and still no third or fourth gear 179000miles please help
Coolant and transmission fluid have combined and looks like strawberry milk. How do I fix this problem
2010 Mazda3 sport manual transmission will only shift into 3rd or 4th gear. No other gears are available.
My mazda 3 2010 wont go 1st and 2nd gear, what happen.
2010 mazda 3 2.0l sedan. Got the car and drove it for 2 to 3 months. It went into limp mode. Tcm lost communication with the public. Or pcm.
I sent it off and got it rebuilt. Installed it on the brake lines to avoid overheating.
After that it had really hard shift from park to drive and reverse to park. Engine ran really ruff. I changed all the shift solenoids of the valve body. Transmission fluid was dirty but no metal. Pieces. I had to replace the passenger motor mount and transmission mount. Now its flashing these codes.po763
Po768
Po778.
Now mind you I haven’t drove the car. I did clean the throttle body. I’m a new widow taking care of a autistic son.
Plz help figure it out
My husband passed of covid pneumonia.
2010 mazda 3 2.0l. 178 thousand miles on it. It started with the tcm losing communication. Had the tcm rebuilt.
Then it was shift solenoid c was faulty
I replaced all the shift solenoid. The car when you shift from park to reverse it shifts so hard I had to replace the motor mount and the transmission mount.
Cleaned throttle body. Idles great but threw these codes.
Po763. Shift solenoid b electrical
Po 768 shift solenoid 4 electrical
Po778 pressure solenoid b electrical
Im a widow with low income doing the repairs alone. Any help would be appreciated.
Started the car and went into 3 gear. Mazda 3 2007 AT 2.0. Let car sit in park for awhile and had turn off for a day. Just the AT and battery light was on and drove about 2 miles normally just fine.
When driving Mazda seams like it almost wants to stop so. Hard the only comparison is to throwin it into park while driving..it’s kinda scary especially on hiway . could a leaking hose b the cause
{83,000 miles}1& 2 gear going in and out. Have to shift manually. Once in 3 it drives fine. And shifts fine. Occasionally it will jolt and the AT light comes on and it stays in auto and drives normally til the car is shut off and turned back on again. It drove like this for a couple months. Now 2 gear is gone. And 1 gear is barely hanging on. But still does well once in 3 gear. It’s still leaking fluid occasionally. But I can’t find where it’s coming from. No check engine light either. I removed the TCM and the numbers on it brought up a mazda 5 minivan. And the speed sensor numbers are slightly off from what you guys have labeled compatible.
Speed sensor (FN1221551)
TCM([E]LF8M189E1F)
On a flat road it’s fine but when you go up hill the rpms go up and it seems like it down shifts but it doesn’t down shift. 2007 Mazda 3 gt.
The shifter cables been broke it’s stuck in 4 gear
Mazda 3 gt 157k how much to put transmission in I already got one just need it in
Shifter moves car stays stuck in P car starts shifter moves and you sit
2010 Mazda 3 with 175,000 miles. Two codes P0401 and 2096?? Please advise?
slams intorevers
Sounds into reverse
Shift mode looks like it’s been disabled
08 mazda 3 2.3l. I got my transmission rebuilt along with new solinoid pack. I drained the pcm did the rest on it by driving and decelerating to a complete stop. The AT light was always coming on so I put a brand new mazda TCM in and I keep getting code PO777 and everything I read about it and issues looks good. I am wondering does the PCM need to be flashed or reprogrammed in order for it to work probably and stop throwing PO777?