The Mazda 6 was equipped with the FNR5, the Aisin Warner AWF21 or the FN4A-EL transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda 6 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda 6 Transmission Models
Mazda 6: FNR5 Transmission
Mazda 6: AWF21 Transmission
Mazda 6: FN4A-EL Transmission
Mazda 6 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 6 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| FNR5 / AWTF-80 | 2148 |
| AWF21 | 2233 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda 6 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 6 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Mazda 6 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Mazda 6 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 6 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 6 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda 6 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 6 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 6 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda 6 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 6 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda 6 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 6 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 6 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda 6 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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!
between 1400 to 2000 RPM’s it sounds like the engine is laboring, ie making an unusual noise in drive. The engine when in neutral or park does not make any noises at these RPM’s.I have 73000 miles on this Mazda6 Grand Touring car purchased new.
Reverse works perfect then in forward it takes about a minute and a half and starts pulling then shifts from first to fourth and just boggs down the engine…..Mew fluid and filter with no change……
When you put in to drive the transmission want apli give a little throttle p
2016 Mazda 6 hesitates when gas pedal is depressed. Need a new transmission at 64,850 miles. I purchased this car new and have been the sole owner. I drive mainly highway miles. I am 4,850 miles past the warranty and I have to pay for the transmission. I feel that Mazda should cover this, given the mileage. (It has had new transmission fluid put in at 50,000 miles.)
Have a Mazda 6 2008 these ver on third gear is gone / it’s a triptronic tranmition how can I fix it the gear jumps from second due to third gear burnt put what advice can u give me thank u