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!
2007 mazda 3 replaced motor and starts but wont move .replaced the TCM now got communication but only manually will show 1 and 2gr . No reverse and won’t lock up till 4000 rpm then it grabs and grinds .. help me out
I just bought an 07 Mazda 6 and it only has 1st & 3rd gear I took it to orileys and had the code reader on it it said my shift sensors a& b 1was stuck on & 1 was stuck off so I just picked up 2 new shift sensors but I don’t know where their located and I can’t afford a shop can someone tell me where they r
Will not shift into 4pr5
My engine light is on as well as the AT. Transmission went into lymph mode. Should I check it’s filter or drain oil and add new oil??
I have a 2003 Mazda 6 with 212000 miles and In morning on first start the car will reverse but in forward not engage completely will go a few blocks like that and if you come to a stop a slight jerk is felt and AT light comes on, if you turn off the car and start again AT light goes out and the car relatively will drive better and once driving it resumes perfect shifting for the rest of the day. Transmission oil was recently changed and car drives fine when warmed up seems like some solenoid may be sticking or some valve is not closing to create contact??? HELP!
Hey Bob I have a 2003 mazda 6 with 175000 miles on it and my vehicle is doing the same EXACT thing i changed my solenoid and supposedly it didnt fit so they swapped my first gear solenoid with the over drive solenoid and it didnt change anything. Please email me if you found out what’s wrong because my car is also starting to rem higher sometimes.
Tiffie g babies at gmail
I have the same problem does anybody have any sugestions
Hi I just bought a 2006 Mazda 6 with 171,000 miles on it and the guy who sold it to me said there was nothing wrong with it. Although the check engine light was on, he said it has sat for a few months and that I needed to drive it to clear the engine light. I brought it to the shop and had them check it out and come to find out 3 sensors needed to be replaced camshaft and crankshaft sensors I believe and one of the codes I remember was P0012. He put a brand new exhaust system on it also. But even after replacing all that my check engine light is still on. Also I noticed while driving it doesn’t shift into gears properly. It takes off and goes but it shifts late. Also a few times it has stalled on me right after starting it up. Usually 2 or 3 times in a row before it stays running. I’m not good with cars and have no idea what it could be but I’m scared that I got ripped off and sold a car with a junk transmission. Anyone have any ideas what could cause stalling and late shifting?
2003 Mazda 6 when you back up then put the car in drive it hesitates for a couple seconds before engaging
It has 185000 miles on it, we just bought it
I have a 2006 Mazda 6 3.0 shifts hard stays in 3rd gear it an automatic
What was the problem
Does yours usually begin in first then immediately into third??
2005 Mazda 4 door automatic no reverse
Hi folks. We have a 2004 Mazda 6 with 240,000 (miles) on the dash. shifts in 1, 2 and 3 fine will not go into 4. just started this.
People, please mention KM or mile you have when you are having theses issues. Also, when was the last time you changed fluid or flushed your transmission. This info makes a huge difference in determination what is wrong.
My Mazda 6 is 2012 model and has over 190 thousand miles on it
A loud noise accompanied with a jerk as it shifts from park to reverse. Then a hesitation and slight leap on drive.
What could these mean?
Your gear control box
I’m not sure but it should cost no more than 1000.00. I am going to try fixing myself, has anyone had this experience?? Fix further or drive as is??
My Mazda 6 2007 start few months ago to act terrible.First the flickering gear number in dash board then one day took 1-3 second to engage,now takes 10 seconds to engage.My DTC said shift solenoid D is faulty.Should I go by that?
My daughters Mazda 6 2002 transmission won’t shift out of park if it’s been parked too long in the hot sun. It’s ok when it’s night or parked in the shade
AT light comes on and only have 3 gears
Did you figure out the problem
Same
I have a 2005 Mazda 6, I started having transmission problems recently. It will no go into any gear, when I try to put it in any except neutral it makes a loud grinding noise. What could be the problem?
Did you ever find out what the problem is? I’m having the same issue and people are telling me it’s the transmission based off the sound and I’m confused.
2004 Mazda 6. Shifts hard 1-2 and “occasionally” shifts very hard into reverse. AT light is showing but no codes are registered. The fluid was flushed a year ago and does not appear burnt. It is also at the proper level. Could this be a solenoid or Controller or plugged filter? If so, how would I diagnose?
I just started having the same exact problem with my 2009 Mazda6. Hard reverse shift, concerning shifts from 1st to 2nd.
07 ford fusion with fnr5 transmission that shifts very hard 1-2 nd all other gears are fine it also has no low gear NOW FOR THE INSANITY! 3 Used transmissions replaced 6 valve bodies ( one remanufactured brand new) 2 wiring harnesses replaced refurbished updated pcm and 3 Used tcms changed ignition switch and throttle body. THE VEHICLE DOES THAT EXACT SAME THING NO MATTER WHAT HAS BEEN REPLACED!!! ANY IDEAS PLEASE???
The wiring from granny to solenoid bro. Its called internal transmission wires. Little white adapter that sticks up out of granny. Your welcome
*tranny
2006 Mazda 6 automatic trans. I was traveling on cruise control (60 mph) and the car’s check engine light comes on, the AT light comes on, and it down shifts into 3 gear. I drove for about 3 miles, turned into a parking lot and prepare to check under the hood. Once I parked the car the AT light went off so I drove the car another 12 or 15 miles with no problems etc the check engine light is still on.
David Hash
Hello,
I have a problem with my mazda 6 GT 2010. Its an automatic transmission. The problem is when I change the gear box from Park to Reverse or in Drive, the car stays in Neutral, so when I push the gas pedal the engine rev but the car don’t move.
Thank you for your specifications!