The Mazda 626 was equipped with the CD4E or the GF4A-EL transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda 626 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda 626 Transmission Models
Mazda 626: CD4E Transmission
Mazda 626: GF4A-EL Transmission
Mazda 626 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 626 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| CD4E | 1947 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda 626 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 626 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Mazda 626 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Mazda 626 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 626 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 626 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda 626 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 626 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 626 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda 626 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 626 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda 626 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 626 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 626 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda 626 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda 626 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 626 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 626 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 626 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!
It shakes and lost power at low gear then it doesn’t know to change to D then OD . It will go back and forth . Sometimes when cold it will change to second and jerk the car and gear change sounds bad.
1999 Mazda 626 replaced the clutch kit and slave.only going in 1st,3rd,5th.
Before I bled the clutch and brakes I couldn’t get it in any gear.
After I bled the clutch and brakes,it went into 1st only.
I noticed that my brake petal was sinking down when I test drove it,so I bled the whole thing again.
Brakes are a little tighter but still not quite right. I don’t see any air that appears to be in the lines. So now I’m getting 1,3,5 gears but not 2nd or reverse.
What could be the problem.
Still air in the lines??
Please advise, need help.
Have transmission leak and trogue being replace and mound
Hi! As im driving. My 1994 mazda 626 Intermittently it will clunk at a coasting speed.
Trany works perfect tell you drive it 30 minutes.then it just goes in natural let it cool off works like new tellit gets hot
Lost 3rd gear kept driving now stopped moving altogether
2001. 198.500
It gets up to 20 miles per hour then it slowed down and comes to a stop. If I turn the car off, I can repeat that but can only drive the car about a block. The bushing was replaced last week.
2000 mazda 626 and drive is good shifts through forward gears good will not go in reverse
Sloping in and out of od
1998 Mazda 6 2 6 delux reverse is good drive 1,2 is out. Trys to pull but wont
I have a 97 Mazda 6 2 6 2.0 engine transmission won’t shift into drive reverse is okay