The Mazda CX-7 was equipped with the FNR5 or the Aisin Warner AWF21. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda CX-7 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda CX-7 Transmission Models
Mazda CX-7: FNR5 Transmission
Mazda CX-7: AWF21 Transmission
Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| FNR5 / AWTF-80 | 2148 |
| AWF21 | 2233 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Mazda CX-7 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 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 CX-7 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 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 CX-7 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 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 CX-7 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda CX-7 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 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 CX-7 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 CX-7 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 2011 Mazda CX-7 started to give loud sound, there was a burning smell, and moving it was very difficult. An AT light later showed on the dashboard. I’ve stopped driving it, but I need it fixed.
Cx5 mazda
When doing a diagnostics the computer shows no powertrain
2012 cx7 won’t go into reverse
The entire car shakes like your hitting rumble strips at the rpm approximately in the range of 2200 to 2400 rpm, it goes away if you apply the gas pedal or release it.
my 2010 mazda cx 7 has no reverse. it can shift into reverse but does not move at all even when gas pedaL is depressed.
Hi. I can’t get reverse or gears 1,3 and 5. It’s a manual 60 plate that’s done 89000. Many thanks
My 2011 Mazda CX-7 was making a noise like something was dragging underneath. While commin to a stop it made a loud screeching noise and then it would not move forward in drive or even neutral. The reverse seems to work fine and allowed me to get off the road. It is a 2.3 L turbo, automatic all wheel drive.
No 1st and 2nd gear
My cx7 is 7 years old, has been meticulously maintained, has about 110,000 miles on it and the transmission needs to be replaced. The reason I took it in is because when I’m idling, like at a stop light, with my foot on the brake, sometimes my engine revs and the car lurches forward. Come to find out, its been slipping into 2nd gear. This started happening about 3 years ago, when there was about 70k miles on it.
This has been happening with my Mazda also. It was very unsettling as if you’re not fully engaging the break you risk actually hitting someone if you too close behind then say at a stoplight. I was told that possibly my throttle was stuck open though when I asked about it. Now that you mention that it was actually slipping into 2nd gear that makes a lot of sense as about 5 weeks ago I lost the ability to use the reverse and won’t go past 3rd gear. The scanner I have (nothing fancy) gives me could p0757: shift solenoid B stuck on. I replaced all 6 solenoids in the transmission thinking that if I’m doing one I might as well do them all and to no avail. Still won’t move when in reverse and won’t go past 3rd gear and now Im stumped
How i can resolve my problem my mazda cx 7 cannot change the speed.it runnins without changing however i see on the dashboard 3
Cx7 2012 2.5l ,160000 km
Tranny oil changed at around 70000 km, color currently still red as original.
problem started with engine reving to 6000rpm while shifting first to second under hard acceleration. Lost second gear but managed to get home in third. AT ligth was on. It would skip second and go into third and not go higher (limp home mode i suspect) No reverse. Codes read p0757 and p0766. Next morning drove to garage, even in third it started slipping and came to a stop. Took of again and all seemed ok 1,2,3,4,5 and reversed worked. Garage took it for a spin and probelm reappeared and now garage cant seem to be able to read powertrain codes anymore (engine codes still readable, i have a none related p0101 code even after changing the maf sensor)
Garage recommenda a rebuild of tranny for around $2000
Still waiting on them to be able to read codes before i rebuild the tranny.
Been doing occasional light towing <1500lbs since new. This car has been very reliable with only 2 recalls and no tsb. Only changed brakes and battery after 6 years and 160000km. No sign of transmission issues until now.
Has anyone else had this sort if issue with this transmission(FNR5) on a cx7?
Thanks.
It sounds like my car is doing exactly the same thing I read that they were lemons I should have listened my car only has 100000 kilometres on the clock and has never Misseda s service.. have you done anything for repairs yet what course do you think I’m going to be looking at
My car is doing the same thing at 97000 miles. Had it looked at and needs to be replaced or rebuilt.
My CX7 goes right from 1st to 4th or 5th and then stays in that gear. Want to know which part to replace. Everyone wants to replace 3 different parts and charge me a fortune.
Gets stuck in park cx7turbo sports luxury
2007 cx-7, 118k miles, extremely hard shifts from 2nd to 3rd after coasting through residential corners, no error codes, no leaks. 4 cylinder w/ turbo.
Location of the transmission speed sensor on 2007 cx 7
bought a Mazda cx-7 a week ago and realized it has an oil leak from the diff and coolant is also leaking. Read this article and found its a common problem. Can it be repaired. It’s a 2008 model and its done 136000km.
Where can I buy the outer CV joints for Mazda cx7 2008 model 2.3l petrol engine.