Mazda Transaxle/Transmission Workshop Manual

This manual provides detailed instructions for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining Mazda transmissions. It includes schematics, error codes, disassembly and reassembly procedures, as well as recommendations for fluid changes and extending transmission life. Common issues, their causes, and solutions are covered in detail. Essential for owners, mechanics, and repair shops.

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The most reliable Mazda transmissions:

1️⃣ 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions (MT) 🚗

🔹 Popular models: Mazda 3, Mazda 6, MX-5, RX-8

🔹 What's good about them?

✅ Withstand heavy loads

✅ Easy to maintain

✅ Run 300,000+ km with normal care

🔹 Famous models:

G5M - 5-speed, installed on Mazda 323, 626, MX-5

FS5A-EL - 5-speed, for more powerful engines

6MT (Aisin) - 6-speed, installed on Mazda 3, 6, MX-5

❗ Cons: require oil changes every 50,000 km and careful attention to synchronizers.

2️⃣ 4-speed automatic transmissions (FN4A-EL, LA4A-EL) ⚙️

🔹 Popular models: Mazda 3, Mazda 6 (before 2008), Tribute

🔹 What's good about them?

✅ Simple design

✅ They last 250,000+ km with oil changes every 50,000 km

✅ Good maintainability

🔹 Famous models:

FN4A-EL – for front-wheel drive models (Mazda 3, 6)

LA4A-EL – for all-wheel drive models (Mazda Tribute, MPV)

❗ Cons: they don't shift as smoothly as modern automatic transmissions, but they're durable.

3️⃣ 5- and 6-speed automatic transmissions (Aisin TF-80SC, TF-60SN) 🔥

🔹 Popular models: Mazda 6 GH, CX-5, CX-7

🔹 What's good about them?

✅ Reliable torque converter automatic transmissions

✅ Handle high torque

✅ With oil change every 50,000-60,000 km, last 300,000 km

🔹 Well-known models:

Aisin TF-80SC – for 2.5 and 3.0 l engines (Mazda 6, CX-9)

Aisin TF-60SN – for 2.0-2.5 l engines (Mazda 3, 6, CX-5)

❗ Cons: sensitive to overheating – it is important to change the oil and install additional cooling during active driving.

4️⃣ 6-speed automatic SkyActiv-Drive (F21, F22) 🚀

🔹 Popular models: Mazda 3, 6, CX-3, CX-5, CX-9 (since 2012)

🔹 What's good about them?

✅ Good balance between reliability and efficiency

✅ Fast shifting

✅ Durability - up to 250,000-300,000 km with oil change every 60,000 km

🔹 Famous models:

F21 - for 1.5-2.5 l engines (Mazda 3, 6, CX-3)

F22 - for more powerful engines (Mazda CX-5, CX-9)

❗ Cons: may kick when cold, but this can be corrected by adaptation.

Which Mazda transmissions are best avoided?

❌ Jatco CVT variators (Mazda Demio, Axela, some Mazda 3 models) – quickly fail, do not like overheating.

❌ Mazda robots (SkyActiv-Drive DCT) – rare and difficult to repair.

❌ 6-speed automatic transmission Ford CD4E (Mazda Tribute, MPV) – unreliable, often breaks down.