Mazda 5 Transmission Problems & Cost | FNR5 / FN4A-EL

The Mazda 5 was equipped with the FNR5 or FN4A-EL transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda 5 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Mazda 5 Transmission Models

Mazda 5: FNR5 Transmission
Mazda 5: FN4A-EL Transmission

Mazda 5 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 5 Transmission Prices:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
FNR5 / AWTF-802148

What are the DTC codes related to Mazda 5 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 5 Transmission Recalls

None Found

Mazda 5 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

None Found

Common Problems with the Mazda 5 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 5 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 5 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Mazda 5 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 5 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 5 transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda 5 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 5 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Mazda 5 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 5 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 5 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Mazda 5 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda 5 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 5 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 5 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.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Mazda 5 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!

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Mike
2 years ago

Mazda 5 2008 when going from park to reverse it hits real hard AT light is on

Mike
2 years ago

AT light came on and now when going from park to reverse it hits real gard

Ian Clarke
2 years ago

U0101 and P0841

Ian Clarke
2 years ago

U101 AND P0841

Steve
3 years ago

I have all the gears but reverse what can I do to fix this problem

Kelly Mercer
3 years ago

No gears.
No codes.

Erica Linder
3 years ago

It’s making a humming sound

Charles Wayne Fallang
3 years ago

I have a 2012 Mazda 5 with tranny fluid leaking from the point where it connects to the motor looking for problem and a fix. I think it is the seal that’s in there.

CLReed@me.com
4 years ago

My ‘08 Mazda5 AT light came on after we came out of store and started it. Added a quart turns. It developed a leak on passenger side drive shaft seal. But after adding, it still slammed into gears and was slow to accelerate. After a few miles everything back to normal. Then parked for an hour or so and issue starts all over again. Any ideas? Original was replaced at 122k miles and this replacement only has 54k miles on it.

CJ
4 years ago

I have a 2015 Mazda 5. When I accelerate quickly to get onto the freeway or pass someone the transmission does not want to shift down again for 15-20 seconds. I had the transmission flushed and it is still doing it. It only has about 84K miles.

Jim Joe
2 years ago
Reply to  CJ

have the same problem, my 2015 is only 50K miles, did you get it fixed?

Annick
4 years ago

Have owned my Mazda 5 since June of 2018. Just started getting the AT light 2 days ago. slow on acceleration then takes off. This morning didn’t want to move until it warmed up. My garage is sending me to a transmission garage to check my car. Only 144,000 km. 2010. only 1 owner and well maintained. Hope I don’t have to replace the transmission as cannot afford the cost. Will post further once I know what the actual problem is

Sonia
4 years ago

The AT warning on my Mazda 5 has been lighting up on and off and the car jerks as if it were shifting gears.
The check engine light also came on.

Hyj
4 years ago
Reply to  Sonia

Same problem. How to fix?

Lili
4 years ago

I have the engine light on, when I check give this code P2096. What is the problem?

Marksaint
4 years ago

I own a mazda 5 2010 since 2010 and know my car shakes when i brake but only after it reaches down to 20km/h and also after that it wont reverse after 4 seconds changing the shift. However this only happens after a 20-30mins drive. May i know what the problem is?. Thank you

Randy Church
5 years ago

Just bought a 2010 Mazda 5 and the transmission doesn’t seem to shift until the rpm is too high. The car has 185,000 miles on it.

JMT
4 years ago
Reply to  Randy Church

JMT

You need to replace the transmission control module. Look on ebay, amazon…

Bradley Eisan
5 years ago

2009 mazda 5 manual transmission, has 156000 km on it. Just started having difficulty shifting also trouble shifting on the start.

Kurt
4 years ago
Reply to  Bradley Eisan

Mine has very similar problems did you find the problem

JMT
4 years ago
Reply to  Bradley Eisan

Change the fluid multiple times to keep flushing the metal shavings out of your transmission. You will need a new one soon. Sale, trade soon or get replacement. This is average miles for it to go out without changing fluid every 30k!

Stella Knox
3 years ago
Reply to  Bradley Eisan

I Bought a Madza 5 2009 and had it 6 years paid for in five years. But i experience jerking when i driving first and then parking and changing gears! They said i may need a new transmission? My miles are 213000

Last edited 3 years ago by Stella Knox
jermaine
5 years ago

p0733

Yves
5 years ago

mazda5 2008, got a U0101 code, Multiplex communication missing…intermitent….when engine is hot, all go OK, cold engine……AT light ON and limb mode….can you tell me where exactly is the G14 ground in the engine compartment,, nd..is there welding wires in this circuit…positive and negative circuit

JS
5 years ago
Reply to  Yves

Mine is having the same problem what did you figure out?

Kurt
4 years ago
Reply to  JS

Did you find out the problem

MICHAEL GALLO
5 years ago

2008 Mazda 5. 103k miles. Wouldn’t shift into 4th. Trans shop found a bad wire and replaced the wiring harness and associated solenoid (inside the unit I think). Didn’t fix it. Now pointing at the computer (PCM?). Sent it to a refurb place that said the main chip was bad and couldn’t be repaired. Installing new computer from Mazda tomorrow. During intake, if the tranny was bad, he quoted $2850 + install, at which case I would have junked or donated the car. Fortunately, that wasn’t the problem.

Cam.
4 years ago
Reply to  MICHAEL GALLO

Did getting a new computer solve problem?

M.Hawk.
5 years ago

Have a 2008 Mazda 5 with a 5 speed manual automatic transmission. It codes bad shift solenoid. It drives and shifts fine in manual mode. Can i drive it until its repaired.

gobuamangk572@gmail.com
5 years ago

mazda 5 was involved in an accident and after being repaired it engages only on 1,4 and reverse gear, code P 0894

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