What transmission does my Mazda have? Mazda3, CX-5

TSS parts for Mazda transmissions: FW6A-EL friction plates, TF-81SC overhaul kit and pressure control solenoid

In short

The 2006 to 2009 Mazda3 2.0 and the 2012 to 2014 Mazda2 have a 4-speed automatic (FN4A-EL); the 2010 to 2013 Mazda3 and the 4-cylinder Mazda6 through 2013 have a 5-speed (FS5A-EL).
From 2014 the Mazda3, and from 2013 the CX-5, use the 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive, as do the CX-3, CX-30, the Mazda2 from 2016 and the Mazda6 through 2021.
No Mazda sold in Mexico has had a CVT: they're all geared automatics.
P0894 is a code on the 4- and 5-speed automatics: per Mazda it points to the forward clutch, shift solenoid A or the module.
The Mazda3 transmission module depends on the year: through 2009 it's inside the engine computer, from 2010 to 2013 it's a separate box, and from 2014 it's inside the valve body.

Knowing which transmission your Mazda has is the first step to buying the right part or understanding a problem. Mazda de México started selling cars in 2005 and has used four families of automatics: the 4- and 5-speed it shares with Ford, the 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive Mazda designed, and an Aisin 6-speed for the V6 and turbo models. Here's which one each model has, per Mazda Mexico's spec sheets, and their most common problems, per Mazda's manuals and bulletins.

What transmission does my Mazda have? Table by model and year

Mazda Mexico's spec sheets give the number of speeds for each version, but not the transmission code; we took the code from Mazda's bulletins and from the gear ratios printed on those sheets.

Model and years in Mexico	Automatic transmission
Mazda3 2.0, 2006 to 2009	4-speed automatic FN4A-EL, from Ford's 4F27E family
Mazda3 2.3, 2006 to 2009	5-speed automatic FS5A-EL
Mazda3 2010 to 2013 (2.0 and 2.5)	5-speed automatic FS5A-EL. In Mexico these years weren't SKYACTIV
Mazda3 from 2014	6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive (FW6A-EL; FW6AX-EL with AWD). The 2.5 turbo uses a heavy-duty version
Mazda2 1.5, 2012 to 2014	4-speed automatic FN4A-EL
Mazda2 hatchback and sedan from 2016, and Toyota Yaris R 2016 to 2019	6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive (FW6A-EL)
Mazda5 2.3, 2006 and 2007	4-speed automatic FN4A-EL
Mazda5 2.5 from 2012 (and probably the 2.3 from 2008 to 2011)	5-speed automatic FS5A-EL
Mazda6 2.3, 2006 to 2008, and 2.5, 2009 to 2013	5-speed automatic FS5A-EL
Mazda6 V6 3.0, 2006 to 2008, and 3.7, 2009 to 2013	Aisin 6-speed automatic, the TF-81SC (Mazda calls it the AW6A-EL)
Mazda6 2014 to 2021	6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive (FW6A-EL)
CX-5 from 2013, CX-3 from 2016 and CX-30 from 2020	6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive (FW6A-EL; FW6AX-EL with AWD)
CX-7 2.5, 2010 to 2012	5-speed automatic FS5A-EL
CX-7 2.3 turbo, 2007 to 2012, and CX-9 V6, 2007 to 2015	Aisin 6-speed automatic, the TF-81SC (AW6A-EL; AW6AX-EL with AWD)
CX-9 2016 to 2023 and CX-50	6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive, in the version for the 2.5 turbo
CX-90 and CX-70	8-speed SKYACTIV-Drive, designed by Mazda, with a clutch instead of a torque converter
MX-5	6-speed automatic
BT-50 from 2025	6-speed automatic, the one in the Isuzu D-Max it's based on (3.0 diesel)

Mazda Mexico didn't sell the Tribute, MPV or RX-8, so their transmissions (the CD4E and JF506E) don't apply to a Mexican Mazda. The 2008 to 2011 Mazda5 years and the last Mexican years of the Mazda5 and Mazda6 are approximate. We cover the FN4A-EL and FS5A-EL in depth, along with the Focus, in 4F27E problems in the Focus and Mazda3.

Does the Mazda3 or Mazda2 have a CVT?

No. No Mazda sold in Mexico has a CVT: the Mazda3, Mazda2 and the CX models use geared automatics with a torque converter. The SKYACTIV-Drive, the 6-speed Mazda has used since 2013, has clutches and brakes like any conventional automatic. The CX-90 and CX-70 use an 8-speed that isn't a CVT either.

Code P0894 on the Mazda3: what it means

P0894 is a code on the 4- and 5-speed automatics (FN4A-EL and FS5A-EL): the Mazda3 through 2013, the 2012 to 2014 Mazda2, the Mazda5 and the 4-cylinder Mazda6 through 2013. Mazda calls it "forward clutch power transmission malfunction". Per its service manual, it sets when the car is stopped in D with the brake on and the converter turbine keeps turning: in other words, the forward clutch isn't holding properly. The AT light comes on.

The causes Mazda lists are shift solenoid A, the forward clutch not engaging or slipping, and the module (on the 4-speed, the engine computer).
Its procedure: if there are no solenoid A codes, replace the forward clutch; if the code returns, replace the module.
Many scan tools show it as P0894-FF: the "FF" is data the scan tool adds, and Mazda gives it no separate meaning. Diagnose P0894.
On the SKYACTIV-Drive (Mazda3 from 2014, CX-5 and others) Mazda doesn't use P0894: its slip codes are P0731 to P0736 and P1728.

More on this code in how to fix P0894, from veinte07 (in Spanish).

Mazda3 transmission module: where it is and what the "letter" means

2006 to 2009 Mazda3 (4-speed): there's no separate transmission module. The engine computer (PCM) controls the transmission and stores its codes.
2010 to 2013 Mazda3 (5-speed): it has a separate transmission module (TCM). Mazda's manual reaches it by removing the battery, its tray and the engine computer, so it sits below that area.
Mazda3 from 2014, CX-5, CX-3, CX-30 and Mazda2 from 2016 (SKYACTIV-Drive): per Mazda, the module is inside the valve body. If the valve body or the transmission is replaced, Mazda requires configuring the module and running the initial learning with its scan tool.
The module's "letter" (for example G or E) is the last letter of Mazda's part number, like LF8M-18-9E1G for the 2010 and 2011 Mazda3 2.0: it's the module revision, and Mazda's US parts catalogs show newer letters superseding older ones. Mazda doesn't say whether one letter can replace another: confirm with your module's part number.

Mazda hasn't issued a bulletin for module failures on the 2010 to 2013 Mazda3. Before replacing it, check the battery, grounds and connectors: Mazda warns that water or dirt in a connector causes poor contact or corrosion. After replacing a module, it usually needs programming; veinte07 explains it in TCM recalibration (in Spanish).

Common problems in Mazda's 4- and 5-speed automatics

Slips in one gear (P0731 to P0734): Mazda checks the fluid level and condition first, then the solenoids, line pressure, and that gear's clutch or band.
Stuck in one gear or not shifting: shift solenoid codes (P0751 to P0773), which Mazda checks by measuring their resistance and connector.
Converter shudder or high revs on the highway (P0741): per GEARS, the magazine of the ATRA shop association, the most common cause in this family is the stator bushings, which wear early.
Harsh 3-4 shift on the 5-speed: GEARS names it one of its most common problems, from forward clutch control, band adjustment or valve body wear.
Bangs and slipping from wear: per GEARS, the pressure regulator valve is almost always worn on this transmission, and the servo bore wears.
If it overheats (P1783 on the 5-speed): Mazda mentions driving slowly up steep grades under heavy load, worn fluid and the wrong level.

Careful with solenoids: Mazda and Ford letter them differently, so the "solenoid A" in a Mazda code isn't the same as Ford's "A". Compare them by part number; more in automatic transmission solenoids. And before installing a rebuilt transmission (except the SKYACTIV), Mazda requires power-flushing the cooler and its lines: per its bulletin, debris left there from the previous failure is the most common cause of repeat failures.

SKYACTIV-Drive problems (Mazda3, CX-5, CX-3, Mazda2)

These are the problems Mazda documented in US bulletins. Some include Mexican-built cars or Mexican calibrations, and we say so:

Check engine light with P0780 or P1738 and pressure switch codes (P0842, P0847, P0872 and P0877): Mazda explains the switches stick from contamination in their passage and fixes it by reprogramming the module or replacing the switch. veinte07 explains it in FW6A-EL pressure switch codes (in Spanish).
Won't upshift or goes into failsafe from iron particles in the fluid (US 2012 and 2013 Mazda3 and 2013 CX-5): Mazda calls for running the initial learning twice.
Bang into 3rd, 5th or reverse at high altitude, above 1,000 meters (3,300 ft): Mazda blames incorrect module learning and fixes it by reprogramming. The bulletin includes the Mexican-built 2017 and 2018 Mazda3, and much of central Mexico sits above that altitude.
Bang on the 2-3 shift with a cold engine on the 2018-and-later CX-5 2.5: Mazda fixes it with a new module calibration, and its bulletin includes the Mexico calibration.
Slow to engage D (over 3 seconds when hot): per Mazda's manual, it's the "low" clutch piston or seal (code P2855). Mazda runs the learning first and, if that doesn't fix it, replaces the transmission.
Whine from about 10 mph, regardless of engine speed or gear: Mazda blames a damaged bearing inside the transmission.
Overheats (P0218, fluid above 135 °C): Mazda mentions the cooler or overfilled fluid.

After reprogramming the module or replacing parts, Mazda warns there may be shift shocks while the initial learning runs, and that this isn't a fault. If the learning isn't done, the engine may flare between shifts or the shocks may increase.

CX-9, CX-7 turbo and Mazda6 V6: the Aisin 6-speed

On the 2007 to 2010 US CX-9, Mazda documented code P2757 (converter clutch solenoid) together with a fluid leak between the engine and the transmission bell housing: the transmission goes into failsafe, shifts may be harsh, and Mazda's fix was replacing the whole transmission and flushing the cooler. On the 2011 to 2013 CX-9, highway surging and N or R to D shift shocks were fixed by reprogramming the module. Per Sonnax, wear of the solenoid modulator valve in this family raises pressure and causes harsh shifts.

What's normal in a Mazda automatic

The transmission delaying or skipping a shift going up or down hills, in corners or at high altitude: that's AAS mode, which Mazda's manual says doesn't indicate a problem.
In manual mode, the gear indicator flashing twice when it won't allow a downshift at high speed: it protects the transmission.
Manual mode cancelling and the transmission going back to automatic when the fluid is very hot: a normal protection.
Light shift shocks after reprogramming the module or repairing the transmission, while the learning finishes.
On the CX-90, about a 3-second wait after starting before you can shift out of P.

The AT light on is not normal: per Mazda's manual, it signals an electrical problem in the transmission and continuing to drive may damage it. Scan it; if it also won't shift, see transmission not shifting.

What fluid does your Mazda's transmission take?

Mazda specifies a different fluid for each family, and its bulletins warn that a "universal" fluid may damage the transmission:

Transmission	Fluid Mazda specifies
4-speed FN4A-EL and 5-speed FS5A-EL	ATF M-V. Mazda notes it's not the same as Mercon V
Aisin 6-speed (CX-9 V6, CX-7 turbo, Mazda6 V6)	ATF type T-IV (JWS3309)
6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive	ATF FZ
Some 2023-and-later models	ATF-A7: the dipstick says A7. Mazda says FZ and A7 aren't interchangeable

The SKYACTIV-Drive does have a dipstick, held by a bolt and reached from under the car, and Mazda checks the level with the fluid at about 50 °C (122 °F) read with a scan tool.

See TSS parts for Mazda

TSS parts for Mazda transmissions

The TSS catalog has parts for all four families of Mazda automatics sold in Mexico (we explain the difference between the Rojo and Dorado kits in TSS Rojo vs Dorado overhaul kits):

4-speed FN4A-EL: Rojo overhaul kit, Mazda friction plates and filter.
5-speed FS5A-EL: Rojo overhaul kit, friction plates and overdrive band.
Solenoids for the FN4A-EL and FS5A-EL: pressure control solenoid and D and E shift solenoid.
SKYACTIV-Drive FW6A-EL: friction plates, steel plates and filter.
Aisin TF-81SC (CX-9, CX-7 turbo, Mazda6 V6): combo overhaul kit, friction plates, linear solenoid set and filter.

Confirm the model, year and engine before ordering. In Mexico, we found no PROFECO alerts for any Mazda transmission (we checked on October 26, 2026). To buy online in the US, Sun Transmissions has an FNR5 / FS5A-EL collection.

TSS is an aftermarket brand with OEM-comparable quality and quality control on every product. It's sold through our authorized distributors: in Mexico, the full TSS catalog is at Transmisiones Veinte 07, and in the United States at Sun Transmissions.

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