Mazda 3 automatic transmission shift mechanism

The switching unit consists of a lock cable, a lock cam and a lock mechanism.

The switching system directly tracks the movement of the slide block with the pin

Fig.1 Automatic transmission shift mechanism: A - locking mechanism; C - from the side of the selector; 1 - locking mechanism; 2 - lock cable; 3 - brake pedal

This is done in order to increase the smoothness of operation and simplify the internal construction.

The mechanical shift lock system is essentially borrowed from current PREMACY models.

The principle of operation of the automatic transmission shift mechanism

The selector lever can only be moved out of the P position under the following conditions:

  • – brake pedal pressed;
  • – Selector lever button pressed.
Fig. 2 Operation of the automatic transmission shift mechanism: 1 - from the side of the selector lever; 2 - lock cable; 3 - slider block; 4 - cam; 5 - slider pin; 6 - brake pedal

When the brake pedal is not depressed, the slider pin is in the position shown in figure 2, which is set by the brake pedal.

Thus the slide block is locked by the cam.

In this position, the lock cable and lock cam are blocked, the guide pin on the gear lever also does not move from its position.

Moreover, the selector lever cannot be moved to any position other than P.

When the brake pedal is depressed, the slide pin moves freely in direction B.

The slider block can also move freely.

The lock cable and the lock cam are not blocked, thus it becomes possible to move the lever from the P position.

Switch lock test

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

Check that the selector lever is in position P.

Depress the brake pedal and check that the selector lever can be moved from position P.

If a problem is found, check the lock cable.

Checking ignition key lock

Check that the ignition key cannot be removed from the lock in any position of the selector lever other than P.

If a problem is found, check the lock cable.

Checking the lock cable

Remove the lock cable.

Fig. 3 Checking the lock cable: 1 - slider pin; 2 - lock cable; 3 - brake light switch

With the position of the slider pin shown in figure 3, make sure that the locking cable moves freely.

If a problem is found, replace the lock cable.

Checking the selector lever

Turn the ignition key to the ON position (engine off).

  • Ensure that a click is heard when moving the lever with the brake pedal depressed to each position.
  • Make sure the selector lever can be moved.
  • Check that a click is heard when moving the lever, with the brake pedal depressed, to each position from (P) to (l).
  • Check that the corresponding indicator lights up at each position of the selector lever.

If not, adjust the transmission range switch.

Fig. 4 Checking the selector lever: 1 - the button must not be pressed; 2 - the button must be pressed

Check that the car is working in each selected range (Fig. 4).