Adjusting the Mazda 3 automatic transmission range switch

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.

Remove the nut and disconnect the transmission control cable (fig. 1).

Mazda 3 automatic transmission range switch adjustment

Mazda 3 automatic transmission range switch adjustment

Set the start inhibit switch shaft to position (N) as shown in figure 2.

Mazda 3 auto range switch adjustment

Disconnect the start inhibit switch connector (fig. 3)

Mazda 3 automatic transmission range switch adjustment

Loosen the bolts securing the start inhibit switch (fig. 4)

Mazda 3 automatic transmission range switch adjustment

Connect an ohmmeter to terminals (B) and (C) of the start inhibit switch connector (fig. 5)

Turn the start inhibit switch to determine the position at which conduction occurs between the terminals of the connector.

Nominal ohmmeter reading: 750 ohm.

Tighten the start inhibit switch mounting bolts. Tightening torque: 8–11 Nm.

Check that the position of the selector matches the position of the start inhibit switch.

Connect the start inhibit switch connector.

Fig. 6 Installing the transmission control cable retainer

Install the transmission control cable retainer as shown in Figure 6.

Tighten the transmission control cable nut and adjust its position.

Install the retainer and the transmission control cable.

Connect the negative battery terminal.

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replacement

A special sensor is installed on the case of the automatic transmission, which informs the control unit about the selected operating mode, as well as turning on the reverse lights and breaking the circuit of the starter solenoid relay in certain modes.

If the reversing lights or the starter do not turn on (in positions P and N), you need to perform a sensor test

Before you start, you need to make sure that the selector cable is adjusted correctly, article - Replacing the selector lever

Running

Install the car on a lift or overpass

Remove the mudguard of the engine compartment

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

Press the latch and disconnect the wiring harness block from the sensor

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

With a tester in ohmmeter mode, we check, at various positions of the sensor lever, the closure of the corresponding contacts (shown on the removed sensor)

Contact closure diagram

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

If any contacts do not close or do not close according to the table, you can try to adjust the sensor

Yes Automatic transmission mode counter - check and replace

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

To do this, pry off the cable retainer with a thin screwdriver and remove it from the axis

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

Disconnect the selector cable from the axis

Lower the lever all the way down (to position (P)), and then raise it two clicks up (to position (N))

Re-measure the resistance between contacts (B) and (C)

If the resistance is between 713-788 ohms, the sensor is defective and needs to be replaced

If the resistance is out of the specified range, use a 5 mm hex wrench to loosen the sensor mounting bolts

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

And, slightly turning the sensor body, set the resistance between the contacts (B) and (C), equal to 750 Ohm

Tighten the sensor mounting bolts and repeat the check for contact closure

If the specified resistance value cannot be set or any contacts still do not close, replace the sensor

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

Using a 22 wrench, unscrew the lever fastening nut, holding the lever from turning with a 24 wrench

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

Remove the washer and lever

Automatic transmission mode sensor - check and replace

Unscrew the mounting bolts with a 5 hexagon wrench and remove the sensor

Install parts in reverse order

After installation, we adjust the sensor and selector cable