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Put the car on a level surface, jack it up and lower it onto stands.
Drain the gearbox oil (see Mazda 3 gearbox oil change).
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Checking the variable valve timing actuator (L3) Mazda 3
The actuator for changing the valve timing is a precision assembly and cannot be disassembled.
Disconnect the negative battery cable
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Adjusting the AT mode selector cable
If during the operation of the car there is a discrepancy between the positions of the selector and the actual mode of operation of the automatic transmission, for example:
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Drive shafts transmit torque from the engine, gearbox and differential to the front wheels
In the gearbox housing, the drive shafts are splined to the side gears of the differential