Mazda Training manual - part 35

Powertrain Transmissions 

 

Automatic Transmissions 

• 

Depending on the installation position of the engine different types of automatic 
transmissions are used. Vehicles with transversally installed engine feature an ATX 
(Automatic Transaxle) and vehicles with longitudinally installed engine an AT (Automatic 
Transmission). The basic difference between ATX and AT is that the ATX has a 
differential integrated in the transmission housing, while the AT has an external 
differential at the rear axle. For the current European Mazda models only ATX are 
available. 

• 

The ATX fitted in the current Mazda models have the following features: 

– 

Four, five or six speeds  

– 

Two or three single type planetary gear sets, or a single type planetary gear set in 
combination with a Ravigneaux planetary gear set 

– 

Hydraulically controlled clutches, brakes and brake bands 

– 

Torque converter with torque converter clutch 

– 

Electronic control system integrated in the PCM or in a separate TCM  

 
• 

The following ATX are fitted in the current Mazda models: 

 

Model / ATX

FN4A-EL

FS5A-EL

AW6AX-EL

Mazda3

X

Mazda6

X

Mazda CX-7

X

L1001.4_T02005

 

 

NOTE:  All the automatic transmissions are very similar in operation and servicing. 

Therefore, this section only shows one sample of the current automatic 
transmissions. 

 

Curriculum Training 

02-11 

Transmissions Powertrain 

FS5A-EL Transmission 

• 

The FS5A-EL transmission is a five-speed ATX, which is controlled electronically by a 
TCM. It is only fitted in the Mazda6 models with LF and L3 engine. 

 

NOTE:  When replacing or refilling the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) and/or the 

separate transfer oil only use the specified type of oil (refer to the workshop manual 
for details). 

 

Overview 

 

L1001.4_02013 

 

1 Torque 

converter 

3 Differential 

2 

Torque converter clutch 

 

 

 
 
 

02-12 Curriculum 

Training 

Powertrain Transmissions 

 

Limited Slip Differential 

• 

For the current Mazda models a taper ring type LSD (Limited Slip Differential) is used 
(also termed as “Super LSD”). It is fitted to the rear axle of the Mazda6 MPS, Mazda  
MX-5, Mazda RX-8, Mazda BT-50, and to the MTX of the Mazda3 MPS. 

 

Overview 

 

L1001.4_02017 

Mazda MX-5 

 

1 

Pinion gear 

4 

Taper ring 

2 

Side gear  

5 

Retainer 

3 Cone 

6 Spring 

 
 
 

Curriculum Training 

02-13 

Transmissions Powertrain 

Service Procedures 

Rear Differential Oil Inspection and Oil Replacement 

• 

There are two different rear differentials (type A and type B) for the Mazda BT-50. The 
difference is the position of the oil filler hole due to a revised oil capacity. On the type A 
rear differential the oil level is higher than the oil filler hole, i.e. special measures are 
required for rear differential oil inspection and oil replacement. A caution label on the 
rear differential informs about this condition (refer to the respective service information 
for details). 

• 

On the type B rear differential the oil level is flush with the oil filler hole, i.e. rear 
differential oil inspection and oil replacement can be performed as usual (refer to the 
workshop manual for details). 

 

L1001.4_02019 

 

1 

Type A rear differential 

4 

Oil drain plug 

2 

Type B rear differential 

5 

Caution label 

3 

Oil filler plug 

 

 

 

02-14 Curriculum 

Training