Transmission replacement/swap

KAOMA

MEMBER
2002 MAZDA 6
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
224,000 MILES

I have the vehicle listed above Atenza. Transmission got damaged and now I want to replace it. My engine code is LF-DE, I have tried to fit in a transmission for an L3 engine but does not work accordingly, when fitted it starts moving but keeps putting the transmission back in neutral and at times will not engage back in drive.

My question is, does the transmission for the two engines differ even though the housing is the same fits properly? Do I need to buy a transmission for an LF-DE engine specifically? Could it be that the computer box is malfunction as well? Please note that I tried to replace the computer box with an L3 computer box, the engine could not start.

if it is possible that the gearbox from an L3 engine can work on a LF engine, is there something I am missing that needs to be done to get the gearbox to work?

I have tried 3 different L3 gearbox and they all perform the same.

Your quick response will be highly appreciated.

Thank you,
Kaoma.

7 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

You need the exact transmission that you removed in order for it to work correctly. The L3 is different from the controls.

You will need the exact type of replacement and use the old ECM. It will now have to be re-flashed to operate correctly since you installed a different module.

The transmission can bolt up but not work correctly at all.

Roy

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Thursday, December 9th, 2021 AT 2:26 AM

KAOMA

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13 POSTS

Thanks Roy, for the reply. Do you know what software of hardware I can use to flash the module?

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Thursday, December 9th, 2021 AT 2:39 AM

KAOMA

MEMBER
13 POSTS

And is it possible to fit a manual transmission? If so, will the manual transmission work with an ECM or not? And is this something you would advise to do? I am asking this as in my country the common engine is L3, so all the delays stock L3 parts.

So, if changing it to a manual will help then I can look for manual gearbox, I can only source for an automatic transmission from Japan which is costing a lot and will take more than 2 months for the transmission to arrive.

Thank you,
Kaoma

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Thursday, December 9th, 2021 AT 2:46 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

No, you will need the factory scan tool connected with Mazda by the VIN number to download the most recent version of the programming.

Roy

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Thursday, December 9th, 2021 AT 2:46 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

A manual transmission will work but a lot of work is required to convert.

The ECM will have to be programmed for manual transmission for it to work properly.

Roy