I had a code for shift solenoid B stuck open and incorrect gear ratio in 2nd and 4th. I spent some time throwing money at it, replacing fluid, filter, solenoids, and I even tried a new TCM. I inspected the band and finally said "Screw it! I need a new transmission!" I found out really quick that Mazda5 transmissions were expensive. My best deal was $850 for a transmission with 170K miles. Hell no! I noticed that there were a lot of transmissions from 2010 Mazda3 2.0L. These transmissions were in the $300 range, with relatively low mileage. These cars use the FS5A-EL transmission, which is the same model as ours. Despite this, the Hollander interchangeability guide says that they are not interchangeable. I looked up companies that remanufacture them and noticed that they listed both of these cars as being able to use a remanufactured FS5A-EL. https://www.certifiedtransmission.com/remanufactured/FS5A-EL/
I then looked up part numbers for the engine and found that all Mazda FS5A-EL transmissions utilize the same internal components, part number for part number. Notice I said Mazda. Ford uses an FNR5 transmission that is the FS5A-EL with a few different parts.
Anyway, I decided to gamble. I bought a Mazda3 transmissions, with 54K miles, for only $321, shipping and tax included. I got it off eBay from a seller named i-80 auto parts. I called them and asked questions and finally bought it on a Monday. On Tuesday, I got an email telling me that they didn't want to send it, because according to their information (Hollander interchangeability guide), it wouldn't work. I assured than I had done my homework and would assume liability if it didn't work. I then received it on Thursday. The mount and the TCM were the only things that were not interchangeable, and they were easily swapped. The transmissions looked identical and even had the same code stamp on the side. I put it in and I am happy to say, "It works!" I am not sure if the Hollander guide said they were not interchangeable due to a mount and a bolt-on TCM, but I can tell you first hand, it works just fine. I did later have to change my TCM, but even with that cost, I still only spent $523, much less and much fewer miles than one from a Mazda5.
I then looked up part numbers for the engine and found that all Mazda FS5A-EL transmissions utilize the same internal components, part number for part number. Notice I said Mazda. Ford uses an FNR5 transmission that is the FS5A-EL with a few different parts.
Anyway, I decided to gamble. I bought a Mazda3 transmissions, with 54K miles, for only $321, shipping and tax included. I got it off eBay from a seller named i-80 auto parts. I called them and asked questions and finally bought it on a Monday. On Tuesday, I got an email telling me that they didn't want to send it, because according to their information (Hollander interchangeability guide), it wouldn't work. I assured than I had done my homework and would assume liability if it didn't work. I then received it on Thursday. The mount and the TCM were the only things that were not interchangeable, and they were easily swapped. The transmissions looked identical and even had the same code stamp on the side. I put it in and I am happy to say, "It works!" I am not sure if the Hollander guide said they were not interchangeable due to a mount and a bolt-on TCM, but I can tell you first hand, it works just fine. I did later have to change my TCM, but even with that cost, I still only spent $523, much less and much fewer miles than one from a Mazda5.
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