BL Mazda 3 (2009 to 2013): How to Remove and Reinstall the TCM (Transmission Control Module).
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- In this video I demonstrate how to remove and reinstall the TCM (Transmission Control Module) in a BL Mazda 3 (2009 to 2013).
You do not need to configure anything on the replacement TCM. Just install it and drive away. It is plug and play.
If you are in Australia, I have seen the reconditioned TCMs done by Injectronics, and it's very well done. Their work looks first rate to me. www.injectronic...
I've also started to see relatively inexpensive reconditioned units on eBay.
The TCM model numbers that I am aware of are:
BL 2.0L petrol engine
LFAE-18-9E1
LFAE-18-9E1B
LFAE-18-9E1C
LFAE-18-9E1D
LFAE-18-9E1E
LFAE-18-9E1F
LFAE-18-9E1G
LFAE-18-9E1H
LFJS-18-9E1C
BL 2.5L petrol engine SP25:
L552-18-9E1C
L552-18-9E1D
L552-18-9E1E
L552-18-9E1F
Note that these problems with the TCM get worse over time. Eventually, neither drive (D) nor reverse (R) will work at all. However, neutral (N) will still be selectable and will function. If you really need to move the car, then third gear will still be selectable by moving the selector into the manual (M) section of the D/M cross-point, and flicking the selector down twice to move from first to second gear, and then second the third gear. You're welcome.
TAGS: BL Mazda 3 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 trouble change gears slow to drop into gear TCM light error code U0101
This is an excellent video on this topic. Paul shows you the little things that most people do not include in their videos. You know, how to take out the battery box. Most people just say "remove the battery box" without telling or showing you how to overcome that "all you gotta do" step. It is the added steps that make a difference in work like this. Thanks
This has to be the best detailed & informative video on how to change this, thank you so much from Maryland, USA
I appreciate the thorough 'breakdown' and experience. Diagnostics indicate there is a U0101, where the module has lost communication. I also had the 'AT' light ignite. It's in the dealership now. Fingers crossed!
Thanks Paul….I just changed the TCM in my daughter’s car. It was a breeze, so easy to do. Now she can cruise the coast of California with her friends again.
Thanks Paul, Great video. I'm fixing my daughters Mazda 3 TCM and you gave me great advice and answered the questions I had about what they do in reconditioning... I will go to the wrecker and try my luck first...trying to be the hero again and save my daughter a few hundred bucks...we live near Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada. Thanks Clarence
I wished i have found your video 9months earlier. My 2012 mazda 3 only had 35k miles and couldn't understand how the TCM could go out. I thought mice had chew threw the wires somewhere. Thanks for very informative video
Fantastic. From England. Really well explained. I have a Mazda 2012 and will get the reconditioned hardware.
Thank you so much for your time learning all this and then sharing your knowledge and experience with all of us.
It can be so hard to find a video for your exact car and full footage of r+r but this is EXACTLY what I need.
Got a sp23 bk that just threw the toys out the pram tonight. And then here you are with an exact process from start to finish with great clear instructions and footage.
Thank you Paul
Glad to help. Paul.
Very clear communication and made as simple as possible. Excellent job
I did it! Thanks to you- Paul! from Laura in New Jersey, USA
This info has probably saved me thousands, much appreciated. Perth WA
Did it work for you?
Thank you so much saved me over a $500 in labour 🙏🏽
You're welcome. Pay it forward! Paul.
In The USA, thanks for sharing. Helpful information
Brazil is in the house! Great and detailed video.
Excellent video with very clear explanations.
My 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 has the TCM integrated with the ECM, ie, there is no separate TCM. Series 2 has TCM.
New genuine ECM costs $6k
Is it an option to have the ECM(TCM) reconditioned with a mob like Injectronics?
Or, depending on how much you love the car, you could also look at buying a smashed up 2005 SP23 at a salvage auction and take a punt on landing a good ECM. The car made it to the scene of the accident after all.....
Injectronics is an option.
It is my understanding that an ECM from a wrecked vehicle will only work if it has the same ECM Part No. Can you confirm this?
Hello Mam am a very old technician but I see you REALLY know what you are doing 👍🙌 Hello from Boston Massachusetts USA 👌
Thank you…. I will try this before going to a repair shop. Even if this is not the problem . Very sound advice to refurbish anyway!
Tammy from Arlington Washington.
How’d it go?
This video made me look like a master under the hood,all the way from Baltimore,Maryland USA
USA here. thanks for the helpful video and bit of advice at the end. im choosing to go w/ a refurbished from ebay with a reputable seller. i was all prepared to spend a fortune on a new one, until your tip about the bad engineering of the tcm in the first place.
Its not bad manufacturing. Its the fact that manufacturers have to use lead free solder and the placement of the module. The problem is the heating and cooling of the TCM. That causes circuit board flex and cracking of the solder joints.
Thanks Paul, this seems easy enough. Potentially saving me a fat mechanic bill.
- Dude from Canada 🇨🇦 💪🏽
Just found out that I will be chasing this down in my daughters car, and it looks like I lucked out on my FIRST video researching location and possible replacement. I've already seen the prices (hello from USA) so I will take a little time in
making sure it isn't wiring, or connection.
You did put my mind at ease about the firewall not being on fire. He.. he. I will be doing that mount for sure, if I replace it.
If you don't mind? Some general information type sites are stating that bad wiring is usually the culprit, and it "rarely being the TCM", and I only have the one code. (U0101) The car runs great, and then suddenly BAM.... downshift?, disengages? and back? it then goes back to running as it should. It's hard to tell exactly because it pretty violent at 45 mph, or whatever the rest of the world (correctly) calls it. It's like getting rear ended by someone doing 1.609344 Killemneaters? Klobberweiners? Klimbameter?Kouldbeneater? (but it's all I got) per hour,
OR? (correctly) referred to as 5 mph. Lol.
We used the metric system when I worked in the machine shop at CASE Construction, and I far prefer it, but ya know? exceptionalism and all. (example of exceptional sarcasm right there) We Built the skid steers, or "skidders" I believe you may say.
I release you from responsibility of burden for giving your advice on which you believe my focus should be more on.
TCM?
Wiring / connections?
Where might I favor focus too?
My asking is a reflection of your specific experience with this vehicle, along with an intelligent manner in how you simply explained this. The inside scoop on factory issues was good to know, but at 3x used price, it would have never been a purchase I would have made. I haven't yet been bitten with that mindset yet, and I've turned many wrenches holding the title of family and friends mechanic.
The pay is awful, but at least they call when i'm busy with other things.
Great video, even if you don't find the time to reply.
A like and a sub for you my friend.
Thanks.
Hey friend, I got the same exact issue as you described. Mine is a 2010 Mazda3 S Sport 2.5L. Do you found the cause of the problem? I’m at the same position as you: Tcm? Wires? Both? Any info willl be greatly apreciated 🙏🙏
@@gcertain
I literally just found out what wasn't the problem 1 week ago. I boiled it down to it having to be the TCM, so I sent it out to a place called upfix I believe was the name, or upshot? I could find out if you decide whether that is your issue or not. After getting it back in, The AT light was still on so I immediately thought that I had misdiagnosed the issue. So, the hard bangs into reverse and drive when first putting in gear were completely gone, at this point I still have not moved the car yet, but the AT light was still on. While first driving the car during the factory re-learn process driving the under 15mph (if i remember) it seemed to be shifting 1 thru 3rd and back down, but when going to the next step of doing 50mph I realized that it was staying in 4th gear. After doing the re-learn a couple more times, and resetting it and just driving without relearn it just stayed in 4th gear. The car was in limp mode I believe, but I took it up to 90mph and it wasn't speed restricted, so i am not sure if it was a limp mode or just stuck in 4th gear. Another thing is that the TCM on this car had already been reworked prior to me getting the car. (my daughters car). I believe that I either had a short, or probably a signal issue in my car that i wasn't able to find and my TCM would cut the signal off and on, so she would be driving, (mostly her but i was able to reproduce 5 or six times over 1 year) and the trans would think that it was just online and shift into first gear then immediately shirt back into drive and the old TCM would just do that. I believe in my case that when getting the remanned one it knew that there was a signal issue and went right into limp mode as it should. Mt daughter graduated high school last week and will be going to college about 50 miles away and has been working since she was 16, just because she wanted to, so we traded it in while it was running, lol, i was honest with them. She got a really nice ford fusion titanium 2.o turbo EcoBoost with like 246hp and 260tq, but only daddy cares about that. lol. I have a couple ideas on what i could have done differently if you want to hear, but right now I have got things to do, and this is a lot of typing for a two fingered chicken picker like me. lol. I really dont mind if you have any questions, I just may not get right back to you depending on how busy i get and I would love to see you succeed at this where I was unable too. Good luck, and don't hesitate to pick my brain, if need be, I really don't mind.
@@Thesaurcery4U2C haha thank you sir for taking the time to reply. I will check further before pulling the trigger on a new TCM (590$, ouchhh). I’m in that stage between getting rid of the car (which I love) or throw more money until I find a solution. If I find it, I will let you know just to see how close or far you were 🤣 Thanks once again, and good luck to you and your daughter!
@@gcertain That company where I had mine worked on offered a 90 day warranty covering the issues that you check off or describe in the online order form. They disable the part, do a visual inspection for any obviously blown components and then re-solder all cold joints for just under $200. I believe that they did repair mine, and it didn't do a single thing wrong that the old one did, it sensed a signal issue in the cars wiring
(my assumption) and went into limp mode, as mazda programmed it to do. Have you tried to reset your TCM yet? I ask because in the beginning when I would do that, I would get a month or two of hassle-free driving. There is a specific way to drain all of the charge from the care other than just unhooking the battery cables, and a re-learn driving process that takes about 20 min. That is a lot of time where those internal trans parts aren't banging into each other so hard.
Thanks from Boston Massachusetts!
From Canada. Thanks 👍
Awesome work! Thanks for the knowledge and coming here from Texas
Excellent video! Thanks! 👍
Nice one mate we just had this replaced at auto masters. In another video they said to not mount the module back where it was from the factory but cable tie or mount to the firewall to stop it getting hot.
Cheers
Hi Racoonman100. I have a 2011 mazda 3 two litre. My ecm needs replacing as it is doing all the things described above, I have also had it diagnosed. Just wondering if you could tell me what sort of money it cost you to have it replaced?
Cheers, Fred.
@@2011dawnie cost us around 12 to 13 hundred dollars and it apparently had to be sent to the eastern states of Australia from Western Australia.all fixed and running better than before. We did it with auto masters (mechanic)
Thanks heaps for that!
@@2011dawnie no worries at all.
Thanks from the Mile High City in the USA
Oklahoma, USA. Thank you so much for the video. My car has just been sitting because I needed this replaced. Looks easy enough. Great video except for some of the background sounds, a little loud.
Thanks Paul, much appreciated
Knowledgeable and entertaining. Wonderful
thanks from USA
Thanks for this good instructional video
Hi Paul, your videos are great. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have a 2011 Mazda 2.0 BL NEO, the TCM part number is LFAE189E1E. Can you advise what other part numbers i can use? Thanks.
Greetings from Melbourne, FLORIDA, USA!
Bakersfield, California USA 🇺🇸
Good information 👍🏿
Thanks from AL USA🎉
Hello my Mazda 3 from USA TCM part number is LF8M 18 9E1F. What others TCM modules with different part numbers will make my car drive normally?
C thru H are compatible i just ordered a new TCM from dealer in Cali cost me $ 517.00 + shipping.
Great video brother, thank you.
Thank you very much. I want to ask you something. My vehicle is a 2006 model 1.6 automatic transmission Mazda 3. Unfortunately, I cannot find the TCM in my vehicle. Where do you think it could be?
Don't quote me, but I think in the earlier models, the TCM functions are housed in the ECM.
Fantastic from Australia
Great video and helpful links. Thank you!
Thank you for the in depth tutorial. My 2010 Mazda 3 had the AT light turn on a few months back and its been driving me nuts. It gets stuck in a certain gear and makes it impossible to drive on the highway; 4,000 rpms going 60mph. I'm going to try and buy one online and replace it using your guide. I'm not a car guy, so I have a question. When looking up this module online, I see several different part numbers for what looks like the same thing. And they all say 2010 or a range of years including 2010. Does it matter which one I get? Or should it be the same exact part number that I currently have? Thank you
For the 2.0L petrol, any of the following modules will make your car drive normally:
LFAE-18-9E1
LFAE-18-9E1B
LFAE-18-9E1C
LFAE-18-9E1D
LFAE-18-9E1E
LFAE-18-9E1F
LFAE-18-9E1G
LFAE-18-9E1H
LFJS-18-9E1C
You will notice for the LFAE series, the only that changes is the last character. This just indicates that as the car was manufactured (2009 to 2013), the engineers developed more refined algorithms for thing like gear changes.
But if the car has been serviced at a Mazda dealership, then they would update the software at each service (if you ask for it). So even if your part number says LFAE-18-9E1C, it is entirely possible that the firmware inside the chip has been updated to the H revision.
I hope that helps.
Paul.
Engine light and AT light came up yesterday on our 09 sp25 scan tool saying PO753 shift solenoid A electrical. I’m assuming it’s the TCM as you have shown. Symptoms clunking into drive and reverse.
Thanks for the video. Going to give this a crack. Cheers
Hi Steve, yep, that sounds exactly like a TCM failure.
Just so you know, I've noticed a bunch of sellers on eBay selling new non-genuine TCMs that are made in China. They don't have either of the model numbers used in Australia (LFAE-18-x for the 2.0L petrol, and L552-18-x for the 2.5L petrol).
The reason that I mention this is that you now have a dilemma. Do you fork out the $2,000 to Mazda to gt a new one, or $1,200 to get your old TCM reconditioned, or do you punt on a second hand one from a wrecker for about $600, or do you punt on one of these non-genuine new ones from China for $450 (assuming the seller assures you that it will work in your car?
If you do go with the Chinese eBay option, could you please write back and let me know? I'm very curious.
Paul.
@@PaulinPerth morning Paul! I removed the TCM today, think I’m going to try a few local Mazda wreckers for a change over first and see how i go,
Quick question I have the sp25 number L552 18 9E1C
Do I have to match the entire part number or just the first 2 sections for the TCM to work
Also I have a 09 model car. I can’t see anything in the manual about auto trans service intervals… is it lifetime oil in these or is it worth buying a service kit and some fluid and giving it a freshen up.
I’ll let you know how I go with the TCM pricing. As the car is approaching 200k and 2009 I’m thinking of buying a wrecker module and maybe look at moving it on and upgrading.
@@PaulinPerth update mate
I found a local wrecker selling referbed units for approx $650 with a 5yr warranty so I’m going to go with him! Cheers for the help! Much appreciated.
@stevev7696 do you mind sharing the information/ or link to that local wrecker much appreciated thank you.
@@phatp569 Allmaz wreckers in Clayton Victoria
Paul, I had a hell of a time getting the battery box out! When re-assembling is there any reason for me NOT to cut down the height of the rear of that box? Seems I'll be able to slide it in easily.
You da man !!!
Hey Paul! Excelent video! I am from Argentina but living in Brisbane! I have a question, so i have a 2010 sp25 and the engine light turns on and the AT ligh ocasionally, and the scan read that it is the OSS ( code p0720) and then two codes from abs that said invalid data from body control module. Do you think i have to change TCM?
Thank you for your help!
I've never come across that exact set of issues, but from reading here www.mazda3forums.com/threads/p0720-2010-mazda-3-tcm-relocation.770551/, it sounds like it is time for you to replace your TCM.
Paul.
my part number is LFAM189E1E .. how do i know if my tcm is one chip or two?
I'm pretty sure all the TCMs have multiple chips on them. If you turn them over you can see several through the gel. I would only expect one of them to be an EEPROM though. I really don't know the exact mix of chips. Sorry. Paul.
Watching From belize I have the same problem 😊
Will any Mazda 3 TCM work? I have a 2008 2.0 and wondering if I can just get one from q junk yard and use any. Or do I have to use the same one with the same code???
It will need to be from the same series with the same engine and transmission. So you can't use the TCM from a BK on a BL, or the TCM for the 2.0L engine on a 2.5L engine.
Love the video .. I live in Houston texas USA.. .. I am having this problem with my tcm I have a 3015 mazda 6 the check engine light on and a traction light on the code is p 0882 low voltage
Who does the reco on the TCM mate? And do you have to have these calibrated prior to re-install?. Please advise, cheers
In Australia, the only place I know that does the reconditioning is Injectronics. There is nothing to calibrate once you get them back. You just plug them in and go.
So if you get one off of a junked one will it have to be reprogrammed or if I buy one will it have to be 2012 Mazda 3
No reprogramming is needed. You just install it as is. Start the car up and drive. Paul.
Can it be off a junk car same year and model someone is telling me that vin has to match for them to communicate
I assure you that the VIN can be different. I've successfully transferred several TCMs from different cars.
hey do you know the TCM model numbers for the Mazda 5 2.3L? specifically the 2008 from the USDM
I don't, but injectronics will injectronics.com.au/. Failing that, ring a Mazda dealership and get a quote from them. The quote will include the correct part number.
Do you need to reprogram these modules? After replacemwnt from wrecker?
You don't need to reprogram anything. Just plug it in.
Once you replace it does it need to be programmed or anything like that or just plugs back in and should be ready to go ?
It is plug and play. Literally plug it in, secure it, put the battery back in, and start it.
Hello, firstly, I appreciate your videos very much, I am a new Mazda 3 BL owner and have some issues regarding the TCM. Maybe you could share what you think the issue would be?
The car drives normally when it is newly started, up to the point where everything gets too hot I guess. For the first 20 minutes I can shift gears up and down with no issues, however after 20 minutes (approximately), whenever I try to sift into fifth gear, it has some delay (which also happens in the first 20 minutes too), and after that it either shifts or not and I get error codes p0777 and p0735. Also after about 20 mins, when I shift into R, it takes a few seconds to start moving, kind of halts for a bit and then drives back. I made some experiments, installed the TCM below brake pipes with zip ties, wrapped a container around it with a cooler fan and connected a pipe which was coming out at the car's front bumper, which would blow air and keep the TCM cool. I thought the TCM would give me these messages when it would get hot, but in this case I drove for a good 30 mins and still got the AT light on with same codes, but the TCM was pretty cool when I touched it. That got me confused, why would it work at first but then give me error codes even if the TCM itself does not get hot? If you have any ideas I would appreciate, because it is a bit difficult to fix this problem where I live, since I first need to find a working TCM that would go with my car, as the transmission mechanic said that mechanically it should be ideal as all shifting was smooth when he drove, and wants me to address TCM first before disassembling the transmission.
Hi Raven,
have it professionally diagnosed. The BL M3 is an inherently good car. They are worth fixing. If the TCM needs replacing, then my advice is to replace/repair it. BLs are a good car. Paul.
how would you attached the TCU to the firewall? with screws right into the back of the firewall?
I've seen people cable tie them to the brake lines.
@@PaulinPerthwill this cause any damage to the break lines with the weight of the Tcm jossling or hanging overtime?
who should i contact to get a t c m repaired ,please?
If you are in Australia, then contact Injectronics. Paul.
Hi Paul I drive a 2006 triptronic mazda 3 gears don't want to shift
Paul - do you know if a new one is bought from Mazda - with the same part number - does it need to be configured by Mazda or is it simply a plug and play? Cheers, Russ
Hello Russ, it is plug and play. There is no configuration required. Paul.
@@PaulinPerth Thanks Paul - was going to buy a new genuine Mazda one from PArtsouq in Dubai - $900 including courier, but then thought probably better to get mine repaired by Injectronics in Melbourne. $1200. So will let you know how they go. Mind you, the mechanics labour to replace (the car is a distance from me at the moment), is $850, which I think is a ripoff. But no option.
@@russmeachamruss Holy cow. I wish I could charge $850 for that job. You've seen in the video how easy it is.
Injectronics do a sterling job, so I am confident that your reconditioned unit will not fail again.
Just as a side note, I have seen on eBay recently sellers are offering units that appear to have been reconditioned in China. I can't comment as to the quality, but the price is eye-catching: around AUD $450. I'm curious to hear if any subscribers have used these items.
Paul.
@@PaulinPerth It is stupid price isn't it. It's why I do most of the work on my cars. I hate being ripped off - they had 4.9 google review and lots of positive comments - clearly the people who go there are stupid or don't care about money. But they did check the solenoid resistance as I requested (which was what the error code said) and found it was fine. As expected. They were initially going to send the car to a transmission place to check - but I told them to just remove the TCM and have it repaired as I will take the risk that is the real problem - which it is. Hard to find mechanics you can trust.
@@russmeachamruss Wow. They open the module and re flow dry solder joints with leaded solder and then close it back up
Does a used tcm need programed
No. All you need to do is plug it in.
Hi sir !
I looked mazda 3 ,2017 hatchback 52000km for $21000 in perth..is it good for uberX and what about engine and other working condition ..Thanks ..…
Hi Ahsan,
The manufacturing year 2017 correlates to the BN model. I've never owned one or wrecked one, so I cannot speak form personal experience.
However, I have looked up the BN on ProductReview, and it has scored 4.3/5 stars and has overwhelmingly good reviews.
www.productreview.com.au/listings/mazda-3-bn-2016-present
If I was you, I would read the reviews on that page, and then make a decision. From the few minutes I took to review them, the BN looks like a reliable, well loved model.
Paul in Perth.
Very very helpful, also in perth mate if you could recommend anywhere?
Injectronics to do the remanufacturing. You can use this video to do the uninstall and install yourself.
Thanks
I got a new tcm but getting same error
Then your new TCM is also faulty. Send it back.
hi Paul , don't you have to code this after re-installing?
Nope. You just start the car up.
Awesome video! When i get a new or refurbished TCM for my 2010 Mazda 3, do i need a dealer to program it, or just plug in and go?
Plug it in and turn the key. There is no programming required. Paul.
@@PaulinPerthcan I go to the junk yard and get from the other TCM there? (same 2010 mazda 3)
@@amadolasala200 Yes you can. But of course you don't know how long that used TCM will work for.
@@PaulinPerthwhere can I get one brand new??
Thank you so much!
My transmission shop recommended i spend 5 grand to rebuild the transmission when this might just save me an insane amount of money
Yep. A faulty TCM will give all the impressions of a faulty transmission. In all likelihood it's just the TCM.
I'm glad I was able to help you. Please note that I have found some sellers on eBay selling reconditioned TCMs at a reasonable price. So there is that option now.
Paul.
@@PaulinPerth thank you it really means a lot i managed to find some on ebay but rockauto and most websites are completely out of stock atleast for now.
@@PaulinPerthI was about to buy one brand new from Mazda but I’m glad you explained that it would fail again. I’m getting a reman TCM from eBay. Thanks!
@@jerrychoochoodid it work
How do you reset the codes and reset after you replace the tcm?
You'll need an OBD2 scanner and use the reset DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) feature. Get a Bluetooth one off eBay. They aren't expensive.
Thank you @@PaulinPerth
I wonder if it would help to put some spacers in between the transmission and the module to help keep it cooler...from the United States.
It wouldn't hurt. Some people cable tie the TCM to the brake lines on the firewall. Paul.
@@PaulinPerth that's what I ended up doing.
Im having something similar happeing to my mazda3 2010. AT light is on check engine light on. It drives sometimes. But at times will start flashing AT light and losing control light (its right next to the AT light). When that happens i cant gas the car anymore. I have to park on the side for a little and power will come back . Not sure is these are symptoms of this. But if anyone can help. I would appreciate it
I couldn’t find one anywhere Mazda charged me 967.75 it’s insane
Does a used one from another Mazda have to be programmed?
No. They just plug in and work. No programming required.
U.S. ,thanks Paul!
What does the (BL) in Mazda 3 BL stand for?
I don't know that it is anything specific. The model before it is the BK, and the models after it are BM, BN and BP. I think they are just going through the alphabet.
@@PaulinPerth How can I find out which mazda I have?
Washington State, U.S.A.
USA!