P0767 on 2012-2013 Mazda MAZDA3: Shift Solenoid D Stuck On Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2013 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2012-2013 Mazda3 was offered with two different automatic transmissions: a conventional 5-speed with the MZR engine and the newer 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive transmission (model FW6A-EL). For models equipped with the Skyactiv 6AT, Mazda issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that include code P0767. These bulletins reveal that internal contamination can cause oil pressure switches (A and B) within the control valve body to stick temporarily or permanently. The TCM interprets the resulting incorrect pressure reading as a stuck solenoid, setting the code. Therefore, the root cause is often the pressure switch, not the solenoid itself, a fact confirmed across numerous Mazda models sharing this transmission.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light and/or AT (Automatic Transaxle) warning light is on
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting
• Transmission getting stuck in a gear
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (stuck in a single gear, usually 3rd)
• Decreased fuel economy
• Engine may stall when coming to a stop
• Clunking or grinding noises from the transmission

Most Likely Causes

1. Sticking Oil Pressure Switch in Valve Body (Skyactiv Models) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Oil Pressure Switch As documented in Mazda TSBs like 05-005/14 and its successors (05-002/15, 05-003/20), contamination in the transmission fluid can cause the oil pressure switches to stick, leading to a variety of solenoid and pressure-related codes, including P0767. This is the most widely acknowledged failure for this code on this platform.
   How to confirm: A technician will follow the diagnostic procedure outlined in the TSB, which involves checking for specific DTCs (like P0842, P0847) and may require testing or replacement of the oil pressure switches (A and B) within the valve body.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the affected oil pressure switches (A and B) and potentially the control valve body. A transmission fluid drain and fill is required. In some cases, a TCM software update may be performed first.
   Est. part cost: $100-$600
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly Fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission, providing hydraulic pressure. If it's low or contaminated with debris, it can cause solenoids and switches to malfunction and is the cited cause of the pressure switch failure in TSBs.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition via the dipstick (if equipped) or service port. The fluid should be at the correct level, pink or red in color (specifically Mazda ATF-FZ blue fluid for Skyactiv), and not smell burnt.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill, or a complete fluid flush, using the correct Mazda ATF-FZ fluid.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150
3. Faulty Shift Solenoid 'D' ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Valve Body While the code points directly to the solenoid, on this platform it is less likely to be the root cause than the pressure switches. However, the solenoid can still fail electrically (shorted coil) or mechanically (stuck plunger).
   How to confirm: A technician can test the solenoid's resistance and function with a multimeter and by applying voltage to see if it clicks. This requires accessing the valve body.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the individual shift solenoid.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly A TCM failure, such as a shorted output driver, can cause incorrect signals to be sent to the solenoids. This is rare and should only be considered after all other possibilities, especially the TSB-related issues, have been exhausted.
• Wiring Harness Issues: Corroded connectors or damaged wires between the TCM and the transmission valve body can interrupt or short the signal to the solenoid, causing this code.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check and verify the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure the fluid is clean, at the correct level, and does not smell burnt. For Skyactiv models, the correct fluid is Mazda ATF-FZ (blue in color).
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for other accompanying transmission-related codes. Note any codes listed in Mazda TSBs (e.g., P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738).
3. If driving a model with the Skyactiv 6AT, consult Mazda TSB 05-005/14 or its successors (like 05-002/15 or 05-003/20). The diagnostic path will likely lead to inspecting the transmission valve body.
4. Inspect the transmission wiring harness and connectors for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
5. If TSBs point to it, a technician will need to remove the transmission oil pan to access the valve body.
6. Following the TSB, the primary suspects are oil pressure switches A and B. The procedure involves disconnecting their connectors and removing them from the valve body for replacement.
7. While the valve body is accessible, a technician can also test the resistance and operation of Shift Solenoid 'D' to rule it out completely.
8. If switches are faulty, replace them with new parts. The TSB recommends replacing both switches A and B.
9. After repairs, reinstall the oil pan with a new gasket, refill with the correct amount of Mazda ATF-FZ fluid, and clear the codes.
10. Perform a transmission relearn procedure if necessary and test drive the vehicle to confirm the fix.
🎬 Watch: How to reset your SkyActiv transmission for smoother shifting.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Oil Pressure Switch Kit (A & B) (OEM #FZ01-21-2J0 (individual switch), FZ01-21-2C0 (kit)) — This is the most common failure part according to Mazda TSBs for the Skyactiv 6AT. The TSB procedure involves replacing both switches.
  Trusted brands: Mazda (OEM)
  OEM price range: $80-$150 per switch or kit
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF-FZ) (OEM #0000-FZ-113E-01) — Any service on the valve body requires draining and replacing the fluid. Use of the specific blue ATF-FZ fluid is critical for Skyactiv transmissions.
  Trusted brands: Mazda, Idemitsu, Ravenol
  OEM price range: $15-$25 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20 per quart
• Transmission Control Valve Body (OEM #FZ21-21-100J (supercedes earlier numbers)) — In cases of severe contamination or if replacing the switches alone doesn't solve the problem, the entire valve body may need to be replaced.
  Trusted brands: Mazda (OEM)
  OEM price range: $800-$1400
  Aftermarket price range: $300-$600 (Remanufactured)
• Transmission Oil Pan Gasket — Must be replaced anytime the transmission oil pan is removed to access the valve body. Some applications use a form-in-place gasket (sealant) instead of a pre-formed gasket.
  Trusted brands: Mazda (OEM), Fel-Pro
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0842 — This is a code for Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Low. It is frequently listed alongside P0767 in Mazda TSBs for the same root cause of a sticking pressure switch.
• P0847 — Code for Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit High. Like P0842, it's part of the group of codes related to the TSB on sticking pressure switches.
• P1738 — A Mazda-specific code also related to transmission pressure switch issues, mentioned in the same TSBs.
• P0780 — Indicates a shift malfunction. This code is also listed in the TSBs related to sticking pressure switches, as the incorrect pressure readings can prevent a proper gear change.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #05-005/14: A key TSB for 2012-2014 Mazda3 and other models with the Skyactiv 6AT. It identifies sticking oil pressure switches A and/or B due to contamination as the cause for P0767 and other pressure codes (P0842, P0847, etc.). It provides a detailed procedure for replacing the switches.
• Bulletin #05-002/15: Supersedes 05-005/14 and others. It revises the applicable models and VINs and continues to point to sticking oil pressure switches as the root cause, recommending their replacement.
• Bulletin #05-003/20: A later TSB that further updates the list of affected vehicles and procedures. It confirms the same failure mechanism (contamination causing stuck switches) and repair path, sometimes prioritizing a TCM software update before parts replacement depending on the model year.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Mazda has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), including 05-005/14, 05-002/15, and 05-003/20, for the 6-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission (FW6A-EL). These bulletins state that contamination within the transmission can cause oil pressure switches to stick, triggering a host of DTCs including P0767. The official repair involves replacing the faulty switches (A and B) inside the valve body. For some vehicles, a TCM software update is the first step, but for the 2012-2013 Mazda3, parts replacement is the typical final repair.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Shift Solenoid 'D' Resistance (for 5-Speed FS5A-EL) — expected: 10.9 - 26.2 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• On/Off Solenoid Resistance (for 6-Speed FW6A-EL) — expected: 11 - 14 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range suggests a faulty solenoid.
• Solenoid 'D' Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Should be 0V. A constant 12V reading indicates a short or a stuck TCM driver.. Failure: Voltage should only appear (12V pulse) when the TCM commands the shift.
• Oil Pressure Switch Bolt Torque — expected: 9-10 N·m (80-88 in·lbf). Failure: Incorrect torque can lead to leaks or damage to the valve body.
• Solenoid Bidirectional Voltage Test — expected: Voltage should scale with commanded duty cycle (e.g., 4.8V at 100%).. Failure: Voltage that does not change with the scan tool command points to a wiring or TCM issue.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Cluster of codes: P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738: While not technically 'hidden', the appearance of P0767 alongside any of these pressure switch or general malfunction codes is a strong diagnostic indicator. It points directly to the known TSB issue of sticking internal pressure switches, rather than an isolated solenoid fault. (see via Any standard OBD-II scanner capable of reading transmission control module (TCM) codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Mazda IDS / FORScan: Initial Learning Procedure — This procedure must be performed after replacing the valve body or pressure switches to allow the TCM to relearn the hydraulic characteristics and shift points of the new components.
• Advanced Bidirectional Scanner (e.g., Dyvo Meter, high-end Snap-On/Autel): Solenoid Duty Cycle Command — To actively test the TCM's ability to control a solenoid. A technician can command the solenoid's duty cycle from 0-100% and monitor the voltage response on the signal wire to confirm the TCM driver and wiring are functioning correctly.
• Professional Scan Tool: TCM Communication Test — As a first step to verify that the TCM is online and communicating with the rest of the vehicle's network. A failure here points to a power, ground, or module failure before any component testing is done.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TCM/PCM Location — For 6-speed Skyactiv models, the transmission is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is typically mounted directly to the battery box in the engine bay. For the 5-speed automatic, the TCM is a separate module located under the battery tray, on top of the transmission case.. Knowing which module controls the transmission and its physical location is critical for checking connections, testing wiring, and diagnosing a potential module failure.
• G06 — Ground point located at the left rear of the engine.. A poor ground at this location can cause a variety of sensor and actuator issues, including erratic solenoid behavior.
• G07 — Ground point located at the top rear of the engine.. This is another critical engine ground. Widespread communication codes (U-codes) along with P0767 can indicate a faulty ground connection affecting multiple systems.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the overwhelming evidence for P0767 on the Skyactiv Mazda3 points to the TSB regarding internal oil pressure switches, it should not be the only possibility considered. A basic electrical failure of the solenoid itself (e.g., a shorted coil) or a wiring issue between the PCM and the transmission can still occur. Verifying the solenoid's resistance (approx. 11-14 Ohms for the FW6A-EL) and checking for 12V pulses on the signal wire during commanded shifts are fundamental diagnostic steps that must be performed to rule out these less common, but still possible, causes before committing to an internal valve body repair.

OEM Part Supersession History

• FZ21-21-100 (any level) → Various programmed valve bodies (e.g., PEY0-21-C00 for 2012-13 Mazda3) — Mazda phased out the 'blank' service valve body and began supplying pre-programmed units to simplify replacement.
  Heads up: For vehicles produced on or before March 29, 2013, the blank valve body is no longer available. A specific programmed valve body must be ordered. A key benefit is that these new programmed units do not require TCM configuration/programming after installation.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2012-2013: The 2012 model year was the first to introduce the 2.0L Skyactiv engine paired with the 6-speed FW6A-EL automatic transmission. Base models could still have the non-Skyactiv 2.0L MZR engine with a 5-speed automatic (FS5A-EL). The P0767 diagnosis is completely different between these two transmissions.
• Pre-March 29, 2013 Production: Vehicles built before this date used a valve body that, if replaced, might require a different replacement part number (a new 'programmed' valve body) than later 2013 models.
• 2013: The 2013 model year introduced minor updates, including an available touchscreen infotainment system and blind-spot monitoring, but the core powertrain components related to this code remained the same as the 2012 Skyactiv models.