Gearbox Mazda F4A-EL

The Mazda F4A-EL or Ford 4EAT-F 4-speed automatic transmission has been produced since 1989 and is installed on cars of several brands, including some Kia models. This transmission is designed for power units up to 2.0 liters or 150 Nm of torque.

Mazda gearboxes: F3A, G4A‑EL, GF4A‑EL, F4A‑EL, AW6A‑EL, FW6A‑EL / GW6A‑EL, SJ6A‑EL.

Specifications

Production years	since 1989
Type	automatic transmission
Number of gears	4
Type of drive	front
Engine volume, l	up to 2.0
Torque output, Nm	up to 150
Recommended oil	Dexelia ATF M-III
Oil capacity, liter	5.9
Replacing the oil	every 60,000 km
Replacing the filter	every 60,000 km
Gearbox lifespan, km	~250 000

Gear ratios Mazda F4A-EL

Using the example of a Kia Rio 2001 with a 1.5 liter engine:

Main	3.740
1st	2.800
2nd	1.540
3rd	1.000
4th	0.700
Reverse	2.330

The transmission was installed on:

• Mazda 323 IV (BG) in 1989 – 1994; 323 V (BA) in 1994 – 1998; 323 VI (BJ) in 1998 – 2003;
• Mazda MX-3 I (EC) in 1991 – 1998;

As 4EAT-F:

• Ford Escort USA 2 (CT20) in 1990 – 1996; Escort USA 3 in 1996 – 2002;
• Ford Escort ZX2 in 1997 – 2003;
• Ford Laser 4 in 1994 – 1999;
• Kia Rio 1 (DC) in 1999 – 2005;
• Kia Sephia 1 (FA) in 1992 – 1997; Sephia 2 (FB) in 1997 – 2003;
• Kia Shuma 1 (FB) in 1997 – 2001; Shuma 2 (SD) in 2001 – 2004;
• Kia Spectra 1 (SD) in 2000 – 2011;
• Mercury (как 4EAT-F) Capri 3 in 1991 – 1994;
• Mercury Tracer 2 in 1990 – 1996; Tracer 3 in 1996 – 1999.

Disadvantages of the Mazda F4A-EL gearbox

• The first years of production there were many problems with the transmission, but then it became easier.
• Most of all complaints about vibrations in the gearbox due to critical wear of the bushings.
• The electrical part of the automatic transmission is afraid of overheating, keep the radiators clean.
• Due to the soft metal, the rear gearbox cover wears out quickly and requires replacement.
• Other breakdowns are standard and are associated with natural wear and tear of the automatic transmission mechanics.