Here is Why the Mazda 3 AT Light Comes On

Mazda 3 is a compact car manufactured by Mazda. Also known as Mazda Axela, the car comes with the most modern features like comfort, speed, aesthetics, and others. However, despite its popularity, this car has given most owners headaches with its malfunctioning transmission system. In most cases, owners report gear slippage, delayed shifting, inability to shift, and unpredictable shifting.

Adventure is all that gearheads love. Every car lover will give you several reasons they enjoy modern cars. But seeing any warning light on the dashboard is the scariest thing with cars. And one of the most notorious warnings is the AT light Mazda 3. Nearly every online forum has queries like AT light on Mazda 3 2004, 2006 Mazda 3 AT warning light, 2007 Mazda 3 AT warning light, 2008 Mazda 3 AT warning light, and many others.

The Auto Tool Box team has reviewed the claims and come up with a lasting solution for Mazda Axela gearbox issues. So, read to the end and reclaim your vehicle’s power.

What Does It Mean When the AT Light Comes On?

The AT (Automatic Transaxle) in Mazda is responsible for shifting the gears while driving without needing the driver’s input. It consists of the transmission system, the axles, and the differential.

The Mazda AT light meaning is simple. It informs the driver of a possible fault with the transmission system. The system uses numerous sensors to monitor different parts and their functionalities. So, if it detects any fault, it will alert you on the dashboard.

What Triggers the AT Light to Come On?

The Mazda 3 AT light is triggered by the onboard computer system, which interprets signals from the sensors. Sometimes the computer system can also trigger the check engine light. It can point to the same problem since modern cars activate limp mode on the engine once they detect a transmission problem to prevent further damage. However, there are two main instances when the computer triggers the AT light. Read below:

Low Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid helps in smooth gear shifting. If this fluid is low, the car can experience problems shifting gears. Mazda 3 has a transmission dipstick (a rod with an orange-colored rubber coating near the battery box). The rod has two 20 degrees and two 65 degrees Celcius marks. Normally, the transmission fluid level should be between the two 65 degrees Celcius marks.

Transmission Issue

The other problem is the transmission system in general. In this case, you will need to scan the transmission system using relevant tools. We will look at this later in this article.

What Are the Signs That the Transmission Is Failing in Your Mazda 3?

• Dashboard Light Comes On – the computer system may illuminate the AT and check the engine lights. This is because the car automatically gets to limp mode after the transmission system malfunctions.
• Refusal to Change Gears – The car may fail to shift gears, especially when the transmission fluid is low. Also, it can run on low gears due to limp mode. Typically, you will note that the car accelerates slowly.
• Slipping Gears – this is generally caused by wear and tear. The car doesn’t normally respond during acceleration or deceleration.
  Clunking, Whining, or Humming Sounds – these sounds may vary with the Mazda Axela trim level. The sounds appear during gear shifting or when the car is in neutral gear.
• Shaking or Jerking – the car should always give a smooth ride. But if it shakes or jerks when driving, know there are problems with the transmission system. Normally, the car will drive in the wrong gear, and during shifting, it slightly jerks if the transmission fluid is low.
• Burning Smell – a burning smell indicates much friction in the gearbox. This usually occurs if the transmission fluid is low and the moving parts are rubbing on each other. It turns worse if this friction causes the metallic parts to expand. A burning smell can also occur due to corrosion or dirty transmission fluid.

What Should You Do When the AT Light Comes on Your Mazda 3?

Stop the car as soon as possible when you see AT on dashboard Mazda and troubleshoot the problem. This is because metallic components can wear quickly if you continue driving. Once you have parked the car, do the following:

Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

Do you remember the transmission dipstick we mentioned earlier? Locate it under the car battery box and check if the transmission fluid level is within the two 65 degrees marks. Check for leakage under the gearbox if the transmission fluid regularly runs low. You can also inspect the seals or the transmission pan gasket.

If there are leaks or other repairs, you will have to take the car to the repair shop. However, you can check the transmission fluid quality and drain if it’s dirty.

Use an OBD-II Scanner on the Vehicle to Check for Codes

An OBD scanner (Onboard diagnostics) connects to the car system and diagnoses the issue. If you understand the meaning of Mazda 3 codes, you can use your tool and determine the issue. However, you may still need a professional to fix it if you don’t have skills or certification. For instance, the AT light can illuminate if the TCM (Transmission Control Module) loses communication with the other components. In this case, you will require an expert to fix it.

How Do You Reset the AT Light on Your Mazda 3?

Here is how to fix AT light on Mazda 3: Note that the light will go off only if the problem is fixed:

• Step 1: Switch on the ignition and not the engine. You can turn it on for the second time and notice the dashboard lights appear. However, don’t turn the third time to start the engine.
• Step 2: Press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it for around 40 seconds. Then, release the pedal.
• Step 3: Turn off the ignition and turn it on to start the engine. The AT light should go off. Suppose it doesn’t go off, visit the repair shop to have the car diagnosed.

Bottom Line

What does AT mean on a Mazda 3? It means the transmission system is faulty. Usually, it’s low or dirty transmission fluid that causes the issue. However, wear and tear can cause noise and jerking of the car while driving. Simply use an OBD tool to diagnose the issue or just check the transmission fluid level. And once the issue is solved and the light remains on, carry out the following steps to reset the system:

1. Switch on the ignition but not the engine.
2. Press the accelerator pedal down for around 40 seconds.
3. Release the accelerator pedal.
4. Switch off the ignition completely.
5. Switch on to start the engine.

Once you perform the above steps, the automatic transaxle warning light will go off. But if it doesn’t, visit the repair shop and have the transmission system rechecked. Suppose you have any issues with your Mazda 3, comment below and get relevant expert replies.