Mazda RX-7 Automatic Transmission Shift Lock System and more

Mazda RX7 1993-1995 FD3S



CAUTION: Disconnecting battery on models equipped with anti-theft radio require cancelling of anti-theft operation.

Vehicle is equipped with a electronically controlled shift lock system. See Fig. 1 . Shift lock system prevents shift lever from being moved from Park unless brake pedal is depressed. In case of a malfunction, shift lever can be released by depressing shift lock emergency override button, located near shift lever. System consists of brakelight switch, shift lock actuator, park position switch and shift lock override button. System is controlled by shift lock control unit incorporated within shift lock actuator except on RX7. RX7 uses a separate control unit.

Fig. 1: Identifying Shift Lock System (Typical)

OPERATION

SHIFT LOCK SYSTEM

With ignition on, when brake pedal is depressed, park position switch on, an input signal is sent from brakelight switch to the actuator. The shift lock actuator then operates the lock lever (release position), so shift lever can be moved in Park.

FUNCTIONAL CHECK

1. With ignition key removed, ensure gear selector cannot be moved from Park. Insert key in ignition switch.
2. Turn ignition on. Ensure gear selector can only be moved with brake pedal pressed down. Move gear selector to Reverse.
3. Ensure ignition key cannot be removed, Move gear selector to Park. Ensure it is not possible to remove ignition key.
4. If shift lock system does not operate as described, check gear selector, shift lock solenoid and control cable.
5. On MPV, place gear selector in Park, depress and hold emergency override link. See Fig. 2 . On all other models, place gear selector in Park. Using a screwdriver, push down emergency override button on shifter console and verify gear selector can be moved from Park position. See Fig. 3 . On all models, if gear selector cannot be moved out of Park, adjust or replace shift lock actuator.

Fig. 2: Locating Emergency Link Override (MPV)

Fig. 3: Locating Emergency Override Button (All Models Except MPV)

TESTING

PARK POSITION SWITCH

Miata
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove rear console. Remove indicator screws and lift up panel. Disconnect park position switch. Check continuity between connector terminals. See Fig. 4. Continuity should exist with switch released. Continuity should not exist with switch depressed. Replace as needed.

Millenia
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove rear console and center panel. Remove indicator screws and lift up panel. Disconnect park position switch. Check continuity between terminals "k" and "h". See Fig. 5. Continuity should exist with switch released. Continuity should not exist with switch depressed. Replace as needed.

MX-3, MX-6, Protege and 626
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove rear ashtray, rear console and front console. Remove indicator screws and lift up panel. Disconnect park position switch. Check continuity between connector terminals. See Fig. 6. Continuity should exist with switch released. Continuity should not exist with switch depressed. Replace as needed.

929
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove front and rear console. Remove indicator screws and lift up panel. Disconnect park position switch. Check continuity between connector terminals. See Fig. 7. Continuity should exist with switch released. Continuity should not exist with switch depressed. Replace as needed.

Fig. 4: Testing Shift Lock Actuator and Park Switch (Miata)

Fig. 5: Testing Shift Lock Actuator & Park Switch (Millenia)

Fig. 6: Testing Shift Lock Actuator and Park Switch (MX-3, MX-6, Protege and 626)

Fig. 7: Testing Shift Lock Actuator and Park Switch (929)

SHIFT LOCK ACTUATOR

Miata
1. Remove rear console. Remove selector knob and indicator panel screws. Lift up selector lever, selector sleeve and indicator. Disconnect HOLD switch connector. Ensure selector lever is in Park position.
2. Turn ignition on. Check voltage at selected connector terminals. See Fig. 4. If voltage is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.
3. Turn ignition off. Check continuity at selected connector terminals. If continuity is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.

Millenia
1. Remove rear console and center panel. Turn ignition on. Check voltage at selected connector terminals. See Fig. 5 . If voltage is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.
2. Turn ignition off. Check continuity at selected connector terminals. If continuity is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.

MX-3, MX-6, Protege and 626
1. Remove rear ashtray, rear console and front console. Turn ignition on. Check voltage at selected connector terminals. See Fig. 6 . If voltage is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.
2. Turn ignition off. Check continuity at selected connector terminals. If continuity is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.

RX7
1. Remove console panel. Shift selector lever to Park. Turn ignition on. Check voltage at selected connector terminals. See Fig. 8 . If voltage is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, go to next step.
2. Turn ignition off. Check continuity at selected connector terminals. If continuity is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace park position switch, shift lock solenoid and/or shift lock control module.

Fig. 8: Testing Shift Lock Actuator and Park Switch (RX7)

929
1. Remove rear console and front console. Shift selector lever to PARK position. Turn ignition on. Check voltage at selected connector terminals. See Fig. 7 . If voltage is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.
2. Turn ignition off. Check continuity at selected connector terminals. If continuity is not as specified, inspect harness and connector. Repair as needed. If harness and connector is okay, replace shift lock actuator.

SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID (MPV)

Shift lock solenoid is also known as shift lock solenoid valve.

1. Remove steering column covers. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between Orange wire and ground. See Fig. 9 . With gear selector in Park and brake pedal depressed, battery voltage should be present. If voltage is present, go to next step. If no voltage is present, check shift lock solenoid and related circuits.
2. Release brake pedal. Voltage should be less than 1.5 volts. With gear selector in any other gear position, voltage should be less than 1.5 volts. If voltage is not as described, check inhibitor switch, brakelight circuit or Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Fig. 9: Testing Shift Lock Solenoid



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Mazda RX7 1993-1995 FD3S

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