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Mazda6 – CX5: NOT-P Position Switch Common Fault

June 2, 2023
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The Mazda CX-5 KE and the Mazda6 GJ from 2012 are based on the same vehicle platform, and as a result, they share many of the same components, one of which is the shift mechanism for the automatic transmission. See Diagram #1 & #2

The transmission is a six-speed conventional automatic transmission that has a sports mode, which can allow the driver to manually shift up and down through the gears.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

These vehicles also share an engine start-stop system which will stop the engine instead of letting it idle at the traffic lights. See our TechTalk article on the Mazda iStop system for more details.

Tech Talk March 2017 page 4296

The iStop system uses the Start- Stop Unit which is a control module mounted in the steering column behind the steering wheel. It receives inputs via the CAN Bus from the PCM, but it also has various components directly wired in such as the Start Button, Keyless Antenna and the one which is the focus of this article, the NOT-P Position Switch. See Diagram #3

The NOT-P Position Switch is used to tell the Start-Stop Unit when the automatic transmission selector is in the Park position. This information is then used in conjunction with signals from the PCM via CAN bus to control the shift lock mechanism. The NOT-P Position Switch seems to be a normally open switch, which is closed when a part of the shift mechanism presses on the switch to close the contacts. This is where the trouble starts.

THE TROUBLE

The NOT-P Position Switch is integrated into a unit that is mounted on the side of the transmission shifter assembly. See Diagram #4

This unit contains the shift lock solenoid, the M-Position Switch, which is used to manually shift the transmission and the NOT-P Position Switch. This switch has a rubber tip which engages with the shift mechanism when in the park position. Over time this rubber tip gets worn down and the switch’s contacts will not close, even though the transmission selector is in the park position. See Diagram #3

If this is the case, when the driver presses the Start/Stop button, the ignition will turn off, but the accessories will remain on as the system is missing a signal to shut down. If the driver does not notice that the radio is still on or that there are lights illuminated on the dash, it is highly likely that the battery will be flat in the morning, which is a common issue.

DIAGNOSIS

This situation has caused some headaches in the trade as this is commonly an intermittent fault. It is recommended to check the vehicle’s battery and charging system and rectify any faults. As these vehicles have a Start/Stop system, a compatible battery must be fitted and be correctly registered to the car for the charging system to operate reliably.

There are two diagnostic codes for the NOT-P Position Switch

P081C:23 – NOT-P Position Switch circuit malfunction – Switch Stuck On for five seconds or more for five times with the ignition switched on.

P081C:24 – NOT-P Position Switch circuit malfunction – Switch Stuck OFF for five seconds or more for five times with the ignition switched on.

As you can see, the battery could be flat many times before the system will record these faults. You should be able to check the switch’s operation with a compatible diagnostic tool by observing the NOT-P Position Switch in the live data as you move the selector lever in and out of park.

REPLACEMENT

Once you have confirmed that the NOT-P Position Switch is at fault, it is recommended to replace the switch as there has been an updated part produced which uses a more robust rubber tip to improve wear resistance.

The part number is KDY146040 (RHD vehicles) and costs approximately $165.00 AUD at the time of printing. See Diagram #3

This procedure is a general overview that should be used as a guide for the Mazda6 and CX-5 variants.

  1. Use a screwdriver wrapped in tape or an appropriate trim levering tool, remove the centre console top panel, which has the cup holders, control knob and buttons.
  2. Remove the mounting bolts for the centre console. There are bolts in the rear console box.
  3. Remove the shifter knob, it should unscrew. See Diagram #2
  4. Pry out the trim around the shifter.
  5. Remove the trim in front of the shifter.
  6. Unlock the four long black locking tabs which attach the transmission gate to the assembly. See Diagram #4
  7. Disconnect the wiring harness from the switch assembly.
  8. Remove the two silver Phillips head screws which attaches the switch unit to the shifter assembly. See Diagram #4
  9. Before removing the switch, take notice of the manual shift lock lever and mechanism, as this will come out when you remove the switch. There is a small spring that you will need to replace back in the correct position. See Diagram #4
  10. The switch should slide out of the shifter assembly.
  11. Reassemble in the reverse order.

Based on trade feedback, this replacement could take approximately 1 hour.

For more information on the Mazda6 and CX-5, log onto VACC MotorTech or call VACC’s TechAdvisory Service.

We would like to thank Michael and the team at Bertil Motors in Hawthorn for their assistance with this article.

bertilmotors.com.au

(03) 9882 3083

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