Complete overhaul set for the Aisin 03-72LE (A43DE/A46DE/A46DF) four-speed auto in Suzuki Sidekick, Vitara, Geo Tracker, and Miata rebuilds.
Small four-cylinder SUVs and the second-generation Miata share a surprising piece of hardware: the Aisin-Warner 03-72LE four-speed automatic. If your Suzuki Sidekick, Vitara, Grand Vitara, X-90 or XL-7, Geo or Chevrolet Tracker, Kia Sportage or automatic Mazda Miata is slipping on the 2-3 shift, flaring between gears or leaking at the pump and output seals, this master overhaul kit gives you the friction plates, steel plates, paper and rubber gaskets, lip seals, sealing rings and thrust washers to rebuild it in one job. The listing also cross-references the A43DE, A46DE and A46DF designations used in Aisin's parts system.
The 03-72LE is the electronically controlled member of the Aisin rear-drive four-speed family, the same basic design that Toyota calls the A-series and Volvo called the AW7x. It uses a lockup torque converter, electronic shift control and multi-plate clutches plus brakes to make four forward speeds with an overdrive top gear. In a Suzuki or Tracker it sits behind a longitudinal engine and feeds a transfer case on four-wheel-drive models; in the Miata it drives straight back to the differential. Every shift is a clutch or brake pack applying under line pressure, so once the frictions glaze or the piston seals harden, the shift that depends on that pack starts to slide. A master kit renews every one of those packs and all of the sealing surfaces at the same time.
These are older vehicles, so rule out the easy things first. Check the level hot and read the fluid; our ATF color and smell chart shows what burnt clutch fluid looks like next to fluid that is simply old. Scan for codes, because a failed shift solenoid or speed sensor can cause harsh or missed shifts without any clutch damage. Then use the transmission slipping diagnosis guide to separate a worn pack from low line pressure. If the case, drums or planetaries are damaged, weigh the job against a used unit with our rebuild vs replace vs reman breakdown.
The listing covers the Suzuki Sidekick 1989-1998, Vitara and Grand Vitara 1999-2012, X-90 1996-1998 and XL-7 2001-2003, the Geo and Chevrolet Tracker 1996-2004, the Kia Sportage 1995-2002 and the Mazda Miata/MX-5 automatic 1998-2005. Be careful at the edges of that list. Early Sidekicks were also built with a three-speed automatic that this kit does not fit, and on the 2006-up Grand Vitara the V6 used a five-speed Aisin automatic, so only the four-speed automatic is covered. Published Aisin application lists also show the Miata unit under the related 03-70LE code, so pull the pan or read the case tag and confirm it is stamped 03-72LE, A43DE, A46DE or A46DF before you order. Send us the year and VIN if you want the kit checked first.
| Fits transmissions | Aisin-Warner 03-72LE, A43DE, A46DE, A46DF (4-speed RWD automatic) |
| Vehicle fitment | Suzuki Sidekick 1989-1998, Vitara/Grand Vitara 1999-2012, X-90 1996-1998, XL-7 2001-2003; Geo/Chevrolet Tracker 1996-2004; Kia Sportage 1995-2002; Mazda Miata/MX-5 1998-2005 |
| Includes | Friction plates, steel plates, gaskets, oil/lip seals, sealing rings, thrust washers |
| Replaces part numbers | 03-72LE, A43DE, A46DE, A46DF |
| Position | Front |
| Kit weight | 8.25 lb |
| Ships from | USA |
The four-speed automatic Suzuki Sidekick, Vitara, Grand Vitara, X-90 and XL-7, the Geo and Chevrolet Tracker, the Kia Sportage and the second-generation Mazda Miata automatic. Confirm the case tag before ordering, since some of these vehicles also came with other automatics.
Only if it has the four-speed automatic. The 2006-up Grand Vitara V6 used a five-speed Aisin automatic, which this kit does not cover. Check the tag or send us your year and VIN.
Per the listing: friction plates, steel plates, paper and rubber gaskets, lip seals, sealing rings and thrust washers. Hard parts such as drums, bushings, the pump and solenoids are not included.
Usually a worn clutch pack or leaking piston and sealing rings that let pressure bleed off during the shift. Low line pressure or a sticking valve can do the same, so check pressure before tearing it down.
Use the automatic transmission fluid listed in your vehicle's owner's manual, fill to the cold mark first, then set the final level hot with the engine running.
