Common Or Uncommon?

[fxpthl]

My son has a 2005 Mazda 3 with 90K on its clock. Serviced exclusively at a dealer in the the "Real O.C." since new. Yesterday his trusty steed couldnt engage the transmission no matter what he tried. Oh it tried to connect with a gear but ugly sounds came from within and would only move a little. Had it towed to the dealer for inspection. According to them the transmissions computer board had crashed and would cost $650 just for the board! Add to that the labor of approx. $300 plus a trans. flush and fill service and he will be looking at about $1200 smackeroos! Just thought I would put it up for the Forums view and discussion. He loves the car but not so much at the moment!

 

[flash75]

I don't believe the transmission has a separate computer board. It's controlled by the main engine
control system PCM.

It does have an internal valve body. Don't know if a local dealer will service the valve body. It
also has an external trans-axle range switch. Those have been know to fail, don't know if it
gives the same symptoms your son's car has.

I cannot answer how common transmission problems are for the Mazda3. Probably no worse than
the average car.

Sounds like the dealer may not know what the problem is. The shop manual contains a long list
of diagnostics for troubleshooting transmission problems. I would think the system PCM would cost
more than $650. I could be wrong. However they don't frequently fail.

Not a transmission mechanic so I cannot provide a lot of help.

Good luck, Clifton

 

[fxpthl]

Thanks flash75 for your input. My son got the old part back so I will take a photo and post it here for all to see what $650 looks like!