Mazda3 4 Speed AT issues?

[blondee_yvr]

Over the last several months, I noticed my auto tranny (4 Speed) is starting to getting "harder" while it automatically shifts up, usually anywhere above 2nd gear. Unfortunately, this is intermittent so the dealer can't really determine if there is anything wrong without taking the pan off. I already have the latest PCM update. When I refer to harder, it's not a smooth shift like it would do in the beginning.

Just today, I went into reverse from while being parked and the clunking was the loudest I have ever felt/heard but not insanely loud. I put in park a few times and after the third time, the clunking went away while in reverse

I only have a bit over 15,000 MILES on it and it's a 2005 (low mileage). The fluid hasnt been replaced and it doesn't look bad, still pinkish from the dipstick.

Is this part of the normal cycle of this type of tranny that it gets noiser or harder while it goes up and down in gear?

 

[MSP #167]

are you still in warranty? If so blow it up.

Start driving it hard until it gets worse, you don't want you warranty to be up and then it gets worse and you have to pay for it yourself.

 

[Betelgeuse]

This the wrong section but no, what you're experiencing is not normal. It shouldn't clunk into reverse (or into gear) so hard. That could mean several things which can range from a bad motor mount to problems within the valve body.

The modern auto trannies are all electronic and very complex so it may very well be an issue with the tcm (transmission control module). Usually though, when it's an electrical problem, you'll get an error code in the form of the AT light.

If I were you, I'd take it back till they see the problem. Usually if they can't fix it quickly, they'll just replace the entire tranny. There's really little you can do except to check the fluid which you've already done. But be sure the levels are correct. There's a cold level and hot level on the dipstick. You need to consult the manual and make sure the level is correct for each temp.

 

[bazooka joe]

are you still in warranty? If so blow it up.

Start driving it hard until it gets worse, you don't want you warranty to be up and then it gets worse and you have to pay for it yourself.

(scratch)

Over the last several months, I noticed my auto tranny (4 Speed) is starting to getting "harder" while it automatically shifts up, usually anywhere above 2nd gear. Unfortunately, this is intermittent so the dealer can't really determine if there is anything wrong without taking the pan off. I already have the latest PCM update. When I refer to harder, it's not a smooth shift like it would do in the beginning.

Just today, I went into reverse from while being parked and the clunking was the loudest I have ever felt/heard but not insanely loud. I put in park a few times and after the third time, the clunking went away while in reverse

I only have a bit over 15,000 MILES on it and it's a 2005 (low mileage). The fluid hasnt been replaced and it doesn't look bad, still pinkish from the dipstick.

Is this part of the normal cycle of this type of tranny that it gets noiser or harder while it goes up and down in gear?

back to the dealer i'd go, let them keep it overnight if they have to...have the service manager or tech drive it home and use it "real time"

 

[MSP #167]

(scratch)

problem?

 

[blondee_yvr]

Wrong section? (confused)

I guess I was looking for some reassurance that the tranny won't need to be replaced. I also have the extended warranty too. Regular power train warranty good until 2010.

My experience with rebuilt factory transmissions have been less than ideal especially since mine has such low mileage. Sure, factory transmissions are all checked and run to spec (whatever that spec may be) but they dont replace every component. In other words, the parts that they dont replace don't have excessive wear but still have may have more wear than my transmission and could give me a headache in the future.

If mine does need a rebuild, then when they rebuild it and give to someone else, they'll probably have a very good transmission because of the low mileage. I wish the dealer would just repair my transmission but they dont do that any more.

I can see why some may say to blow it up. But then the dealer will void the warranty cuz you abused it.

 

[bazooka joe]

problem?

you want him to blow up his tranny? i'm not sure that is what he was the advice he was looking for? i could be wrong though

 

[TRXSandRacer02]

even though shift points and line pressures are controled electronicly, it is still a very basic hydraulic transmission system. I have seen more than a few tcms go bad on these. Take it to the dealer, you only have 12kl!!! Let them diagnose it and verify trhe shifts and they will probably set you up with a tcm, not a trans unless they feel the trans is damaged from these ahrsh shifts. What you are experiencing is more than likely a short to the line control pressure solenoid which unfortunatly unless the solenoid goes open, it doesnt set a code.

 

[TheMAN]

the 04-05 doesn't have TCMs

 

[TRXSandRacer02]

that is right, the tcm is built into the pcm on that model. Chcek for opens or shorts on the solenoid wires otherwise posible forward clutch or line pressure solenoid

 

[blondee_yvr]

I assume that the dealer/technician's manual makes mention to check for opens or shorts on the solenoid wires in their diagnostic procedure for tranny complaints?

 

[TRXSandRacer02]

beleive me, the shop manual says to check for opens, shorts, continuity, a/c frequency (only on pulwe width modulated solenoids) all kinds of things. Basicaly most good techs get past all that if you have b+ or ground you can skip the first 20 steps of diagnosis

 

[blondee_yvr]

Thanks TRXSandRacer02. I'll tell the dealer to pay close attention to the areas you have mentioned when it goes in.

 

[TRXSandRacer02]

i got one in the shop today with similar complaints, groign from park to reverse the line pressure solenoid sticks and it slams hard into gear and somtimes shifts hard too.