New Owner, Transmission problems

[SteveJG]

Hi guys I just got a 1993 626 at the auction for a winter car. It was the "little old lady's" car, and its only got 62k miles on it. Its also in really good shape, one owner, no paintwork, etc.

Everything works fine, except for the transmission. I'm trying to figure out what it is...I got a flashing "hold" on the dashboard, which I can assume is a sign of transmission trouble. The problem I'm having is coming from a stop. The car will drive almost like a go cart or CVT...the rev's hold at 1500-2500rpm while the speed eventually picks up. Eventually it will kick violently down into first before shifting normally. Its only coming from a stop. If I put the car in "manual" mode and shift myself, it is better but it still kicks down eventually. However there are no other problems once I am underway, anthing above 10mph. Also, the idle is VERY low, around 200 rpm. I really hope its a shift solenoid or something and not a new tranny, as I understand these cars have lots of transmission problems. Any ideas? thanks...

 

[SteveJG]

forgot to add its an automatic trans, and I have the 4cyl base model

Also, the HOLD light only flashes sometimes, I've only seen it do it twice and its not for longer than 30 seconds or so

 

[SteveSter]

Sounds to me like its slipping. The first thing you should try is draining it and filling it with the right amount of fluid. Sorry but I dont think its a shift solenoid since that would throw a transmission code. You best bet for a definate answer would be to take it to a transmission shop. Dont go to Mazda though.

 

[SteveJG]

Well let me ask you this...I do every now and then get the flashing "hold" light, indicating a problem. And if it is indeed slipping, why does it only do it off and on?

Finally, is it cheaper to have the transmission rebuilt or replaced? The only problem I have is coming from a stop and the 1-2nd upshift, so maybe just those "bands" can be replaced? Thanks alot

 

[Captain KRM P5]

cheapest route is a junkyard replacement honestly. automatic 626 transmissions were not known to be especially robust. getting a shop like an Aamco or otherwise related transmission specialist will probably set you back $2500 in parts and labor.

 

[OhSchnapps]

Welcome to the S.A.T. (bad Automatic Transmission) club, steve! My BEST advice to you would be to replace the automatic transmission with a manual transmission. Yes, convert it to manual. It will be more expensive than a replacement or a rebuild, BUT you're only going to do it once. If you "fix" that auto, it's gonna fail again. If you don't believe me, there are plenty of threads to prove it, along with another forum that i won't list here.

 

[SteveJG]

well as of today the car is totatled. Anyone need parts? Perfect shape from the windsheild back...interior, body, wheels and tires, etc. Wrecked front bumper right fender hood grille and headlight.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

sorry to hear. hope no one was hurt.

 

[StealthWyvern]

Well that didnt last long? Did somethign fail in the car or slide on ice?

 

[SteveJG]

slid in the rain, light was out in a major intersection in my town and someone misplaced their turn and I ended up hitting them. Sucks, I'm out 1500$ completely

 

[OhSchnapps]

Oh man.... i'm sorry. Did insurance pick any of it up? That really sucks. Well, look on the bright side, at least you can start fresh with a manual.