Problems shifting 3 to 4

[MazdaLoyal]

I have 2006 Mazda 3 with 92,000 miles that I bought new in January 2006. Over the past month, I've noticed that sometimes the AT light goes on, and it won't shift from 3rd gear to 4th gear, despite accelerating. I think sometimes on the interstate, it shifts from 4th to 3rd, and it feels like a stall. I say I "think" because it is not something you notice. The check engine light is also on.

I took it to my local mechanic and just from my description, he said was likely transmission. Wouldn't like it and referred me to a transmission place instead. The transmission place said there were actually two codes on the check engine light: the transmission solenoid sensor, and another one about gear ratio for 4th gear being off, meaning it wasn't even seeing it. He said he'd now have to charge $295 to open the transmission and then he'd give me an estimate later, though the $295 would be credited. I'm nervous I could get ripped, though the transmission shop comes highly recommended from other local mechanics, and has very good reviews on Google+.

I'd appreciate any suggestions on what could be wrong. I saw some posts on this in the mazda3forum board but couldn't really figure them out, and this board helped me out a long time ago, so thought I'd start by posting here.

 

[concept]

Have you carefully checked the fluid level? Has the fluid ever been changed? How often are those intervals suggested by the owner's manual?

Most dealerships won't open up a transmission, even to replace a solenoid. That's probably because auto transmissions can be very complicated and finicky to repair correctly. Dealerships will often install remanufactured transmissions and those are likely to be reliable, as they are put together by the factory.

However, a solenoid sensor replacement seems like it would be fairly straightforward. I think the gamble would be worthwhile, but you might want to ask what the cost would be if the solenoid sensor is replaced. That would be the least expensive outcome.

 

[MazdaLoyal]

Have you carefully checked the fluid level? Has the fluid ever been changed? How often are those intervals suggested by the owner's manual?

Most dealerships won't open up a transmission, even to replace a solenoid. That's probably because auto transmissions can be very complicated and finicky to repair correctly. Dealerships will often install remanufactured transmissions and those are likely to be reliable, as they are put together by the factory.

However, a solenoid sensor replacement seems like it would be fairly straightforward. I think the gamble would be worthwhile, but you might want to ask what the cost would be if the solenoid sensor is replaced. That would be the least expensive outcome.

I have never checked the fluid level. The place I have it is specific to transmissions. He claims he does 300 transmissions a week.

He's quoting me $1900 to fix it. He said the main problem is a broken servo, but because of the labor for opening it up, and the technical service bulletin on this, he's suggested a number of other parts to fix. He said he is only charging for materials for the other parts, not labor. He says my car seems to run well otherwise so he thinks I could drive it for awhile. Comes with 12 month warranty, but only at that facility, and I am relocating out of state in 5 months. So I agreed to it, and hope I don't regret it.

 

[concept]

I suggest you find out if Mazda sells a factory remanufactured transmission. If its cost is anywhere near the $1900, I'd have them install that. While 300 transmissions a week is impressive (although also quite unbelievable), I'd guess that the Mazda transmission assembly folks build more in a year's time.
The good news is that there is a warranty, meaning they (the transmission shop) stand behind their work.

 

[MazdaLoyal]

MazdaLoyal

I suggest you find out if Mazda sells a factory remanufactured transmission. If its cost is anywhere near the $1900, I'd have them install that. While 300 transmissions a week is impressive (although also quite unbelievable), I'd guess that the Mazda transmission assembly folks build more in a year's time.
The good news is that there is a warranty, meaning they (the transmission shop) stand behind their work.

He told me that Mazda quoted him $2700 for a transmisson. He said the Mazda dealer will only replace it, won't rebuild / recondition it like him. I probably should have called the dealer. The car sounds different now, but it is shifting gears properly.

 

[IgoZoom]

He told me that Mazda quoted him $2700 for a transmisson. He said the Mazda dealer will only replace it, won't rebuild / recondition it like him. I probably should have called the dealer. The car sounds different now, but it is shifting gears properly.

If you need to replace the transmission, check out car-part.com. Search for 2006, Mazda3, select Transmission, then enter your Zip Code and press SEARCH. The next screen will ask you whether you're looking for the MT or AT and for the 2.0L or 2.3L engine. I'm assuming since you have a 2006 4-speed automatic, it must be the 2.0L (the 2.3L had a 5-speed automatic in 2006). Select the correct transmission type and it will search thousands of automotive recyclers (formerly known as salvage yards) and list all the matches it finds. Currently, you can get a Remanufactured unit with 3yr warranty for $1395 or a unit with 45k miles on it for $800.

I bought a manual transmission and A/C compressor on the site for my 2006 Mazda3 back in 2009. Almost six years later, still no problems.