Wierd Transmission issue...able to duplicate when I want

[up4speed]

I just noticed a strange issue with my '08 GT's AWD transmission. I am able to consistently duplicate the issue, so I'm thinking it's a programming issue. Can you guys check your vehicles, and tell me if they do the same?
When I gently slow down to make a stop, the transmission will downshift one step at a time, but always switches from 3rd gear to 1st. If I attempt to accelerate before making a full stop, at the point that it would be in 2nd gear, it slips slightly, then goes in 2nd gear and then goes. If I slow down too much, it will just go into 1st gear, and take off normally. If I don't slow down enough, it will take off in 3rd gear normally. I have to be the exact right speed. The correct speed is just a hair below the first line on the speedometer (10mph line I think).
So....do about 30 mph, slow down gently to a little below the first line on the speedo, then gently accelerate again. That should duplicate the problem if it is normal to this vehicle. Please help! let me know, I'm worried about it, I don't want transmission failure!

 

[shodanusmc]

Disconnect the battery and let things relearn...

 

[ceric]

+1 ^^^
And, ...., drain and replace the transmission fluid if you feel like doing that also,

 

[ceric]

up4speed,
I did pay attention to my CX9, and I think your description above is correct.
However, I don't see anything wrong with that.
First, the WorkShop manual says that the average gear shifting time is 1.5s, which is not awefully sporty.
You might mistake it as "slipping", when it just tries to be "smooth" in shifting.
My guess is that Mazda thinks that in a slow stop, it is OK to skip 2nd gear. This is so because our transmission has
very short 1st gear. It is fully capable of starting off from a complete stop at 2nd (try that with "M" gear).
The existence of 1st short gear is to make the drivers feel the "torque" of the engine. This also contributes to lower MPG in city driving.
As you described, if one decides to accelerate while slowing down, depending on the travel of your pedal and the speed it is in, the
program might decide to get into 1st/2nd/3rd. There is nothing really wrong.

I (and other) asked you to disconnect battery because, that way, your transmission will "relearn" your driving habits to suit your need.
My guess was that you got your CX9 used. Therefore, it probably has learned the driving style of the previous owner(s).
It is time to learn yours. To do so, disconnect the (-) and reconnect it after 10-20 secs. However, doing so also has other
consequences (such as losing preset radio stations, window auto-stop, etc.). You need to reset those. So, decide it on your own.

 

[up4speed]

Ceric,
Thanks for checking it out for me. I actually did have this vehicle since new, and it only has 10,000 miles on it so far. I don't think it needs a transmission fluid change yet either. I'm not sure if you understood my complaint though. It's kind of hard to put into words, but would be real easy if I showed you. Kind if like trying to explain in words, how to tie your shoes. I know I can't do it! Anyway, I wasn't concerned with the selection of the proper gear, I know they try and keep things smooth, and also satisfy fuel economy issues. I was more concerned with the way it responds AFTER it picks 2nd gear specifically. If you follow the procedure above, it will be the ONLY way, you can continue in 2nd gear (after an almost stop situation). Once it selects 2nd gear, that's when I have the complaint. It feels like a rubber band holding the vehicle back, the rpm's will go up a little and it will have labored acceleration, then about a second or so later, it will accelerate in second gear as you would expect it to. It almost feels like the torque converter is a little lazy. Once it grabs, the rpm's drop slightly, and the car pulls away strong as it should. I hope it makes better sense on what I'm experiencing. Did I just confuse you more? I hope not. Please let me know if yours does this also (if it makes sense...lol). Thanks again!

 

[up4speed]

My mystery is over! I tried another CX-9 and it exhibits the same behavior that I described. I really paid attention, and I realized what was happening. I think someone tried to tell me, but I didn't quite understand at the time. I think the reason I was confused is that when I re-accelerated after slowing, the indicator showed that it dropped into 2nd gear, but because of that 1.5 second delay, it really wasn't in 2nd gear yet. So, at first it feels sluggish because even though it shows 2nd gear, it's actually 3rd gear. then it finally shifts into 2nd gear and takes off. I guess the reason it felt like slipping, is that even under constant throttle, the rpm's stayed the same after it downshifted into 2nd and took off. Ususlly you would expect the rpm's to go up when it downshifts. I guess that all has to do with the programming, so it can have gentle shifts. Or like I originally said, maybe it's some kind of torque converter lock-up delay. At any rate, it's definitely an intentional characteristic of this car. If any of this rambling deosn't make sense, let me know.