Hello,
Mazda 3 2004 Automatic Transmission(2.0 Litre Engine), 88,000 Km's driven.
Automatic Transmission having problem when the gear shifts from 3rd to 4th(Sometimes the gear shift is smooth and sometimes when the gear shifts from 3rd to 4th, the 4th gear is not engaged and AT light comes on, even though at speedometer it says "4").
When i slow down , Car goes back to 3rd gear and ok to drive. So shifting takes place normally from 1 -2, 2-3 gear only has problem from shifting 3-4(Sometimes).
Checked the Transmission Fluid, its completely black. Can changing transmission fluid solve this problem?
Or is there any other thing?
Please help.
Checked the Transmission Fluid, its completely black.
No wonder the trans is having problems. Has the transmission ever been serviced over the last 20 years?
Can changing transmission fluid solve this problem?
Might make matters worse. See the FAQ for details.
Or is there any other thing?
A rebuilt transmission.
Or, take the car to a transmission expert who can use a professional-grade scan tool to analyze the problem. If you're lucky it might be something repairable like solenoids.
@chucktobias Thankyou very much for your answers.
1) No, the transmission has never been serviced. I am the 3rd owner, bought it in 2012 and have driven very little, from 42,000(Odometer when bought) to 88,000 km(Odometer now).
2) Does just changing the transmission fluid(i.e take out old one and put new one) makes the problem worst OR Flushing it completely makes the problem worst?
3) A rebuilt transmission? Take the complete transmission out and repair it ?
4) I have the Simple Scan tool , checked the codes and nothing related to AT. Professional Grade Scan tool will detect problems, as you mentioned. Solenoids can be repaired without taking the transmission out?
Thanks,
Does just changing the transmission fluid(i.e take out old one and put new one) makes the problem worst OR Flushing it completely makes the problem worst?
As already mentioned please see the FAQ which has a detailed discussion of those issues.
A rebuilt transmission? Take the complete transmission out and repair it ?
No, that has a high probability of not turning out well. Installing a rebuilt transmission means buying a transmission that has been factory overhauled by a reputable rebuilder, with a warranty. This would cost several thousand dollars - probably more than a 20-year-old Mazda 3 is worth.
Solenoids can be repaired without taking the transmission out?
That depends on the transmission design. On many the solenoids can be accessed by simply dropping the pan.
Automatic transmissions are complicated beasts and it's not possible for us to do a thorough diagnosis over the internet. It really needs to be looked at by a local expert.
Hello,
So, a video of Scotty Kilmer on youtube showed to put Lucas transmission fix when changing a transmission fluid that has never been changed in order to prevent Transmission slips. And that's what my mechanic also told so i got the Transmission fluid changed besides adding Lucas Transmission fix. The mechanic didn't say to change the Transmission filter so i still have the old filter.
Unfortunately, it didn't solve the problem of my Automatic Transmission mainly in 3rd and 4th gear. 1st and 2nd gear shifts properly without any issues.
(The new Transmission fluid is again black in just one day)
Also, The erros i got in the Scanner were :
[ P0733-FF ... Transmission Gear #3 Ratio not correct. ]
[ P0734-FF ... Transmission Gear #4 Ratio not correct. ]
Any advise Please on what to do next?
Thanks,
i got the Transmission fluid changed besides adding Lucas Transmission fix.
Although there have been some successes reported, that stuff doesn't always work as you found out. (When it does work the effect is generally temporary. It's a band-aid meant to get a few more miles out of an old beater that has 3 wheels in the junkyard and the 4th on an ice slick.)
The mechanic didn't say to change the Transmission filter so i still have the old filter.
It would have been best to change the filter. A plugged-up filter can affect fluid pressures in the transmission.
Any advise Please on what to do next?
About the only relatively simple fix would be a solenoid problem. A hydraulic system clog is listed as a possible cause for P0734, which could be due to the filter. See causes and symptoms below:
https://www.carparts.com/blog/p0733-code-gear-3-incorrect-ratio/
https://www.carparts.com/blog/p0734-code-gear-4-incorrect-ratio/
The other possible causes are much more serious, and fairly likely given the condition of the fluid you started with ("completely black"). You're really at the point where you need a transmission expert - not a general mechanic - to get hands on the vehicle to do a proper diagnosis rather than guessing.
Yes, right and that was the first easy step to change the transmission oil with Lucas Transmission slip to see if it fixes the problem.
The mechanic overfilled the Transmission Oil as well and right now it is above the mark, although i told him to check before putting more, but he said that he had 30+ years of experience and overfill is not a problem. Honestly, i doubt it and that's why i am here to get honest opinions.
Yes, agreed that he should have changed the Transmission filter. You think "Servicing/Cleaning" the old filter will be as good as new?
For Solenoid problem:
Its better to check and Service/Clean the 3rd/4th gear Solenoids only.... instead of ALL Solenoids as i don't see any problem my mazda shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Only when it goes to 3rd, its like in "Limp mode" and doesn't drive beyond 40-50 km/hr. Same for 4th gear , like in Limp mode, i can't drive faster.
I don't know how expensive Solenoids are for my Mazda 3 2004, but will look it on Amazon or dealer/parts shop or may be from scrap, i don't know.
The mechanic said i could only possible get between $350 - $400 , should i decide to scrap, although only the tires worth more than $500.
Yes, i will have to find out an "HONEST" Transmission specialist like Scotty who can save my car , i wish 🙂
Please let me know.
Thanks,
@shan The old filter, probably 20-21 years old at this point, should be replaced, not cleaned unless it's a non-replaceable metal screen. Don't buy parts from Amazon, there are lots of vendors there selling counterfeit parts. Stick with OEM parts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ-ma1w8r6Q
Thankyou.
I bought all the Transmission fluid from the dealer except the Lucas. The filter is replaceable and i found it at a local store, but the Mechanic i went to said, not necessary. Will now buy the filter from dealer as well, when goto a Mechanic.
For Solenoids, sure , will not get it from Amazon now.
One Mechanic i talked to on phone, after telling him the error codes, said its likely a Solenoid problem for 3rd/4th gear...and he advised to service Solenoids and see if it fixes the problem, so asked you in my previous post if by chance you have any idea about servicing it or replacing them completely.
Regards,