I have a 2012 Mazda 5 Sport with 106K miles- automatic. I have only paid about $600 in actual repairs (suspension issue they are known for and 1 engine mount replaced after it collapsed) in 10 yrs and have had maintenance done.
I am now facing about $1900 in repairs for the Transmission Control Module. I don't have code. Drove fine one day and then engine light on when I went out for second trip of day. Took to a local shop 2 1/4 miles away after checking oil and making sure not overheating. At traffic light, AT light came on/D drive light went out and it wouldn't move. Shifted to park and back to gear and drove fine.
Shop1: Not my usual shop, said cell was bad in battery that caused the connection to be lost/damaged TCM. Shop was recommended but felt if I was putting that much money into it, I'd have 2nd opinion with my normal shop. Had it towed there.
Shop 2: Has been good to me. They said battery is fine just one connection was dirty. That didn't cause it. The said location of TCM was poor design and not under heat shield. For $100 more than first shop, they will replace TCM with Mazda part, relocate it for heat shield, flush transmission recommended as preventative, change oil at my request and change battery as it's 6 yrs old at my request since I now keep reading that when battery fails it can mess up computer stuff. They test drove it and said it did keep losing connection.
So, I didn't really want to put 2K into this 10 yr car. But, realistically, cost to repair averaged over 10 yrs is low. But, nothing lasts forever. Would you pay that and then trade it? Pay it and drive as long as I can get? It had been running fine. I've been hit 2-3 times since I got it (2 minor and one more extensive) so know those will show up in terms of selling/trade value.
First Mazda after 4 Hondas. It suits my need with extra seating/space and good gas mileage.
What are all the codes?
That sounds like way to much money for a TCM. I looked it up, I can buy a refurbished one for 200 bucks, and a new one for 700. And they mount outside the transmission, takes 30-40 minutes to change out. Someone’s either trying to rip you off, or they’re not telling you everything
Also, it losing connection sounds like a connection issue. Not that you need a new one. More than likely the connector either needs cleaned really good or it is damaged, still not a 1900 buck job.
@Thumpy is right. That must be a gold plated TCM!
I'm betting it is a loose connection. If I were to choose what to do myself, I'd sell it ASAP and replace it with something newer and more reliable.
If you name the specific codes that would be real helpful for us to help ya out. With the limited information, I have two comments.
1. It could actually be a "poor design" because Ford had their hands on Mazda and they are well known for making questionable designs
2. The second shop either a) thinks they are an expert b) doesn't know much or c) looking to decieve you with the transmission flush. At higher miles on a decade old Ford transmission, I doubt it would serve you good to flush it when you could do a drain+fill. You might as well change the 6 year old battery if you decide to keep the car. All in all, the repairs shouldn't cost that much but the more information the better.
IMO if you don't use it much, there is no reason to let it age and have it depreciate if you will not use it. I think after the repair process you should put it on craigslist and see what you get offered. You might get a good 4 - 5 - 6 grand, more than the dealer would give you by far.
All the best . . . . . !
