Genericish mazda auto box issue

[Paulio]

So.. ive ended up with a 98 mazda capella 4wd v6 somehow. (parts already sound expensive )

Engine is mint, goes like stink.

The gearbox has a problem, the problem doesnt seem like its there till you hit it, idle/engage is mint, from 1st to 2nd is smooth as, 2nd to 3rd is a bit hairy, then 4th isnt there at all, wont engage.

The fluid is at perfect level.

I realise it will be a replace gearbox fix, but im keen to learn about the actual cause of the problem.

Anyone in the know of auto boxes that can explain quickly how this kind of thing happens?

Any other input is appreciated anyway.

P

[Mr Revhead]

the badge starts with an M. there's your problem
First thing to check would be is it actually a 4 speed auto? don't laugh I've come across pl saying it's broke when its not even there....

So it wont engage and stays in 3rd? or goes to fourth and no drive?

[Paulio]

I thought that over myself! i cant tell from the car but from the net, the options are either 5-manual or 4-auto, once you drive the car you can tell that it should be 4 speed.

it stays in 3rd, wont change, like its in gear hold.

Im guessing that the 4wd doesnt help the gearbox.

What think you?

P

[levinguy]

a 98 mazda capella 4wd v6 P

Never a better time for change than right now

[Paulio]

you got it bro

Kinda got it for the ex, shes had my legnum for the last year or so but I would rather she had something like this. if im lucky I may end up with old kerm3t havnt been very lucky with her though

[Mr.Phreak]

O/d switch working?? Assuming it has one

[Paulio]

Not too sure about that one aye, couldnt see a button/switch so im assuming it doesnt do o/d.

[Mr.Phreak]

Ah, thought it might be the model that has that stupid little switch under the shift lock button

[Paulio]

TBH havnt really looked at the car very close, just took it for a thrash and parked it up. Probably pay to do some diagnosing tomorrow.

[Rob]

Does the hold light flash on and off?
Mazdas often kick the bucket with the speed sensor which generally is located under air filter box.
It sort of works like an ABS sensor from memory. Normally located at 12o'clock or 2o'clock depending on the trans.

Remeber however that you have been suckered into buying a sack of Mazda Crap, and best chance of remedying the beef is getting a bigger sucker than yourself to take it away haha

Good luck with that

[Paulio]

Does the hold light flash on and off?
Mazdas often kick the bucket with the speed sensor which generally is located under air filter box.
It sort of works like an ABS sensor from memory. Normally located at 12o'clock or 2o'clock depending on the trans.

Remeber however that you have been suckered into buying a sack of Mazda Crap, and best chance of remedying the beef is getting a bigger sucker than yourself to take it away haha

Good luck with that

Nope, the light stays on as it should. Its genuinly buggered and needs replacing, just a fault of budget mazda gearboxes karking it.

Roger that; the ex I can get a rebuilt one with 6 month warranty for $1500, pretty reasonable and worth the buy IMO.

Its a nice car, the engines are cheap, gearboxes not too bad. And it'll still be an asset after ive replaced the gearbox, so its all good!

[strx7]

Mazda + Auto Trans = ARGHHHHHHHHHHH