1997 Mazda 626 downshifting

1997 MAZDA 626
105,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ITSALLGOOD119
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  • 1 POST
On long downhill stretches where the car will want to accelerate higher than i want i usually downshift the transmission into 3rd gear to hold my speed. it is a 4 speed auto. So now when I do that downshift it no longer holds the gear, the engine returns to an idol and its just like someone threw the clutch in on an manual and just coasts down the hill. However when i return the transmission to drive it holds the 4th gear no problem. Any ideas would be very appreciated. THank you

-Michael-
Apr 30, 2009 at 9:05 AM
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ATKAPARKING
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There are two methods of slowing a car; brakes and lower gearing. Both methods produce wear. Wear on brakes is easier to fix than wear on transmission. If you want to slow down, put the car in neutral and use the brake, not the gearing. You might be able to do a transmission fluid and filter change and revive part of 3rd gear. Good luck
Apr 30, 2009 at 2:06 PM