1995 Mazda Millenia HOLD Light No-Start

1995 MAZDA MILLENIA
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BILLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a problem, with my wife's car a 1995 Mazda Millennia. Some times when you turn on the ignition key the "HOLD" light comes on and the car will not start. The "HOLD" light is the one that is activated at the automatic transmission shift lever that down shifts one gear when you drive. If I turn the ignition key on / off several times the "HOLD" light goes off and the car starts and runs fine. This happens about 2 or 3 times a week. Is this a known problem with Mazda? I am concerned that this problem may some day leave my wife stranded.
Thanks for your assistants
Jan 14, 2006 at 1:39 PM
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10FOTUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
My Mazda has a reset next to the gear shift. Check to see if yours has one it is just a little slider doesnt even look like a switch but it will slide forward or back. Try that next time it wont start. I would definitely have it checked out by a certified mechanic. I would hate to have my wife and stranded somewhere cause it usually happens at the worst of times.
Jan 15, 2006 at 9:01 AM
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BILLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your response, however,
the only switch I have is on the shift lever. The car starts fine if the Hold light does not come on and the button on the shift lever turns the Hold on and off. However wen I turn the ignition on and the Hold light is blinking there is nothing I can due except turn the ignition key off and on x times and hope the Hold light goes off, once it does everything works. I called the Mazda dealer and was told the Transmission needs to be overhauled, which I don't believe.
Jan 15, 2006 at 11:25 AM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Well it might not be a matter of 'calling'...I would go get it checked out by a Mazda dealer. It sounds like there is either an internal problem in the transmission OR a wiring harness issue with the car. Either way, get it to a dealer.

Cosmo...mazda tech
Jan 15, 2006 at 12:12 PM

Suggested Repair

Have a Mazda dealer inspect the vehicle in person for either an internal transmission problem or a wiring harness issue related to the HOLD light and no-start condition, rather than relying on a phone diagnosis of a full transmission overhaul.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Mazda Millenia reported that the transmission HOLD light sometimes comes on at ignition and the car will not start until the key is cycled several times, after which it runs normally. Another user suggested a small reset slider near the shifter, but the owner said only the HOLD button on the shift lever is present and that cycling the key is the only workaround when the light blinks. A dealer contacted by phone recommended a transmission overhaul, which the owner doubted. A Mazda technician advised an in-person dealer inspection because the cause could be an internal transmission fault or a wiring harness issue.

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