Hold light on Millenia

MAZDA
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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

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Arrange diagnosis while the fault is present and describe exactly what happens during the failed start, including whether the engine cranks. Obtain recorded findings before authorizing a transmission overhaul.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: Original question and visible replies. Owner reports and other participants' experiences are distinguished. Next steps are editorial guidance for obtaining diagnosis or clarifying the reported findings; they are not a verified repair procedure or an independently confirmed component diagnosis.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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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
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Discussion summary

Hold light on Millenia

A 1995 Mazda Millenia intermittently would not start when the HOLD indicator flashed. The owner reported that cycling the ignition sometimes cleared the indicator and allowed normal starting and driving.

Reported outcome: No confirmed cause or completed repair was reported.

A suggested reset control was not found on this vehicle. The owner reported an overhaul recommendation received by phone; the later reply recommended an in-person assessment and did not establish an internal transmission failure.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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