Transmission overdrive slipping

Tiny
TYDUDE2641
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MAZDA 626
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
When trying to go 45-50 and hold that speed it starts slipping into neutral or into third gear. Not sure where to even begin trying to figure it out or who I should take it to or if I should just get the fluid replaced. But then I was told if I replace the fluid it'll make it worse. I don't know what to do.
Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 8:35 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

I would do just what you are suggesting. Check the fluid and make sure it is in good condition. If it is then you don't need to change it, just make sure it is full.

Then I would scan for any codes. I suspect you have a solenoid issue if all other gears are okay. However, we would need a little more proof of that before making a repair.

This guide will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let me know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
TYDUDE2641
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Currently with the car at operating temperature, on level surface, in park, checking the trans dipstick shows that the level is in between the hash mark, not too low, not 100% full though. The fluid is still lightly pinkish brown, no dark colors. No check engine light, would I code still be able to be present without a check engine light? Attached photo is from car care kiosk just to show you the level at which my 626 is at. Should it be topped off? Should I use something like Lucas oil trans fix to top it off?

I really have been freaking out over this as this is the last car out of 3 that was running correctly, the one I own. I have 2 roommates who also work and are now using my darn car to get around and now this is happening making 45 roads unable to be driven on. Which is most roads. It's nice to just be able to lay out my options of what to do so let me just say, thank you.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I would not add any additives and the fluid level is fine but condition may be an issue. It should not be brownish. It should be brights pink. More than likely you have a solenoid issue and could have a code with no check engine light. So I would have it checked. However, if there are none there then we will need to get into some pretty heavy diagnosis. Let me know if you are going to perform this and I will send you how to test them. If not, I would just call around and take it to someone who works on Mazda's. They are pretty easy but the last thing you want is for someone to guess at this.
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Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
TYDUDE2641
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Update: the night before last I took the 626 on the street and drove it for a decent chunk of time, about 20 miles at 45. And I got 0 issues with the transmission, it was flawless. But after about 20 miles it started back up again. This made me think it was a heat issue maybe combined with the bad fluid, and I realized my cooling fan isn't running at all even though I have no overheat on the engine temp gauge, directly in the middle like normal for the heat. So I went to bed with a plan to replace the cooling fan and change the fluid. I went to advance auto, and when I was leaving I started the car and revved to almost 3.5k and it popped up a check engine light p0708. I immediately shut it off and took it to an express oil to have the check it out. I was told the transmission range sensor is bad and it would need replaced. I then mentioned that it was the first time it's happened, and he had the mechanic clear the code and take it for a test drive. He drove it for 15 miles in the florid heat with no issues. I drove it home with no issues. I do know what to do, the owner of the shop recommended just topping off the transmission with Lucas oil he said about a pint or slightly less.
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Thursday, October 31st, 2019 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
TYDUDE2641
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  • 5 POSTS
Send me the diag procedure and I'll see if I can do it. I'm worried with the shitty rep this transmission model has that it may just be slowly dying as it's worn out at 110,000.
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Thursday, October 31st, 2019 AT 5:19 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Here is the procedure for this code. Let me know what you find. Thanks
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Thursday, October 31st, 2019 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
TYDUDE2641
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Just wanted to give an update on this. Sorry it's so late, got a lot going on but good news is it's fixed. P0708 led me to search up very detailed about the 626. It was a faulty neutral safety switch sending wrong info to the TCM when hot. The sensors degrade over the years and then when they get hot it will cause the issue with a bad sensor. I replaced the sensor for about $22.00 and haven't had an issue.
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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 6:21 AM

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