2011 - 90K Miles - Trans/Shifting Issue - Transmission or TCM

[Guitarkidd]

Hello,

I have a 2011 with 90K. This morning was the first time I felt anything wrong with this car and its transmission. From a stop or near stop it appeared to be starting from 2nd gear, and then would down shift into 1st upon acceleration. Not hard down shift, but obviously not normal, and then the car would go through the gears normally with no issues. Only when I cam to a stop or a near stop would it stay in 2nd and then drop into 1st upon accelerating.

When I got to work the AT light eventually came on with no check engine light. There is a very respectable transmission shop within walking distance. When they opened I went to the car to drive it over. My car would not go into reverse but would still go into drive.

I pushed the car out of the parking spot and drove it to the transmission shop. The car went into reverse upon the initial test drive and the issues of shifting were present, but then at another point, the manager lost reverse during the test drive.

The manager was telling me that he believes from just driving it that something internal is wrong and I'm probably looking at a replacement and or rebuild. The manager is going to do some research on potential TSB, customer satisfaction programs from Mazda, etc., but I doubt there is anything he will find.

However, some research has shown that other Mazdas with the same or similar power trains have had the same issues and have only needed the TCM flashed or replaced.

This car has never shown any issues shifting. I am the original owner and have had all maintenance done too.

Thought and suggestions would be appreciated.

[Db09ms3]

I'm confused. Your car is a Mazdaspeed 3, correct? If so, is the shifter coming out of 2nd and going into 1st? Easy to see due to it being a manual transmission only car.

From your description it sounds like you're driving an automatic regular Mazda3.

[Guitarkidd]

Originally Posted by Db09ms3 I'm confused. Your car is a Mazdaspeed 3, correct? If so, is the shifter coming out of 2nd and going into 1st? Easy to see due to it being a manual transmission only car. From your description it sounds like you're driving an automatic regular Mazda3.

I'm sorry I'm confused why you're confused LOL... I posted this in the CX-7 forum because I have a 2011 CX-7... I am not sure why you are thinking I have a different vehicle.

[Db09ms3]

Ha! I'm dumb. Carry on sir!

[Solarsurge]

Originally Posted by Guitarkidd I'm sorry I'm confused why you're confused LOL... I posted this in the CX-7 forum because I have a 2011 CX-7... I am not sure why you are thinking I have a different vehicle.

[Db09ms3]

Ha!

[Carskick]

Originally Posted by Guitarkidd Hello, I have a 2011 with 90K. This morning was the first time I felt anything wrong with this car and its transmission. From a stop or near stop it appeared to be starting from 2nd gear, and then would down shift into 1st upon acceleration. Not hard down shift, but obviously not normal, and then the car would go through the gears normally with no issues. Only when I cam to a stop or a near stop would it stay in 2nd and then drop into 1st upon accelerating. When I got to work the AT light eventually came on with no check engine light. There is a very respectable transmission shop within walking distance. When they opened I went to the car to drive it over. My car would not go into reverse but would still go into drive. I pushed the car out of the parking spot and drove it to the transmission shop. The car went into reverse upon the initial test drive and the issues of shifting were present, but then at another point, the manager lost reverse during the test drive. The manager was telling me that he believes from just driving it that something internal is wrong and I'm probably looking at a replacement and or rebuild. The manager is going to do some research on potential TSB, customer satisfaction programs from Mazda, etc., but I doubt there is anything he will find. However, some research has shown that other Mazdas with the same or similar power trains have had the same issues and have only needed the TCM flashed or replaced. This car has never shown any issues shifting. I am the original owner and have had all maintenance done too. Thought and suggestions would be appreciated.

I'm no expert on Auto Trannies, so take this with a grain of salt...

If the transmission feels and operates normal except for it's shift logic, then I'd suspect a electronics/computer problem. Rough/Bad shifts are more indicative of a mechanical problem. Loosing reverse could be either...