Automatic Tranny - Mazda is Killing me!
 

I have an auto unfortunately and the shifting has been off for awhile. She hesitates from 3rd gear to 4th and shifts at odd times - it's just off. I took it to the Mazda dealer it was bought from right before the warranty was up and they did a PCM reflash and basically took me that I was an idiot and sent me on my way. With a bad feeling in my gut I started taking it to another dealership. 15k later the problem is back and getting worse so I took it back in. Now of course the warranty is up and all of a sudden I need a new TCM (worth $950 all in) - and they're not even sure that this is the problem! Just beside my self. I'm going to have to raise some Hell with these guys!
Has anyone else had problem with the Auto tranny shifting? I read about another guy who said he had the same problem, it was his Cat that was plugged.

really difficult to diagnose w/out a full detailed description.

are you at WOT when it hesitates or are you feathering the gas? The AT for the 6port tends to 'search' for gears periodically if you're in "D" too. When was the last time you had the transmission fluid replaced?

I've only had the car for just over a year and apparently the previous owner changed about 10km before I bought it so I'm sure it's due for new fluid soon.

It seems to happen mostly when I'm about halfway to the floor or less. If I put the pedal to the metal I don't have a problem.

Also I've noticed going down the highway that the car will stay in third for much longer than it should. Even if I take it off the gas and coast for awhile and give it more gas and coast etc - it just stays in third. Sometimes I just flick it to manual to change it myself because it just won't upshift.

How does the car output feel when you have manually selected a gear i.e. 2nd gear? Does it pull well or feel sluggish?

Are you in "D" when you're flooring it in 3rd?

Do you have problems shifting gears when you're in manual mode?

If you have problems in Manual mode you may be in a bit more trouble. If it's in D then it may not be an issue as the way it's set is to act more as a sports car than a luxury sedan.

Thanks for all your feedback on this guys....

Footman: When it's in manual mode it's fine. At times it takes a little longer to shift over than I would expect but it's not overly noticeable. It pulls well in Manual!

Atilla: Yes I'm in D when I'm hitting the floor and it responds well. It just seems to be when the gas is at a more normal level that it hesitates.

Latest update: I received a call from Mazda this afternoon and they put the new TCM on the car. The TCM told them that the Tranny is SHOT!!! 5 year old car and the Transmission is gone - I can't believe it! Now they want me to pay $3100 + tax for a new tranny! I'm calling Mazda Canada in the morning as they are eastern and not open. I can't believe that I had it in before the warranty and they told me it was fine. Now a different dealer tells me that the transmission needs to be replaced! It wasn't even that bad - I just want to keep my baby in perfect shape - all of a sudden I'm without my car!