So I've got a 2004 RX8 with 84,000 miles. Lately I've noticed the transmission has been jumpy when it's switching gears. It had a new engine put in if that matters. The oil was pretty low (gah I know) until recently, so I just filled it. Can low oil cause a jumpy tranny? Or do I...gulp...need a new one? It's still under warranty for a year. Do you think mazda would replace a jumpy transmisson? Or does it have to be like red-lining during normal driving for them to oblige? I'm also about 2k miles into this oil change, if that matters.

Anyways this is my first post, and if it was up to me I'd just buy a manual, I hate relying on the mystery box that is the automatic transmission! Thanks y'all!

 

The oil is for the engine. Check your transmission fluid, it could be leaking or needs to be change.

 

 

The logic for the transmission's gear changes is based on the engine load and RPM. The engine load is based on the MAF sensor data (among other things). If you have issues with any of the common points (MAF sensor fouled, e-shaft sensor fouled, cat clogged, plugs fouled, coils failing, wires failing, vacuum leak, etc...) then it can cause shifting problems for the AT. Not 100% of the time, but the possibility exists.

How is your car's highway gas mileage? (it's a barometer we can use to detect the presence of a problem)


Low oil can only cause 1 problem: Engine damage.


Warranty replacement of parts happens if the part is defective/faulty somehow. It remains to be seen if your transmission is defective, since it could be happily doing exactly what it's supposed to, only the ECU is telling it to do something that you don't want it to do.


Monchie,

Automatic transmission fluid is still oil

 

I knew that...