98 protege - freaky tranny problems?
 

Hello,

My g/f's '98 protege has a problem. Erratically, her 'check engine' light comes on along with a flickering 'o/d off' light that usually results in shifting the car to 3rd at highway speeds. Even if she messes with the button, it stays in 3rd, giving her the willys because the rpms sound too high for her. Plus, it sounds like the tranny is 'slipping,' (to her).

I took it to autozone to have the fault codes read, and they said that it was throwing a "turbine speed sensor" malfunction code. When I asked a/z if they could get me the sensor in question, they said it was a dealer-only part. She got fed up at this point and decided to take it to a garage, but they claim that it's not throwing ANY codes, (I said sporadic, right?), and they said that autozone was trying to pull the wool over her eyes. I find this hard to believe, since I've known many a crooked mechanic, but rarely a crooked auto parts counter-jockey...and if they don't even sell the part, what would they have to gain?

Has anyone else experienced the same problem?

Back on the speed sensor, can anyone tell me a part # or give me a clue about where I can get it? Also, the location of said sensor, and the ease of replacement?

Thanks for any help...I really appreciate it.

???
 

So no one here has any advice whatsoever? This has NEVER happened to ANYONE else?

I called Mazda and they said that they only have a "speed sensor," the guy had no idea what 'turbine' had to do with it. It costs 187.45...has anyone replaced this on their Protege? Can the car run with it unplugged?

Can anyone here help me?

this sounds like something happened to my friends 626 recently (bad shifting and flashing OD). He was leaking tranny fluid... Replaced a broken hose, top off fluid, he was good as new.... :)