1997 Protege Trans Shift Issue
 

I wanted to pose a question; I am having an issue with my car. 1997 Mazda Protégé Touring Edition (1.8L). Anyhow, this summer I changed the trans fluid (old fluid was dirty) and all was well. I am now running into an issue whereby the shift into any other gear is harder then usual. Its seems, it an intermittent problem since, yesterday evening the car shift was fine.

I should mention, the issue is only when I try to put the car into gear, however, when driving the car is fine.

It’s an automatic with 93,000 KM's (I from Canada)

Is there a specific trans fluid Mazda recommends? When the fluid was changed a few months back, standard trans fluid was used (Dex 2 or 3 I believe - was done at a Jiffy Lube using a special machine connected to the trans lines)

Thanks in advance. :) :bt:

aarrgghh, sounds like jiffy lube just flushed your fluid out....friggin hosers.

a proper tranny service has een detailed in another thread.

Have you been doing the tranny services on schedule or only when you experience a problem? If you don't do it on time and wait then you'll cause damage beyond simple repair.

Sounds to me like you let it go too long.

It does not seem as if its a trans internal issue, since when driving the shifts are smooth as butter. Its most likely an issue with the linkage which connects to the auto gear stick in the car. They may be gummed up or a bushing might have gone.

The trans oil, is nice and clean and the level is fine.

it feels to you like the shift LEVER has a kink or problem with it? That should be easy to diagnose if you remove the center console and get under neath the car. Make sure everything is lubricated properly and nothing is obstructing the path.

p.s. a tranny service is more than a fluid change. There is a filter to change as well trans pan gasket to re-seal. You wouldn't change your engine oil and not use a new filter would you?

I would not, however don’t even begin to imply a trans filter needs to contend with the same amount of contaminates that an engine oil filter does.

Therefore a trans filter does not require the same change frequency, since the car only has 93 000 KM’s, I decided to change only the oil.

ok man....you know better than OEM.

As a technician I wish your transmission the best of luck.

Are you implying that one should follow the OEM change intervals to spec or else....

If that was the case my engine oil should last me 10000 KM's...

Anyhow, thanks for nothing.