Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 1996 Mercury Mistique with 2.0L engine with an automatic 4 speed transmission with lockup. I came to a stop, put it in reverse, then in drive and the vehicle had no forward gears. I manualy put it in first gear, then the vehicle moved. I could drive the vehicle; however, I had to shift it like a standared. I was told that a modual that is located on top of the transmission needs to be replaced. I replaced the modual with negative results. I continued to drive the vehicle for one week and now there are no forward gears. Reverse still works. I checked the shift solenoids and found power to each and weak grounds (all at the same time). I can manualy ground them to engage them, with the key on and engine off. Do you have any ideas on the posible problem, i.e. is it electrical or is the transmission shot. Or do you have any other diagnostic tips to narrow down a problem.
Answer -
Hi Roger,
That is the imfamous Mazda CD4E transmission. Fully electronic and fully undependable. First we need to see if your check engine light is on. Your PCM is also the TCM in this vehicle. Every car sold in the US since 1996 is OBDII so you can have anyone scan it. Pep Boys and Cottman Transmission will do it for free. From what you discribed in your question this is a low fluid problem. You'll have to be my eyes here so please check the level and condition, smell it, see if there's a burnt oder like an electrical fire. Notice the color. If it is brown or it has a burnt oder DO NOT HAVE THE FLUID CHANGED. Changing fluid in vehicles with over 35,000 miles can and likely will CAUSE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. Yes, I know what the book says, but I do this for a living (transmissions, not AllExperts LOL) and I strongly recommend against it. Besides, changing transmission fluid will not fix any transmission problem. There is no such thing as a clogged filter in todays cars. If your fluid is low then it is leaking. Tranmissions are a sealed unit, can leak in 13 different places and don't use fluid like an engine uses oil. Leaking is the number one failure followed by electronics. Ok, so I recommend having your car scanned if there is a check engine light on. Two, check your fluid in neutral, warm and with the e-brake on and resubmit to me with the info and we'll take this to the next level.
Hi Dave
The first thing I did was to check fluid and the smell, it's ok, what I didn't tell you is the
over drive light was flashing,hooked obdII scaner
tool up and no codes. No check engine light on just OD light flashing,but now OD light stays off untill you push button.
I hope this will help you out, I talked to a dealership owner and he said the computer is out. I don't know..
Thanks, Roger
AnswerHi Roger,
I wish this was at my shop so I could drop and inspect the pan. If I could hook up the tran-x it would tell me if it was computer or a smashed transmission. In my experience, if that OD light was flashing, then there must be codes. Transmission DTC's are what triggers the light. There might be an issue with scanning a Mazda because of the Ford electronics. I know that we had trouble for years with Probes and 626s getting info out of them but we came up with a few tricks to get them to talk! I strongly suggest taking this car to a Cottman transmission and have him call me at 702-878-1837 ask for Dave. 1) I manage Cottman Transmission in Las Vegas. I trust the managers at Cottmans, we watch each others back. 2) If you do indeed need a computer or a transmission, Cottman will treat you right. I will put a word in for you also. I would hate for you to pay a dealer for a computer and then turn around and pay for a transmission. Let's get an accurate diagnosis then we'll take it from there. Of course if you need to know where one is you can go to cottman.com
