Mazda Repair: Flashing overdrive light, transmission control module tcm, transmission control module

Question
QUESTION: My Husband and I were driving and we got caught in a really bad rain storm, I am guessing all the water went to my engine and/or transmission and my car nearly stalled out so we pulled over and let the car sit until the rain stopped, but ever since my transmission has been having troubles shifting, and my overdrive light keeps flashing on and off what does this mean?

ANSWER: THe OD or HOLD light is telling you that there is a fault that has been detected by the transmission control module (TCM).  It could be a variety of issues.  The best course of action is to take it to a Mazda dealer and have the computer codes read on a Mazda Diagnostics Computer.  This is the most direct approach to the issue.  It does not by any means point to some catastrophic failure it could be as simple as a stuck sensor or a bad electrical contact.  The TCM has put the transmission into a default "safe" mode to allow you to make it to a service facility.  It is not recommended to continue normal use until after the repair.  Diagnostics should cost under $100.  If your dealer comes at you with a large tab (worst case scenario situation) for repair take it to a competing Mazda dealer for a second opinion.

What year and model?

Take it from a New Orleanian - Mazdas can't float like a boat so stop pull over get to high ground and be safe in the future.  Water kills cars.

service@miatashop.com

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QUESTION: It is a 96 and there isn't any Mazda dealerships around the closest one is like 48 minutes away. My Husbands continued to drive it to and from Fort Knox for about a month in a half like that could that cause some other problem? and if it is a stuck sensor or something like that where would I look to check? and would Autozone be able to tell me what is wrong with my car?

Answer
A 96 what?

I don't think that Auto Zone will have a computer to read a Mazda TCM but since you are remote it may be worth a phone call.

You need to get it to a service center as quickly as possible and let he onboard diagnostics system of the TCM tell you where to look.  It could be a simple issue that may manifest itself into a more sinister problem, you may cause irreparable damage by continuing to drive the car.  The system is designed to protect itself and warn you of an error but, this is only effective if you heed the malfunction indicator lamp and acknowledge that something is not right.