I have an 02 Mazda Protege. A little background...I bought it new in the summer of 02, and in the beginning of 04 my transmission went and they couldn't figure out why. It was under warranty and was replaced. Just two weeks ago I started having problems. When I was at a stop and put my foot on the gas I was experiencing choppy acceleration. I don't know how else to put it, but it was jerking a bit. There was also a delay between when I put my foot on the gas and when the car actually starting moving. So I took it in and was told #1 that my transmission fluid was completely black. #2 I had two bad belts (AC compressor belt and alternator drive belt) and both of these were replaced same day at my normal mechanic. They told me to go to a trans specialist. Mazda didn't want anything to do with it since I'm outside my warranty for the SECOND trans. Please keep in mind I don't drive it hard at all, I'm a cautious driver and get all my recommended oil changes and such. Took it to a trans specialist and spent $2000 to have it rebuilt and the necessary parts replaced (new torque converter, new drum, etc). Got the car back and a hose was loose which caused some temporary problems, including my O/D off light to flash. Hose was tightened but still have the flashing light as well as a check engine light on all the time while driving. He got the codes and says it needs another part replaced to fix that problem but it has nothing to do with the way the car will drive, so I'm waiting for that part (I couldn't begin to tell you what it was called). Meanwhile I'm starting to notice the same choppy acceleration all over again. Not every time, but enough for me to think there's still a problem. Could this still be a trans problem? Or am I looking at a completely different problem here? I'm freaking out because I have no money left after getting the trans done and I'm hoping it's not a separate problem. I DO have a 1 yr. warranty on the rebuilt trans, but he won't be able to look at the problem until Monday or Tuesday.


(This post was edited by tmccmazda on Aug 25, 2007, 12:08 PM)

A lot of stuff gets unplugged to do the transmission. Know that a rebuild is not every last piece or item in or on transmission. Code and and light could be fron a bad connection or bad luck. The same feeling in the trans isn't a good sign for the trans but you have the warranty. These cars aren't that much trouble. Second trans?!?!?? Do you have another driving this vehicle?

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

Nope! It's just me. The first one went at 30,000 miles. This second one went 60,000 later. Like I said I get all my recommended upkeep. Mazda claims there's nothing they'll do about it since it's out of warranty but I think it's ridiculous that I've had to replace it twice and I'm definitely writing some angry letters about it. I hope it's nothing else besides the trans...at least then I don't have to worry about paying for it. Thanks.