1995 Mazda 626 with automatic

My girlfriend's car won't go over 50 mph and it does it at around 4000 rpm. It seems to have very low power at low speeds as well, and the engine typically runs around 4k rpm then, too.

It seemed logical to me that, if the engine was running high rpm but the wheels weren't producing much power, that something in the transmission was slipping. It also shifts kind of clunky sometimes.

She took it to a small transmission shop today and they told her it wasn't the transmission, and perhaps a mass air flow sensor. I'm certainly no expert, so I'm turning to you for help. Any suggestions?

 

You should check your transmission fluid level. To little of fluid and you'll have a clunky shift and slipping/ high rpm.

 

I've been having the same troubles with mine, it turned out to be a combination needing new transmission fluid, and also a little bit of wear and tear in the gearbox. Definately have a look at the gearbox just incase.

 

thanks for the suggestions and help. She took it to a transmission place and the guy there said it wasn't the transmission, but probably a vacuum leak or something. So she's going to take it to a regular mechanic now. I'll post solution once it's figured out.