Hello there!

I own a 2010 Mazda 3 with 110K miles.

My Mazda 3 has started giving me some transmission issues. No error code. But here is what is happening.

1) Putting in reverse started not working. I have to try multiple times to succeed.

2) I added some fluid and after that it started working fine.

3) I came back after a 2 weeks trip and the issue restarted so I thought it was a leak. I added some fluid. Then I checked and it is OVERFILLED.

4) Now if you put in REVERSE or PARKING it does not engage.

5) I did figure out a trick: If after you put in R or P you push the lever UP like an eighth of an inch you hear a click and the transmission engages correctly.


Can I keep doing #5?
Do you think if I flush all the fluid and put new fluid it could help? And what fluid would you recommend?
If not what else could I do?

Thank you in advance!!

 

Did you inspect the transmission fluid to see if it was a darker color? I would be careful topping off the fluid. If your vehicle never had a transmission flush or drain before, it's risky doing it at 110k. After driving it for two weeks as you mentioned, the system should've thrown a code especially if it's not shifting properly. I would try to use a good OBDII scanner and see if it can pick up the internal codes. The TCM (transmission control module) is known to fail in these cars.