Hi... first post here, I posted the following on another Mazda6 forum but got no response. Wondering if anyone here has any insight --

Ijust experienced what I consider to be an insane problem to have on a near-new car with less than 20,000 pampered miles on it. About two weeks ago, I hit the gas at between 40-45 mph to merge into traffic... and the cursed thing downshifted into FIRST gear. The result was heavy jerking as the revs hit the limiter, and a series of less-than-pleasant screams from the transmission and engine. I backed off instantly, and the car upshifted... and I nearly got hit from behind in traffic.

When Imade itto the dealership, the technician was able to duplicate the problem immediately... and called for a new transmission. No explanation of what may have caused the problem was given; the invoice just shows "replaced transmission." The A/T trouble light never illuminated (I think that happens only if the electronics fail?) nor did the Check Engine light.

What caused this? Any ideas? Though the transmission is now "new," I have my doubts I won't see this problem again. I've read about the overheating problem, but I get the impression that only applied to the 5-spd ATX, not the Aisin 6-spd?

P.S. I must give the car credit... this happened about halfway into a 690-mile road trip, and while I had to be VERY careful when accelerating to pass (downshifting manually) it still got me to my destination, and returned 29.6 mpg.

 

I'm sorry to hear about that. Every car is different and there are a number of things that could have conspired against your car's transmission to cause it to fail. Thank God for warranties though! How did you manage to get such fantastic milage out of your car? I have an '06 S and only get about 22mpg (mixed driving).

 

Deleted message.

 

Whoops, sorry, didn't realize someone finally responded! I noticed with my last car (2004 Grand Am SE1 4-cylinder, 5-speed) the long descent from Amarillo (elevation around 3,500' MSL) to Dallas (about 500'-1000') usually netted the best mileage during the trip... combined with the fact I was driving the6 far more gingerly than usual due to the tranny, it must have combined to net the high figure.

I usually average 28-29 MPG on the highway... and I don't drive that slow, about 5-7 above the limit at most, cruise set, slowing down for local limits(gotta watch those tiny Texas towns, with more cops than residents!)

My in-town mileage is atrocious, I think, around 22-23. But there are those who do worse, so I guess I should be grateful?!?!

So far, the tranny repair seems to be doing well... shifts have become a lot smoother now that it has re-"learned" my driving style. Agreed, thank God for the 4/50K warranty! It was a major factor in my decision to buy the 6.

 

Just be thankful the tranny went so soon, so it is covered!

 

thats what u get for buying a automatic transmission in a sportier car. Mazda manual transmissions are excellent. learn to drive stick so u control your car not the other way around

 

nice... well either manual or auto, that transmission should have never went out that early. I have always had Honda, Nissan, etc... and I have never seen theproblems Mazda owners are having.

Interesting....