Hi everybody I'm new here just trying to figure out what's going on with my 2001 626. It's an automatic with about 125,000 miles on it. Last night I was pulling the thing into my garage when it seems like something with the transmission failed. The car acts like it is in neutral regardless of the gear I put it in. In park, the parking brake does not engage. It all happened suddenly with no noises or anything out of the ordinary leading to it. What's going on??

Appreciate all the help! Cheers.

 

It could be the cable from the shift lever to the trans or something else in the linkage? Because you said the parking paw would not engage, and that it happened all of a suddden is what leads me to believe that just might be the trouble.
But I also understand that those auto trannys in the late 90's, early 00's are the worst Mazda has ever used too and that they are trouble.

Mazmart Trini knows much, MUCH more about them than I do. If we can get his attention, perhaps he will chime in w/some advice.

Sheldon!! Paging Sheldon!!

 

The shift cable will come off the linkage arm. It is held on by a ball socket that snaps on to the linkage arm. Raise the hood and look down the rear of the engine compartment,follow the shift cable from the firewall to the top of the rear of transmission [under battery box] you will see it disconected. Shift cable will have to be replaced. I hope is helps Kevin