Code P0733, flashing OD light?

Tiny
ALLBIZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I had p0733 code on my vehicle listed above. I replaced all the solenoids in the valve body. Fresh transmission fluid and filter. Transmission fluid was always clean, not burnt/dirty. When starting up the car in the morning, when I put the car into drive, I hear a faint buzzing sound, and the transmission takes a minute or so to engage. When it engages, it shutters/jerks hard and OD/light flashes. It does this as I pull off and come to stops. It disengages as well and I have to put it into second or first gear to try and get it to engage in drive, so I can pull off from a stop. Others gears fine; it's just the jerking 1st gear. Any advice or suggestions? I was unable to get code from OD light after I cleared it but od light still flashes when car jerks to first. This problem just started within the last week. I have only driven it about 3-5 miles since it started.
Saturday, April 26th, 2025 AT 2:49 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,298 POSTS
This codes comes into play when the turbine shaft speed sensor is going out, here is the location so you can change it out and then clear the codes.

P0733 - Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.
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Sunday, April 27th, 2025 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
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I get the part tomorrow, I'll let you know. Appreciate the response!
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Sunday, April 27th, 2025 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Give it a whirl, it should fix it. :)
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Monday, April 28th, 2025 AT 9:58 AM
Tiny
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Do I have to disconnect the battery, so the PCM can relearn the new ISS sensor?
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Monday, April 28th, 2025 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, it is a good idea to disconnect the battery, there should be no relearn for that sensor.
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
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I bought a cheap sensor and I thought I noticed some improvements, but not sure. I ordered a more respected brand(Dorman), which arrives tomorrow, so hopefully I'll notice something/improvement. Appreciate how you take time out of your day to help me out with this issue.
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Np, we are glad to help. Good call on the name brand sensors, I can't tell you how many times cheap parts simply don't work.
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
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Unfortunately, the part didn't pan out. It seemed like the car took less time to kick into gear. But when I took off and accelerated into 2nd gear, the car shudder or slightly jerked into 2nd. It's never done that before. It jerked into second every time I accelerated into second gear while on the test drive with the newer part. Also, when the car was heated up, during a stop, the car came out of gear like it was in neutral. I had to drop it into Low 1st gear to get it to engage and take off. Whenever I tried to park back in the garage, every time I went from reverse to first, first gear would disengage. One thing I never mentioned before, I serviced the tranny around 120K, drained fluid, replaced filter etc. I used Valvoline Maxlife ATF and I was wondering if this is my issue (although the website says it's compatible with M5ATF, they never factor in older vehicle conditions, only newer in my opinion)? I bought a bottle of Lubeguard Shudder fix, and it immediately drove like it did before my current issue, actually, even better. It lasted for several days then went into the situation I'm in now. Is it possible that I might have to put in OEM M-5(V) ATF fluid in the transmission and ditch the current Maxlife ATF? I just thought that the Lubeguard exposed more of a lubrication issue with my vehicle, then mechanical or electrical if anything? What's your thoughts? Any questions, thoughts or suggestions please feel free to ask Ken. I appreciate your time!
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Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
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Have not registered an code yet, which is confusing aswell.
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Thursday, May 1st, 2025 AT 4:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the incorrect fluid can cause problems, also, was the old fluid burnt? You may have a mechanical failure inside the transmission.

Here is the fluid it should take:

Mazda ATF M-V (Type M5) fluid

Let us know how it goes.
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Thursday, May 1st, 2025 AT 9:56 AM
Tiny
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No. Fluid was never burnt. Always maintained. Owner's manual states M3 or Dexron 2. I also read in the manual that on this particular vehicle, when the O/D light flashes, it means there's an electrical problem.
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Thursday, May 1st, 2025 AT 10:02 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the electrical problem is the

P0733 - Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

Code but it can be caused by a mechanical failure inside the transmission like a broken band or clutch pack. The sensor was our best bet for fixing the problem.
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
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Now the code went away on its own. Car is hit or miss as far as functionality.
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Maybe it just needs to relearn which can be done by driving it for a few miles.
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 10:06 AM
Tiny
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I didn't know this model year was capable of that process.
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Friday, May 2nd, 2025 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, it is, that computer will make adjustments as it relearns. Let me know if all is good or not, have a good weekend.
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
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Will do! Enjoy yours aswell!
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 AT 1:11 PM

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