Transmission shifting hard and solenoid d stuck in on position

Tiny
LCROWE2
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 MAZDA 3
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 259,000 MILES
The TCM was replaced a year ago, the car still shifted roughly and then the AT light came on and it was the shift solenoid d stuck in off position. We had that replaced and now it says it is stuck in the on position and it still shifts hard. After they replaced it, it was pulling the solenoid d stuck in on and ECM issue (I can't remember right off) and it doesn't want to go into the passing gear. It will drive fine then randomly the AT light pops on and it goes into limp mode. What could be the issue? I don't want to replace the transmission and it be the ECM and still have issues.
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 AT 7:05 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Were they able to provide you with a diagnostic trouble code for the solenoid issue? I ask because this sounds like it could be related to a wiring issue and not the solenoid. A specific code would point me in the right direction.

As far as the solenoid, it can be tested without removing the component. I have provided the diagnostics below for testing. Take a look through them and let me know if it is something you are comfortable performing. Also, here is a link you may find helpful

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
LCROWE2
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  • 5 POSTS
Hi, Joe thanks for the quick response!
So the codes it is pulling are P0768- shift solenoid D electrical and P0773 TCM shift solenoid valve E on or off. And it has P0134 O2 sensor. That one has been on.
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Thursday, November 4th, 2021 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

The O2 sensor isn't related which I believe you are aware of. The problem doesn't appear to be a mechanical issue related to the transmission. Instead, either there is a short to power for solenoid D or there is no power, open circuit. To me, it seems there is a wiring issue. The P0773 for valve E is the same. Has anyone inspected the connection at the TCM or at the transmission? I suspect that is where the issue is and not the transmission itself.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 4th, 2021 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
LCROWE2
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
They have not. I took it to a transmission shop and the guy test drove it noticed that it was not shifting gears like it's supposed to and charged me $70.00 and told me that it needed a new transmission which was $2,700.00. However, a year ago when the TCM module lost connection and we replaced it, after it was replaced is when it started acting crazy as far as shifting and jerking in and out of gears and it only got worse and then the next issue, we had was the solenoid D in the stuck on position. At which point, we replaced the solenoid and then these 2 codes started coming up the same day. The day they replaced that solenoid the car when he put it in reverse to get it out of the garage slammed into reverse and that was the first time it had ever done that and now it does it every single time unless the at light is off. Is there a possibility when they put that back together, they may have got some wires crossed or maybe unhooked something?
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Thursday, November 4th, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, there is a possibility that one or more of the pins in the connector are bent, damaged, corroded, and causing a short. The idea that it is stuck on leads me to believe there is a short to power.

I attached the diagnostics for code P0768. Take a look through them. Note that the tests all include checking voltage signals (electrical concerns).

Let me know if this is something you would feel comfortable doing. I can try to help from here if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, November 4th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
LCROWE2
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
So, this morning, I started it and the AT light was on, I turned it off and the AT light went off. Is that normal for wiring issues? Also, when the AT light is off it drives perfect, but when the light is on it slams into reverse and doesn't come out of third and shift rough.
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Friday, November 5th, 2021 AT 5:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Electrical issues can be odd. Simple things like a loose connection, a small amount of corrosion, or weak connection, or anything that can cut voltage, reduce the voltage, or a short will have different effects. So, yes, it could be a wiring issue that is intermittent.

Also, as I mentioned before, at this point I don't feel it is a mechanical issue with the transmission. When there is a mechanical issue, they usually don't fix themselves. Since when the light is off it shifts normally, that tells me the transmission itself is good, and it leads me to feel it's an electrical issue.

I hope this makes sense. I have been wrong before and will be again in the future, but this is where I feel the issues lie.

If there is something I can do to help, let me know.

Joe
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Friday, November 5th, 2021 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
LCROWE2
  • MEMBER
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You have been very helpful, thank you! I just need to find a good mechanic now.
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Friday, November 5th, 2021 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. What you need to find is a good auto/electric shop that is able to check the electrical systems related. A general repair shop will likely not find the issue unless they have someone that is good at this type of diagnostics. What usually will happen is a general tech will spend time trying to troubleshoot the issue, won't find a problem, and tell you the transmission is bad. LOL

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Also, if you have a chance, let me know what is found.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, November 5th, 2021 AT 7:42 PM

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