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2001 Mazda Tribute SUV DX 2.0L Man

2001 Mazda Tribute SUV
Trim Info:
Front wheel drive, 4 Door SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle
23 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy
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January 27, 2013, 2:39 pm

Lauren B
 

Question: transmission acting funny

Today while driving i felt my transmission shift unexpectedly. From that point forward my car drove, sometimes at speeds as high as 50 mph, but seemed to stay in a low gear (50 mph almost 4500 rpms). I heard a whistle come from the transmission. It reverses, goes fwd, just does seem to be shifting correctly.
Could this be a result of lack of fluid?
Should i by pass my regular mechanic and go to a transmission specialist? (is this gonna cost me a lot?)
Do you think i'll need to replace the transmission?


February 2, 2013, 11:32 am

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

Lots of things can cause abnormal shifting. You'll have to have a transmission shop diagnose whether it's in the transmission itself, or if the transmission is reacting to a sensor giving it poor data.

and yes, it could be low fluid level so make sure you check your transmission fluid level before you get to much further into to looking at it.

No idea of cost until someone identifies what is the root cause.


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