"Jumps" a bit going from 1st to 2nd gear

[thegreatsatan]

Hey, I'm a pretty new owner of my MAzda3 2004 hatch, it's an auto, and I've been noticing that the shift from 1st to 2nd is a bit ""jumpy". I had the tranny fluid checked out and it was normal, and I've noticed it usually dies off once the engine gets heated up as well, but I'm wondering if this is normal or indicative of an underlying problem?

[loosecannon]

It seems to be normal for an auto during cold starts. Happens to me every morning.

[cwp_sedan]

Check this out for 2004-2005 with Auto transmission. Make sure you have had this done. This may help your issue, though it may not completely fix it as Mazdas are a little rough when shifting anyway unless warm and at the right RPM, etc.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?46900-Transmission-Jerk-Reflashing-ECU


TSB: 05-010/05
2004-2005 MAZDA3 - 1 - 2 SHIFT SHOCK
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2004 2005 Mazda3 (Automatic transmission only)

DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent shift shock during 1-2 upshift. The symptom is due to improper PCM calibration. A revised PCM calibration is now available to correct this issue.

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Reboot the WDS PTU to clear memory before reprogramming.
2. Using WDS B39.11 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the "Module Reprogramming" procedure.
NOTE:

Always update the WDS PTU first, then install the needed calibration file that WDS shows during PCM reprogramming. Go to "WDS Calibration" on ESI and download the "update" file. If the PTU is not updated to the latest WDS calibration level, the calibration file will not install into the PTU.

It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the WDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the WDS reprogramming procedure.

WDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.

Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of WDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.

When reprogramming a PCM, WDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.

When performing this procedure, if the WDS PTU is not docked and connected to 115V-120V, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it will damage the WDS PTU. Also the external battery power supply cable should be connected to the vehicle battery and the PTU.

3. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present.
NOTE:

If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.

After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to "relearn" KAM (Keep Alive Memory).

4. Fill out an "Authorized Modifications" label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new PCM calibration information, your dealer code, and today's date.


5. Place the "Authorized Modifications" label on the "A" pillar below the tear tag in the driver door jamb.


CALIBRATION INFORMATION


Engine
Transmission
Spec.
Model Year
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name

2.3L

A/T
Fed
2004
L3S3-18-881D
SW-L3S3ED030.HEX

Fed
2005
L3S3-18-881D
SW-L3S3ED030.HEX

Calif
2004
L3S8-18-881D
SW-L3S8ED030.HEX

Calif
2005
L3S8-18-881D
SW-L3S8ED030.HEX




Engine
Transmission
Spec.
Model Year
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name

2.0L

A/T
Fed
2004
LFG6-18-881D
SW-LFG6ED030.HEX

Fed
2005
LFG6-18-881D
SW-LFG6ED030.HEX

Calif
2004
LFH8-18-881D
SW-LFH8ED000.HEX

Calif
2005
LFH8-18-881D
SW-LFH8ED000.HEX



NOTE: The PCM Calibration Part Numbers listed above are provided for PCM reprogramming purposes only. These are not necessarily the same Mazda part numbers used to order an actual PCM through the Mazda Parts System. It is not necessary to order a PCM as part of this repair procedure.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:

This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair. Refer to the Warranty Wizard for warranty term information.

Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.



Warranty Type
A

Symptom Code
26

Damage Code
9W

Part Number Main Cause
5555-05-026A

Quantity
0

Operation Number / Labor Hours:
XXB217FX / 0.4 Hrs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © Mazda North American Operations

[thegreatsatan]

Thanks I'll look into that.

[TheMAN]

keep in mind you now have to pay for the ECU update because your car is out of warranty... but it is worth it because you get fixes for other issues, such as rough idle, false thermostat failure codes, etc

[TheAnswer_03]

So this ECU update does not apply to newer model years? (07 and newer)

[TheMAN]

no

[TheAnswer_03]

then what would be the solution for a non 04-05 model?

[TheAnswer_03]

besides buying a new transmission or selling the car?

[Reddie1337]

My 07 jumps a bit, but it just seems at cold temperatures, I am also going to try a tranny flush when I get back to my hometown from vacation in Ottawa. I'll let you know if that helps anything.

[zmz3]

then what would be the solution for a non 04-05 model?


besides buying a new transmission or selling the car?

I am curious as well as I have an 07 4spd auto.

[axmazda]

Hi, folks. No member here. I have the same problem. I am convinced my issue is related to very cold weather. I have a Mazda 2005. I had it "fixed" six years ago. They used the "PCM Calibration" method described above. After it was "fixed", my Mazda would experience the rough shift from 1st to 2nd about once a year or so. Quite honestly, I haven't been impressed by the service at our local Mazda service center - and I didn't want to waste my money on another "fix."

Starting a couple of weeks back, the problem started again just after our area (in Florida) experienced our first hard freeze. There is an undeniable relationship between extreme cold temperatures, and the onset of this problem. The "jump" is much more intense than before. The car literally shakes. Now, the AT light will appear randomly at times. I have my fluids (including transmission) checked every 4K miles. I have an appointment this afternoon for fluid checking only (not diagnosis). I just wanted to post this message to add to the knowledge base and suggest that some of these issues are caused by extreme cold temperatures. I notice that after the car has been running a bit, the problem subsides (suggesting that as the car "warms up", the problem diminishes.) Of course, I don't know the exact science or technical reasons why the extreme cold may be causing this problem, but I welcome speculation.

[axmazda]

That should say "new" member here, above. Sorry for the typo. I could not find an edit option to edit the previous post.