Transmission is going out, what should I do?

[Coolone]

I have a 2003 Mazda Protege with 50k miles. The transmission suddenly started going berserk and now it's in the shop. It doesn't look too good, and I told the guy to crack open the transmission so they can actually tell me what went wrong. It's quite possible that I may need to get a new transmission altogether. I know one of the codes the car spat out was that there was some sort of solenoid issue.

So here's my question: Should I have it rebuilt if that's an option? Is the car totaled if I have to get a new transmission? Should I get it fixed and then see what it's worth as a trade in?

I've really tried to take good care of this car. I've always had regular maintenance done on time, and any other problem that has cropped up has been nipped in the bud.

Thanks

 

[sdifox]

I have a 2003 Mazda Protege with 50k miles. The transmission suddenly started going berserk and now it's in the shop. It doesn't look too good, and I told the guy to crack open the transmission so they can actually tell me what went wrong. It's quite possible that I may need to get a new transmission altogether. I know one of the codes the car spat out was that there was some sort of solenoid issue.

So here's my question: Should I have it rebuilt if that's an option? Is the car totaled if I have to get a new transmission? Should I get it fixed and then see what it's worth as a trade in?

I've really tried to take good care of this car. I've always had regular maintenance done on time, and any other problem that has cropped up has been nipped in the bud.

Thanks

err, you don't replace the transmission for a solenoid issue.
I imagine your powertrain warranty has expired? Trannies should not be going at 50k mi, even on a Mazda ...

<===used to drive a 02 Protege5. Plenty of water pumps replaced, but not tranny. Car is still going now, but I don't own it.

 

[Vette73]

Yea what does "started going berserk" mean?

Also could be a simple solenoid or other small issue that is nto as costly. Did you change the fluid and filter before this? i.e. maintaince.

 

[bruceb]

If this is an automatic, as said, it is probably just a bad solenoid in the tranny. Or the computer that tells the solenoid what to do may have gone bad. Could be as simple as a corroded electrical connector.

 

[goobernoodles]

err, you don't replace the transmission for a solenoid issue.
I imagine your powertrain warranty has expired? Trannies should not be going at 50k mi, even on a Mazda ...

<===used to drive a 02 Protege5. Plenty of water pumps replaced, but not tranny. Car is still going now, but I don't own it.

You do if the "solenoid issue" is caused by the metal shreds that USED to be your transmission.

OP - I'm in the same boat. My ECU was throwing solenoid failure codes. Honda dealership looked at it for free and said it needed a full rebuild/replacement. I took it to a transmission shop for a 2nd opinion and they confirmed that the solenoids the codes were throwing were a) inside the transmission casing and b) failing because something was coming apart int he transmission. I have an '02 Accord v6 with about 105k (absolutely notorious for AT failures - kicking myself for ignoring the warnings and buying it anyway) that I still owe about 4 grand on. Friggin blows.

Anyway, I've been wanting a "beater" for a while. Took the Accord off of my insurance, bought a '95 Volvo 850 Turbo for $1300, and I'm saving $100 per month on insurance. Granted... the Volvo needs a good amount of work, but... it's transportation until I feel like replacing the transmission on the Accord.

I just felt it would have been a waste to try and get rid of the car that I've been paying for for 3 years when it's getting close to being paid off. The transmission doesn't feel bad yet; just occasionally slams into 2nd if you let it downshift into it with any sort of power applied... I figure I'll drive it until it's up to temp every month or so to keep the oil where it's supposed to be.