Is the neutral safety switch the same as the transaxle range switch? is this located under the air filter assy? The problem is that it seems when it rains the HOLD light comes on and the car will not shift, sometimes I pull over shut down the eng. and re-start the light goes out, and as soon as the car shifts it does it again. And seems to get stuck on 2nd gear SOME TIMES THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY ON IT'S OWN, I heard the neutral switch can cause this problem, is it true? this mazda seems to have a FORD transmission.
Yes they are the same part just different names. The neutral safety is part of the transmission/transaxle range selector combination switch.
SOURCE: 1997 Mazda protege transmission, Hard shifting from 1st gear
I would try a flush. If its set up like my 96, and it likely is, changing the trasmission gasket and filter will be difficult. Mine has a medal plug on the bottom and takes an allen wrench, and possibly a breaker bar. If you take out this plug, drain, flush then refill via the dipstick tube and a funnel, it may help. You may need to do this a couple of times due to fluid still in the torque converter, pan, etc.
Lucas is good stuff, I would add it again when I was done. The tranny fluid should be pink, mine looked like used oil black before I flushed it.
Also, when adding the new fluid, shift slowly up and down through all of the gears to lube well and check your fluid levels after 100 miles or so, as sometimes a bubble will form and make it look full....then not after it pops.
SOURCE: Mazda MPV LX 2000
Yes, that was too much. The neutral safety switch costs around $70 (if I remembered right). I bought it from my Mazda dealer and asked them for a diagram to locate it. In most cases, my Mazda dealer has been helpful in provide diagrams for this minivan. The switch is located underneath the battery (you'll have to remove it) on the transmission. Make sure it is aligned right when you replace the switch; otherwise it won't find neutral, and you'll have to use the bypass switch on top of the steering column to start you engine.
SOURCE: My 2001 Mazda tribute column
The same thing happened to my 2001 Mazda Tribute. It was stuck in Neutral. The shifter cable fell off the little metal post under the steering column. To fix it I removed the plastic column covers. Put the round end of the cable back on the little silver colored post. Then secured it on the post with a ring type push nut from Ace Hardware. Total cost of repair was sixty cents. The cables are not always broken. They just fall of the little post.
SOURCE: Mazda 626 'HOLD' light after gear box oil seal was replaced
I have the same problem with my car I think its the torque converter clutch but you should visit a diagonestic machine just to find out
The backup lamps will light whenever the ignition switch is in the RUNposition and the transaxle is in REVERSE. On older vehicles, this function was handled by a dedicated switch with a name such as the Neutral/Safety Backup Light Switch, or something similar. This switch was designed to keep the engine from starting in any gear except PARK and/or NEUTRAL. The switch contacts also activated the backup lights when the transaxle was placed in REVERSE.
On the vehicles covered by this manual, the backup lamp control function is part of an integrated switch called the Transaxle Range switch (sometimes also called the Park/Neutral Position or PNP switch). In addition to turning on the backup lights, the Transaxle Range switches primary function is to transmit to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) the driver's transaxle range selection. The PCM uses this information to control both engine and transaxle functions electronically.
The Transaxle Range switch is mounted externally on the transaxle. New service replacement switches come pinned in the NEUTRAL position and no adjustment should be necessary. Please note that if the switch requires adjustment, GM recommends that their special tool J 41545 Park/Neutral Switch Alignment Tool be used to properly adjust the Transaxle Range switch, if required.
Removal & Installation
The backup lamps will light whenever the ignition switch is in the RUN position and the transaxle is in REVERSE. On older vehicles, this function was handled by a dedicated switch with a name such as the Neutral/Safety Backup Light Switch, or something similar. This switch was designed to keep the engine from starting in any gear except PARK and/or NEUTRAL. The switch contacts also activated the backup lights when the transaxle was placed in REVERSE.
On the vehicles covered by this manual, the backup lamp control function is part of an integrated switch called the Transaxle Range switch (sometimes also called the Park/Neutral Position or PNP switch). In addition to turning on the backup lights, the Transaxle Range switches primary function is to transmit to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) the driver's transaxle range selection. The PCM uses this information to control both engine and transaxle functions electronically.
The Transaxle Range switch is mounted externally on the transaxle. New service replacement switches come pinned in the NEUTRAL position and no adjustment should be necessary. Please note that if the switch requires adjustment, GM recommends that their special tool J 41545 Park/Neutral Switch Alignment Tool be used to properly adjust the Transaxle Range switch, if required.
Removal & Installation
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I have been doing research on the subject and everything points to that switch, I am sure tat is the problem, I have not replaced yet because the car has been loaned out to one of the kids, but he says it has not happened anymore, so he will buy the part and I will replace it and let you all know of the outcome, thanks everyone.
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