[Przemek]

HI I'm have a problem with my MAZDA 3 2008

Problem:
While riding on a highway in traffic my car went crazy, the lights on the dash start flushing, power steering went off, when I try to accelerate it got only to 1.500, RPMS it was weak, cheek engine come out also AT, the lights on PRNDL were flashing, the car just turn off, after 20 min I jump start the car and everything was fine got home did around 20 mil, and again same problem can't start it only jump starts and it going for couple mins and then dies. oh and the shifting is rough.

I did check the check engine light and the p0884 come out so I ordered the refurbished TCM, 2 days later I got it was trying to replace it under the box of battery can't find it its not there I were looking all over internet 2h anything where can it be.

Im thinking maybe the ECU??? I don't know what to do

 

[Datsun1600]

If you have a Mazda 3i, then you have the 2.0L and you do not have a TCM, just an all-in-one ECU. Only the 3s (2.3L) had both a TCM and an PCM. Your ECU is next to the fuse box.

 

[Przemek]

So i just have to change ECU ?
Do I have to program it ?

 

[Przemek]

Can IT be just alternator ?

 

[Datsun1600]

I only know that TCMs don't require programming, despite automotive shops telling me otherwise. An ECU might - check with your local dealer and see what they say, or google ECU replacements for a Mazda3.

There is no way a bad alternator could be causing all the problems you are having. It definitely sounds like your all-in-one ECU went bad since your transmission is being affected.

Ironically, two of my kids had TCMs that went bad. One, with a Mazda3, had the shifting affected, while the other with a Ford Focus had many, many problems. The Focus was nearly undriveable with the crazy electrical problems the car was experiencing. In both cases, replacing the TCM solved everything. So in your case I would think replacing the ECU will do the same. Good luck!

 

[Josr]

Can IT be just alternator ?

Was the alternator your fix for the problem or did changing the ECU work for you ?
Thanks