Hi, I have a 2007 Mazda 3, 2.3 automatic. A couple of weeks ago the check engine light and AT light came on (on startup) and the car went into limp mode (would stay in 4th gear and shift roughly when reversing). I shut down the car and they went away when I restarted it.
Then a week or so ago both lights stayed on and the car continued to remain in limp mode. I took it to the dealership. They cleared the codes, at some point disconnecting the battery, and the car worked fine for a couple of days (or about 100 miles of driving) but then the lights came on and the car reverted to limp mode again.
I took it to the dealership again. They pulled P0884 TCM Input Signal Intermittent and P0841 Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Concern. They checked transmission fluid and said it was OK. They cleared the codes and P0884 TCM Input Signal Intermittent returned immediately. They checked with Mazda tech assistance and they said it was TCM connection to the wiring harness -- the female TCM connector pins were worn and would not hold. They said transmission itself seemed ok.
Unfortunately they said they can't replace just this component but would require the entire harness to be replaced which would be $1k in parts and another $700 or so in labor. Given the age of the car and a number of other repairs I've had recently I'm not thrilled with putting another $2k into it if I can avoid it.
So:
1) Is there a cheaper fix or work around?
2) The car seems to run OK for a few days after the battery has been unplugged. Is that an ok work-around, and if so, is there any risk of damaging the car if I do this?
3) Can I just run the car in limp mode indefinitely?
Thanks, greatly appreciate any expertise you could provide.
Then a week or so ago both lights stayed on and the car continued to remain in limp mode. I took it to the dealership. They cleared the codes, at some point disconnecting the battery, and the car worked fine for a couple of days (or about 100 miles of driving) but then the lights came on and the car reverted to limp mode again.
I took it to the dealership again. They pulled P0884 TCM Input Signal Intermittent and P0841 Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Concern. They checked transmission fluid and said it was OK. They cleared the codes and P0884 TCM Input Signal Intermittent returned immediately. They checked with Mazda tech assistance and they said it was TCM connection to the wiring harness -- the female TCM connector pins were worn and would not hold. They said transmission itself seemed ok.
Unfortunately they said they can't replace just this component but would require the entire harness to be replaced which would be $1k in parts and another $700 or so in labor. Given the age of the car and a number of other repairs I've had recently I'm not thrilled with putting another $2k into it if I can avoid it.
So:
1) Is there a cheaper fix or work around?
2) The car seems to run OK for a few days after the battery has been unplugged. Is that an ok work-around, and if so, is there any risk of damaging the car if I do this?
3) Can I just run the car in limp mode indefinitely?
Thanks, greatly appreciate any expertise you could provide.