Could this be "limp mode" problem?

[prince]

I looked at a 99 LX today with 147k miles automatic,,it had flashing o/d light and check engine lite, it started up fine, but when put into drive it crawled as if in third gear for about 30 feet then changed gears fine,,,i have read about limp mode, but was wanting to know if anyone else has had this problem and it ended up being sensors or something,,,,,please advise....

[dtatham]

I had mine go into limp mode four years ago and while it was a bit startling it turned out that the transmission fluid just needed changing. I had ignored it just a little bit too long. Since then I've changed the fluid every 30K miles and the filter every 60k. I've driven 130k miles since then.

[prince]

I had mine go into limp mode four years ago and while it was a bit startling it turned out that the transmission fluid just needed changing. I had ignored it just a little bit too long. Since then I've changed the fluid every 30K miles and the filter every 60k. I've driven 130k miles since then.

I am just not wanting to buy it on a gamble,,,but fluid and filter would be great if thats all it was,,, did yours have the flashing o/d light? and can auto zone pull the codes or does it have to be done by Mazda at a cost....as far as I can tell on this site:http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mazda/protege/1999/ , they get good reviews and seems like alot of auto tranny complaints,
should I buy it or not..............is the question..........I know he will take $1,000 as is,,,,,,,,

[dtatham]

fluid change

I've only had the OD light flash briefly on a couple occasions. As far as the MIL, is concerned, the trans codes can be read using a standard reader at an auto parts store. Whether a fluid and filter change helps will depend on if it's been neglected badly. I'd be hesitant to buy any car with an auto trans that's having problems. If you have to replace it you're looking at 700+ and that's with a used one. I've had auto parts stores tell me the wrong trans fluid to add, but fortunately I had a service manual and checked it before I put the wrong stuff in. Apparently someones data base has some bad information. If the wrong trans fluid has been put in the car (possibly on more than one occasion), there could already be some damage. If you buy it, get enough fluid to change it twice (see sticky on fluid above for type). Change the fluid and drive the car for about 15 minutes. Then change it again along with the filter. Remember that you can only drain out about half the fluid when you empty the sump and so you never get a true change. I think Lucas makes some stuff for trans that I've heard good things about. I've never used it myself though.