For the last few months, I have been having a problem getting my car into Drive. It is most noticable if I leave my car overnight, then try to start it in the morning. There are no problems starting the car, and I can reverse with no problems. When I put it into Drive, it acts as if the car is still in neutral. I can rev the engine, but it doesn't seem to "catch." Eventually after about 30 seconds of slight revving, it will start going forward normally. Once it gets going, I don't have any problems. If I turn the car off, then try it again a few minutes later, there is a slight jerk but it usually starts going almost right away. It seems like it almost has to do with the engine having to heat up.
Also, every once in a while, I will also see my overdrive light start flashing on and off. Clicking the overdrive button does nothing, but if I restart the car it usually doesn't come back on. I'm not sure if this is related.
Any ideas what might be going on here?
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In the morning you need to let your car warm up for about 7-10 minutes. The oil needs to get at the normal running condition to function properly. If I was you I would check my oil and fluids, and possibly disconnect the battery for a few minutes and restart the computer to see if the overdrive light comes back on?
I gave that a shot and let the engine warm up for 5+ minutes. I still had the same problem as usual.
As far as oil goes, I change it every 3000 miles and I never notice any difference in behavior after I do. I assume this doesn't matter too much but the dipstick is broken, so all I have is the cap that fits in, the rod part has broken off.
What other fluids would you recommend I check? Transmission fluid? I'm not sure when the last time was this was changed. (Forgive me I know nothing about cars)
type "transmission slipping" in search menu choice on top menu bar. Blinking OD light is a transmission problem. Suggest you have mazda mechanic check it out. good luck
99 protege, problems getting into Drive
