My mazda tribute (2001 ES 5 speed automatic) has had a problem running at low speeds in too high of gears since I bought it used a few years ago. The problem has been getting worse over time. At first, the lagging downshift only occured while driving on slower, hilly roads. The engine? would surge before the downshift occured. Turning the O/D off ususally fixed the problem.

Now the problem occurs during in-town driving as well (as well at idle occasionally). If I let off the gas or gun it I can force a gear change, but of course that is not practical all the time.

Any suggestions on what could be wrong? I have brought the car in several times and the dealership says that the computer doesn't show any problems.

 

Have you checked the transmission fluid yet? Fluid level too high or too low might cause this problem.

 

Turns out that the #5 coil was bad. Had it replaced and problem fixed.