Problems accelerating from a dead stop in an automatic

[The Gillman]

I was wondering if anyone else had a problem with their automatic acting oddly when you punch the gas from a dead stop. Whenever I've done this the car jumps, then lags for some reason, it feels like the engine is revving up, but the wheels don't want to seem to move at all. I usually have to take my foot off of the gas and wait a second for the engine to rev down and then touch the gas again to move. I'd like to fix this problem as this is happening at intersections all too often and is making be uncomfortable when I get to one. I usually have to baby it during left turns now. I didn't have this problem with I had my old 00 SE, just in my 01 ES that I recently bought and I was wondering if the guy before me did something to the car that I never found out about or if it was just the way I drive that did it

[GOZA5]

Hi Gillman! It's not a good idea to "punch" on the gas from a dead stop with the A/T. Take off with a more smoother approach rather than gunning it. I find my car runs the best after a good highway run to clean out the carbons. Try punching it hard on the highway a few times at about 60 mph or slighty faster, it seems to work for me. Don't try this until your sure what the problem is. Also, how old is your tranny fluid? I changed fluids 2yrs after I bought the car. Check your EGR valve, it might be a little plugged. Cleaning the EGR should help you some. Check the 'how to' section for EGR details. Is your air filter clean? It seems to me that the warmer our A/T are the more sluggish they get, this could be the case too. Lastly, where do you buy your gas from? I like Shell, the silver stuff, my car gobbles it up. Esso gas makes my engine knock, so I don't buy from there. Check your PCV valve too, it's only a few bucks to replace. Just a few suggestions for you. I hope I helped you out. Later and peace.

[The Gillman]

As it happens I just replaced my air filter yesterday, and I usually fill up at Chevron since there are several on my way to and from work. I'll try the other things you recommended later today, thanks for the advice

[Shane5425]

so the engine revs up, but you dont move? if so, is the overdrive light blinkin or anything..

sounds like a slipping transmission, if the engine revs up fine..

[GOZA5]

Shane, wazzup! It could be a slipping tranny, sounds like it anyway. Hey Gillman! It doesn't hurt to phone a Mazda dealership and ask the service rep on his advice. My tranny does some funny shit sometimes too, but only sometimes depending on how I'm stepping on the gas. Yup, I find that my car does something like that too. I don't have to punch it to make it happen though. I'll push on the gas pedal from a dead stop and the rpm's will go up and car won't move then after 2 seconds or so it finds first gear and I get moving. It doesn't mean nothing to me because it happens only sometimes. I blame that shit on the computer that's just trying to figure something out or something because it has overall control and that's why somedays I wish I bought the 5spd. I'm gonna phone my bro ( Scott or Dave) at Mazda service first thing in the morning and see what they say. I'll let you know what they say, okay? Later and peace.

[The Gillman]

That would be awesome if you could do that for me. It's not a huge problem, but it's annoying enough when I'm need the acceleration or when the girlfriend drives it cause she's used to having to punch it after driving her old 87 accord 5-spd, the clutch would come loose all the time so you have to hit it right away to avoid stalling it, very little finesse with her car, which is a total opposite because usually I'm very gentle with my acclerator and my brakes

thanks in advance

[GOZA5]

Hey Gillman! I phoned Scott at Mazda and he said the tranny shouldn't be doing that. He suggests that I bring the car in when I get the chance so they can get a look at it. Unfortunately Jim Gauthier Mazda is closing their doors for good on March 31,2005. I'm seriuosly considering a Mazda 6 with the M/T. But I'm sure I'm gonna miss my p5 because it's so compact and agile. With the mazda 6 I'll be able to play with the big boys. I hope I helped you out. Wish I could have told you that it was something simple to fix and set you on your merry way but I'm in the same boat. Anyway, take it easy. Later and peace!