ATX transplant?

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » August 26th, 2005, 11:43 am

Hi, My 94 mx-3 4 cyl (140k mi) has been running very sluggish - when i step on the gas the engine revs up - but the car is not moving forward fast enough. It is embarassing to have this cool red car and be beat at the traffic light by a ford taurus with about 5 ppl in it. However the tranny fluid looks red and fine. So is it time for a tranny transplant or is this something that could be fixed by a tuneup of some sort. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanx.

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » August 30th, 2005, 3:16 pm

Hi, the problem is getting really strange now - because the car performs really well at random times - very good acceleration and everything - but other times its just sluggish - another problem i noticed recently is that when i do a coasting followed by acceleration (without stopping - like when you approach a red light and it turns green) - there is a perceptile jerk and a slight clunking sound from the engine bay and there is a delay in acceleration as well. Any help in resolving this is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » August 31st, 2005, 3:12 pm

Also whenever i try any hard acceleration (step on the gas real fast) there is a delay before the car actually accelerates - sometimes it is just a small delay and sometimes it is a huge delay and the engine noise sounds like it is going to stall - if it is that bad then i have to let go of the gas pedal and press it again to get it going immediately - otherwise it will make the stalling sound for about 5-10 seconds and then starts accelerating slowly. My local mechanic says that the transmission "seems fine" - but cant identify what the problem is. Anyone have any insight on this?

Aston Wards · Post by **Aston Wards** » August 31st, 2005, 10:53 pm

not sure if it's the same procedure for the 4cyl, but check the FAQ on how to read tranny codes....., but it sounds like you need to go to a auto trans specialist......, asap!

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » September 1st, 2005, 12:15 pm

Hey thanks for the reply. The tranny "specialist" i went to said he couldnt find anything wrong with the tranny - but since its old and has got 140k mi - he wants to replace it and see what happens! - i just want to rule out anything else that might be wrong before replacing it. I think i will try a chain store mechanic like midas or tuffy or something just to be sure.

atlantamx3 · Post by **atlantamx3** » September 1st, 2005, 1:46 pm

You could probably buy another MX cheaper than replacing that Auto tranny.

Just Change the filter on it and do a fluid change. While you are at it, Add a Tranny cooler too.

You will notice a world of difference.