Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto)

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 15:15
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - chrscmbs

Hello,

Sorry to bother you, I sent John this question yesterday not realising that this was the place to send questions which are related to technical matters, really sorry about that.

I wanted to ask you about a problem that has developed with our mazda 121, its a 1997 model (it genuinly looks like a ford fiesta to me in my opinion though, but I dont want to offend ford or mazda's loyal fans by saying so incase anyone takes offence)

Its an automatic too but when I start it from been stood (cool engine) and put it in Drive or Reverse it really stutters/shudders and quite often cuts out?

It sems to be getting gworse and I wanted to ask what was going wrong to cause this as I keep it serviced on a regular basis and Its well looked after by myself or so I thought. Is this common as I'm worried about this and I would like to fix it.

Kind regards

chrscmbs

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 17:55
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - jc2

IT IS a Fiesta(but with a Mazda badge!).

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 18:00
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - chrscmbs

I thought it looked a lot like a Ford, not just me... right then...

Can anyone help me with my Automatic Ford Fiesta please?

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 18:33
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - balleballe

hmm, when was the ATF fluid last changed?

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 18:41
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - chrscmbs

I'm even more worried now, thinking about the automatic gear box been at fault, i thought it may be an engine issue (cant breath properly etc) but in answer to your question the auto transmision fluid was chaged around 1100 miles ago.

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 18:44
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - balleballe

The symptoms sound like 'stalling' to me, which is odd considering it's an automatic. Have you had any fault codes read off?

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 18:53
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - elekie&a/c doctor

This is basically a re-badged Ford fiesta.It is fitted with a cvt belt driven auto box (similar box fitted to Fiat Punto of same era).These were notoriously problematic ,especially from cold (and worse on a cold day,until oil warms up).Ford issued loads of re-works and possible cures none of which were 100%.It is important that the correct transmission oil is fitted.Take it to an auto specialist that understands how these work.hth

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 19:21
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - chrscmbs

No, but if you think thats the best bet, I will go find out what codes are coming up.

I have looked in the engine bay, i cant see any perished pipes or hear air escaping anywhere (leak) so maybe it is electrical even, some electronic valve broken in some dark out of reach place... or maybe its the automatic box (scary) if it's a ford with mazda badges are fiesta gearboxes good or poor or is it just my car?

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 19:24
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - chrscmbs

Sorry, just read your reply...

Great, weak gearboxes then.

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Tue 17 Apr 2012 20:06
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - jc2

They were excellent gearboxes when set up correctly-unfortuneately,the average dealer doesn't know how to;the fitters tend to take short cuts in the setting-up procedure.

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Wed 18 Apr 2012 12:00
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - balleballe

To be honest, if I got 15 years out of an autobox, i'd be pretty happy

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Wed 18 Apr 2012 12:51
Mazda 121 - Mazda 121 Problem with Stuttering/Stalling (auto) - jc2

IIRC this transmission used a special fluid,not conventional ATF;very low technology electronics so little will be learnt from codes-CFI,I think and it sounds more like an engine problem than transmission.

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