I just bought my 1993 Rx7 automatic, and while driving it around, I noticed it was shifting weird from first to second. Instead of shifting smoothly it jumped a lot. I was wondering if this was normal or if I should go get it looked at. Also I paid 9K for the car and it had 83K miles on it, is the R1 version, and has a dent on the drivers side is that a good price?

 

There are no R1 automatics . . . . The auto's shift a bit funny but you'll get used to it.

 

Define "jumped a lot". Have you checked the tranny fluid level?? R1 models were not built with Automatic Transmission.

 

I only know what the guy told me about the car, so its the touring one? It is hard to explain, but all the other shifts are smooth, but going from first to second is rough, kind of like someone that just learned how to drive a stick. What should I be looking for in the transmission fluid, just that it is low? Thank you for the responses its really appreciated.

 

Touring model came with a sun-roof. When the FD automatic tranny starts to fail, ..it usually doesn't engage in any gear at all!! Sounds like you may actually have other issues not associated with the powertrain.

Low tranny fluid will cause erratic shifting in all gears and if not filled properly will eventually lead to catastrofic failure.

 

I was thinkin' 3k hesitation, but then he should feel that in all gears, right?

 

So does this mean that I have major problems and should get it looked at soon?

 

Perhaps and hopefully not "major", but issues that do need to be addressed by someone familiar with the FD rotary engine. Have you checked your air filter and plugs??? Maybe time to change your fuel filter also.

Welcome to the monetary black hole we call FD3S!!

 

I love the car though and have only had it for two days; I kinda knew what I was getting into when I bought the car. Should I go to a rotary specialist, or just any shop for the transmission? Thanks for all the help.

 

Go out right now and put the car in 'L' or 1st gear and activate the 'hold' function. Drive around a bit like this, accelerate and decelerate, the car should feel very "solid", much like a manual tranny car. Take it up to 4000 - 5000 rpm and back off, you should feel engine braking. Then take it up to 3000 or 4000 and push the "hold" button off, you should feel a surge as it shifts into 2nd gear.

Let us know.

 

Ok, I'll do this when I go pick up my friend and will reply as soon as I get back. You guys are great.

 

Any tranny shop can install the filter/gasket. Before you consider taking the car to a "rotary specialist",.take your time and use the Search engine in this forum. It will really educate you on how to rule-out every problem, and repair thereof, associated with our beloved FD.

 

Hey! That's what this forum is all about!

And there are quite a few of us automatic owners that are somewhat always in 'defense mode'.....I am just STUNNED that there haven't been at least 3 "The easiest way to fix your problem is to swap to a 5-speed..." posts, lol!

 

The day is young my friend!!

 

Ok, I just got back from driving it around quite a bit, and I did the first gear hold thing. It braked just liked you said it would, and then when I let it off the hold, it jumped liked you said it would. Another thing I just noticed was that on my way home I noticed that it smelled like a clutch was burning (smelled just like my friends bmw did when him and I raced and he screwed up). I drove it off and on for about 3 hours, the most constant driving was for about 30 minutes on the freeway. The rest was mostly around town. Thanks again for the help.

 

get the trans checked by a quality shop. if its ok then spend the money on a good synthetic oil change and add an extra trans cooler for extra cooling. it should shift smooth and no burning smell should be coming from the trans or motor.
Jeff

 

My automatic does the same thing from first to second, I originally thought it was 3k hesitation buy maybe it isn't. The transition from first to second is kind of like it jumps into second. It actually sometimes puts you back into your seat like if you floored the gas pedal. The only time it doesn't seem to do this is if I drive in 2nd (S) around my neighbourhood, but if I drive in 3rd (D) I get the jump from first to second. My fuel filter was changed a couple of years ago when the new motor was installed, in terms of the transmission fluid that too was done I would believe.

Thockey13 if you find out what is causing the first to second problem let me know. My car is stored right now for the winter so I can't problem solve on mine right now.

 

This occurred in my FD from 1st to 2nd gear. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Ok, then I'll just enjoy my car. Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate I got scared and pissed when I really noticed it.

 

I could posably be an electrical problem. Such as a bad ground or something in that area. As said before when an auto goes out you know it because it just dies.

 

well from just coming from a auto, i can say that yes they shift a little hard especially the 1 to 2 shift. What your describing sounds normal but with that mileage and unknown driving styles to the car it very well may be the trans on its way out.

Try this, when your accelerating at a constant in 1st, lay off the pedal just as its about to shift to 2nd (it takes some of the pressure and load off the trans which makes for a "normal" shift). After driving the car around for a while i got this down perfect and never experienced a hard 1-2 shift using this method. Also if you want a very smooth primary shift...start the car in D but with hold engaged ( you should notice the first shift it makes is ALOT smoother than the normal 1-2 shift.

but alas i did go 5-spd and LOVE IT ;-)....and only cuz my torque converter died

 

Couple of things...mine does/did this too

1) Change the fluid - Will improve shifting. Keep it in good maintenance. These take a lot of fluid - like 12 quarts or something - Check the owner's manual.


2) Check the Auto tranny sensor on the thermostat housing. It has the bronze color plug and is only on Auto cars. Check the sensor or plug for cracks or a bad wire.

 

I haven't heard of an auto that didn't have the 1-2 kick. Its natural as far as I know, perhaps something to do with the valving.

I wouldn't worry about it, unless your on ice or turning a corner during the rain, it can cause the *** end to kick out on you.

 

I've got it....it's kind of fun

 

its GREAT for when your going WOT