I'm buying one 1999 Mazda Millenia tmr. Need some advice!

[lianxi888fafafa]

Hey guys I checked one 1999 Mazda Millenia. All parts look fine except for one problem: If "HOLD" is on, the car shakes badly when it's around 60-70 mph. If I turn the "HOLD" off, the car drives fine, just the rpm is extremely high when it's around 60-70, around 3k - 5k.

I had the engine checked and there is no misfire. Should I buy the car? Could you guys give me some advice?

[lianxi888fafafa]

When the car shakes I felt like someone was pumping the brake

[bigb]

is it on? or flashing?

are you turning it on or is it on when the car starts?

note you should NOT use this button at all unless for quick engine tests. It will destroy your transmission very quickly if you drive with it on all the time. it is a novelty button but should not be used on a 10+ year old car

If it is on when the car starts, the Hold light indicates a transmission problem

for the vibration are you sure it is not just the wheels needing to be balanced?

[lianxi888fafafa]

I'm not sure if it is on when the car starts. I suppose the owner regarded this button as overdrive and used it all the time since 2004...

The vibration doesn't exist if I drive without HOLD, but the rpm is high at that time (3-5k)

Should I buy the car or not? for 1.7k?

[lianxi888fafafa]

Originally Posted by bigb

is it on? or flashing?

are you turning it on or is it on when the car starts?

note you should NOT use this button at all unless for quick engine tests. It will destroy your transmission very quickly if you drive with it on all the time. it is a novelty button but should not be used on a 10+ year old car

If it is on when the car starts, the Hold light indicates a transmission problem

for the vibration are you sure it is not just the wheels needing to be balanced?

I think probably the HOLD light was on when the car starts, but it can be switched off, does that also indicate a transmission problem?

It's kind of weird that when HOLD is on, rpm is low and car is shaking (like pumping brakes), when HOLD is off, rpm is abnormally high and car runs smooth. Could it be possible that the guy switched some wires and intentionally make HOLD light mean the opposite?

[bigb]

ya, it sounds like a transmission problem. he was probably using the hold button to get around the problem instead of actually fixing it.

It's probably something like the transmission solenoid pack which can be replaced without removing / rebuilding the transmission. hopefully it's not something as serious as the torque converter or friction plates. then you will need a complete transmission rebuild.

or... you can just drive it as is until the wheels fall off.

from what you tell me, the shaking is the engine rev limiter kicking in preventing you from going over 5k rpm.

if that is kicking in at 60mph with hold off, it means it is stuck in 3rd gear and not switching to 4th.

when you push hold and it is in drive, it forces it into 4th gear and the RPM drops. again telling me its probably a shift solenoid that is burnt or not working properly. hopefully only a $2-300 repair that even you can do at home

It's still worth if if you want to spend a little on the car to fix it. try and talk the guy down a bit now that you know it probably has a transmission problem with the 4th gear.

some friendly advice though. ONLY buy this car if you are a DIY mechanic or have friends that can help. otherwise I would not buy this car. if you want to learn and have some tools we can always help, but this is not a car you just drive and forget about. it needs TLC

good luck

[Saint_]

What mileage and what engine? Ask the guy when was the last time he changed transmission fluid.

[Goliat6288]

i see you are here also... disregard the post on mazdas247 and listen to these guys

[wilfredom]

I think u should get a scan reading 1st..bring ur readings & start from that..
Bigb say it all..u must be a reasonable DIY before buying a used car..any brand or model..I love millenias ..

[lianxi888fafafa]

Thank you all for your advices. Here is my update: the car runs nice, even though it was leaking a bit oil. I guess sometimes people have to take risks to get real good stuff. I notice one screw in my engine might be missing. If you can tell me the correct size of the screw, that would be great: Mazda Millenia S - Lost Srew and Cracked Plastic