Hi,
2002 LX with AT:
when going uphill, overdrive turns off, even at 80-100km/h and even when slowing down with very light pressure on gas pedal. It feels like there is an extra sensor that tells ECU about the road incline.
In general, the transmission feels "too intelligent", like I don't have a full control over shifting. My previous car was a Neon, and it had very predictable shifting. I could hint it to shift by slight gas pedal moves. I am trying to do the same now, but Protege doesn't always do what I want. It's been half a year now and I'm still getting used to it.
Maybe there is a problem with my transmission, or is this typical?

 

I really don't like the automatic on the Protege. That's why I bought a manual. It always does what you want. What you're describing is probably normal, though. I don't know if Protege autos have grade logic, but that's what it sounds like.

 

Mine has never done that. When going up a hill I have to press the OD button to turn it off.

Just in case I have a 2001 1.6l DX with A/T and A/C.

 

I drive a 2002 p5 and auto sport tanny and it does exactly what you are describing, even at high speeds. I guess it is normal, I agree with you the auto is "too intellegent"

 

Yup its grade logic, it holds the gear longer when going up inclines and refuses to shift.

I also think its adaptative, it learns when to shift according to yuor driving style.

 

Yup its grade logic, it holds the gear longer when going up inclines and refuses to shift.

I also think its adapatative, it learns when to shift according to yuor driving style.

 

Interesting stuff...

Now, I have a question... Suppose I buy one of those adaptive tranny cars, used. What if my driving style is different from the previous owner's? Is there a way to reset the transmission and make it relearn my style or it does so when it senses a different driving style?

 

Disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 5 minutes. When you plug it back in you'll lose your TRIP ODO mileage, preset radio stations, tranny logic, and any ECU codes.

 

MY friend has a VW Jetta 1.8T, he said to me that the tranny learns the way you drive in the first 5000km of the car. So I remember.

Mazda maybe similar but some cars continually adjust to your driving style to determine shift points. Mine are quite high since I'm a leadfoot.

 

Yeah, mine does that on inclines. It was actually helpful on one incline I had on the way to work, since I had to let off on the gas for a couple of seconds to round a corner.

As for the "adaptive" tranny, I've never heard conclusively if it is (just a salesman's BS, but I never believe anything they say). Interesting though, since that might explain why it likes high shift points when I start off cold first thing before I'm driving normally.