Q: I have a 2007 Mazda 3. The AT light is on and the car is only driving in third gear. It is automatic. How serious is this problem

asked by on March 28, 2018

I have a 2007 Mazda 3 with automatic transmission. Recently the AT light has been coming on when I drive or start the car. But not always. This morning when I was driving to work the AT light came on when I started the car and the car only drove in 3rd gear. Even when I was stopped at streetlights it was in 3rd. Is this a major problem that is going to cost me grief and dollars from an expensive repair job?

My car has 199000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car starts and then turns off
Your symptoms are very similar to a vehicle experiencing problems with air metering, or fuel delivery. A clogged fuel filter may sometimes offer enough fuel for idle, but lack the volume to maintain an operating engine. In your case, it...
Getting error code P0128
This code is a sign that the engine did not get to operating temperature in a specified amount of time and the computer turns on the Check Engine Light. The most common problem is that the engine thermostat is partly...
Idling while driving
The main issue you have here is the number of miles on your car. With this many miles, most cars would have been completely worn out. Unless you have taken meticulous car of your car, it is often necessary to...
Got a Golf Mk4 and the battery died, now the EPS light is showing as well as a few other lights on the dashboard
It sounds like the alternator has failed. The alternator is used to supplement power to the electrical components and maintain battery charge. Once this fails, the electrical system will quickly show the signs of this failure. An alternator test by...
My car radio will not turn off when I open my driver door.
Hello. You need to start by checking to see if the dome light comes on when the door is open. If it does not then the door switch may be the issue. If it does then you more than likely...
Radiator fan very loud 2012 BMW X5
Hello - for virtually all modern cars, setting the heater/AC controls on any position that utilizes the air conditioning compressor (i.e. defrost), the auxiliary fan for the radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-cooling-radiator-fan-motor-last) is automatically turned on to increase airflow over the AC condenser...
2004 5.3 Tahoe oil pressure drops when stopped, rises when accelerating, sounded like an exhaust leak to, blow whit smoke on crank
Hello, thank you for writing in. The smoke on start up is usually due to the valve stem guides and or seals. They may need to be replaced. As far as the oil pressure is concerned, you need to check...
My car keeps stalling in the rain and causing battery to die or go low. Bad distributor causing a short?
Hi there. In most cases, a gradual power drain like you've described is commonly due to an electrical short in the charging system. Although the alternator itself might test good, there are several wires and connectors that could be damaged,...
my car trunk opens on its own when i turn off the car, only and only when i turn off the car every time, kia optima 2012
Try to take out the battery on your key FOB to see if the trunk still opens when you turn off the car? You may also want to check the key FOB for a stuck trunk button. If problem goes...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
2009 2009 marked the end of the very short life of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. All told, the automaker produced fewer than 700 models, and it was ultimately retired well before the Tribute itself ceased production in 2011. For the...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
This This enduring Ford classic enjoyed a nearly two-decade run before being discontinued from the retail market with the 2007 model-year being the last. Ever-popular with law enforcement (for whom models continued in production through 2011), and senior citizens, the...
Mazda Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you have been shopping for a used Mazda vehicle, you may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on...