Engine not getting enough power

[JayJay18]

The problem is it feels like my engine is struggling to accelerate in between 1st and 3 gear (Auto-tranny in Tiptronic mode, 2006 Mazda 3 GS Sport). Whenever i accelerate from 1000-3000 rpm it feels like the engine isnt providing enough power to the wheels, i can feel it in the gas pedal like a very light vibration. After 3000 rpm its fine, excellent acceleration and this usually happens after i stop at a red light.

Recently changed my tranny oil and did a quick throttle body clean and also painted calipers.
is it possible the brakes are sticking to the rotors and that might be the cause of the engine struggle?
Any suggestions?

[Skip]

I have the same issue as you, not sure what it is though...what kind of tranny fluid did you use?

[JayJay18]

I have the same issue as you, not sure what it is though...what kind of tranny fluid did you use?

Got the Genuine Mazda fluid

[project_axela]

I think I have this too, however mine is 5 spd. Engine just seems to be hesitating and holding back.

[Impressive]

Skip said he fixed his problem with an ECU reset...Maybe those of you who feel like you're also experiencing this should give that approach a shot.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?43872-Sluggish-Performance..

[project_axela]

thanks for the link Impressive, just wondering if anyone knows how to reset your ECU?

[JonsMazda]

Remove the Negative - on your battery for 5mins, put it back. Congrats! You have reset your ECU.

[JayJay18]

Ecu reset does nothing to solve this problem. Im just wondering if it could be the brake sticking. usually it only struggles after a red light, on the highway its perfectly fine. Cant be tranny cause i just did a flush and still the problem happens. Any other suggestions?

[CanSpeed 3]

Ecu reset does nothing to solve this problem. Im just wondering if it could be the brake sticking. usually it only struggles after a red light, on the highway its perfectly fine. Cant be tranny cause i just did a flush and still the problem happens. Any other suggestions?

ECU restart will likely help it. Best way to be sure it TRY IT. :) On the other hand have you checked small simple things like Air filter, plugs, or possibly you have your A/C on? Turn off all air functions.

Mazda ECU's are actually pretty neat. They will "learn" your driving and shift whatever average way you normally drive. So possibly it has learned a soft accel? Reset ECU and take it for a hard drive. Be sure to check Filter as that would be my first idea. I really doubt any paint would hold your car back at all. It would rub off or melt.

[Fuman]

if your brakes are sticking, shouldn't there'd be a burning smell...

[JayJay18]

ECU restart will likely help it. Best way to be sure it TRY IT. :) On the other hand have you checked small simple things like Air filter, plugs, or possibly you have your A/C on? Turn off all air functions.

Mazda ECU's are actually pretty neat. They will "learn" your driving and shift whatever average way you normally drive. So possibly it has learned a soft accel? Reset ECU and take it for a hard drive. Be sure to check Filter as that would be my first idea. I really doubt any paint would hold your car back at all. It would rub off or melt.

Well so far this helped. What happens is I always put my ebrake on, so when i disengage it i just press the button without pushing the brake down so i tried pushing it down everytime i disengage it and its been working for me

[CanSpeed 3]

Well so far this helped. What happens is I always put my ebrake on, so when i disengage it i just press the button without pushing the brake down so i tried pushing it down everytime i disengage it and its been working for me

Can you feel the drag on your back brakes when accel? Could be a sticky ebrake cable. I just sprayed mine where the spring sits and its helped a lot. Easy to get at!

[JayJay18]

Can you feel the drag on your back brakes when accel? Could be a sticky ebrake cable. I just sprayed mine where the spring sits and its helped a lot. Easy to get at!

Yeh it kind feels like that i guess i can try some spray. Would wd40 work?

[CanSpeed 3]

Yeh it kind feels like that i guess i can try some spray. Would wd40 work?

Yea should help, but I use this stuff called Fluid Film and you can actually see this stuff work. Must more powerful. Buy it a Crappytire for about $14 a can but it will last you for years. Next time your cars in the shop get them to clean your ebrake cable and lube the spring/tensioner for your ebrake (on your back brakes)

Do you notice your ebrake handle a bit weak or any different? You'll feel if its sticking.

[JayJay18]

I dont feel it a bit week at all but ill try getting it lubed a little cause 4 out of 5 times i push the ebrake down instead of letting it go it works ok.