Three problems related to transmission solenoid have been reported for the 1996 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
On my 1996 my Mazda 626 I was driving on the highway and my overdrive light started flashing. I researched the problem online and there was thousands of the same complaint I think is was a over drive solenoid or a sensor that control gear shifting. Apparently this happens to alot of Mazda 626's and I think Mazda need to be held accountable for this problem.
Purchased the vehicle (1996 Mazda 626) at 27,000mi on odometer - transmission had gone bad. Because it was still in warrantee, the Mazda dealership replaced the transmission. I took it back a few times over the past few years because of leaking transmission fluid and engine light being on. Nothing was found or done. Last December, at 96,000mi, the transmission burned out again. I took it to the dealership who said the transmission would have to be replaced again. This would be the 3rd transmission in under 100,000 miles!! as Mazda would not assist in the cost of replacement, in July I had the car towed to a local mechanic who replaced the transmission with a rebuilt one. A few weeks ago (October 2004) the o/d light started blinking and I took it back to the mechanic who replaced the transmission. He searched deeper and found that the cupholder is placed directly over the car's computer, and had been leaking any spilled fluid onto it, shorting out the overdrive, causing the transmission solonoid to burn out. He cleaned the computer and replaced the tcc solenoid, Mazda takes no responsibility even though their technicians had the car several times without properly diagnosing the problem.
While shifting vehicle failed to move on its own. A loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the shaft solenoid needed to be replaced.