One problem related to transmission solenoid has been reported for the 1998 Mazda 626. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Transmission problems with the year of 98's transmissions made by Ford. Transmissions have had multiple issues starting from shifting issues, transmission fluid overheating requiring more and more Mazda 626's to have aftermarket transmission coolers installed, transmission overheating. This year that Ford made this transmission has caused many people to often replace transmissions for this vehicle. You will see many people have replaced their transmissions 2 or 3 times within putting 150k on the vehicle. Please look into as I have had my transmission slip and completely not work, to getting rebuilt and now my o/d is now flashing, which requires me to install an aftermarket oil cooler for my transmissions, which does not come with the vehicle already. Transmission rebuild is costing over 2,000 dollars due to the unavailability of parts from the dealer and aftermarket suppliers. Please recall this transmission!!!!!! a Mazda technical service bulletin exists for some 1998-2001 models. TSB 05-005/02 deals with one specific circumstance: "after extended highway driving, the o/d off light is blinking and code p1783 is set (excessive atf temperature). Occasionally there will be overflow through the dipstick tube and harsh shifting. Mazda's recommended fix is to replace the radiator and to install an auxiliary cooler for the transmission. " when the light goes on, it enters a fail-safe mode? (the epc solenoid opens up and brings line pressure up to 'max') . . . The only catch is it raises the fluid pressure well beyond normal specs (it goes from 100 to 400 psi). . Read more...