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This is a Tracer LTS with the 1.8 lit. Mazda engine

The auto tranny is often fine, for 1-20 miles.  All four gears are there, shifts perfectly. But invariably it ends up in what I assume is "safe mode", 3rd gear only. This is either a sudden downshift from 4 to 3rd,  or if stopped you're starting up in 3rd gear (sluggish, no shifts).

I've dropped the pan, new filter, changed fluid (mercon 3) several times (suck it out the dipstick, fill, suck it out,...)

The pan magnet had normal filings on it, nothing weird, no shavings or damage signs.  Car does have 60K miles.

When in safe mode (3rd gear) if I manually select 1st gear I do get first gear.

So, really seems like a control problem. Gears are there. Hot-cold doesn't seem to matter.  I did unseat the two electrical connectors outside the tranny, checked, reseated several times,  they seem clean and OK.

I'd like to blame this on an easy to change speed sensor but I'm not sure there is one on the LTS model.  (same as an Escort GT or maybe LX, key i the 1.8 l Mazda Miata engine).  Any ideas or advice on this one?

Thanks,  shiftlesstracer