My car has about 62,000 miles on it and has recently been having acceleration issues. 1-3rd gear seem under powered and what I am giving on the gas does not equal the power that should be coming forth, the RPMs seem to shoot up really high with no power transfer. When i am in 3-5th gear my acceleration is again funky with the slightest touch on the gas again causing the RPMs to jump high with no return of power to actually accelerate. I recently replaced the battery and changed the oil, any ideas??
Is this a Mazda3? Automatic or standard transmission?
Whether it is an automatic or manual, either way it seems the OP has clutch problems.
“the RPMs seem to shoot up really high with no power transfer”
As both of the two previous forum members have stated, this is related to how the engine transfers its power to the wheels, and that is through the transmission and its related parts. No amount of battery changing or oil changing will help with this problem.
If the car has a manual transmission, the symptoms are consistent with a badly-slipping clutch.
If it has an automatic transmission, then it is clear that there are transmission problems which could be as simple as a low fluid level, or as serious as needing a transmission overhaul.
If this is an automatic trans car, the first step is to check the trans fluid’s level, color, and odor.
If the fluid level is low, then it must be topped-off (as per the dipstick) with fluid of the correct type before driving it again. However, that leads to the question of where the transmission is leaking, as trans fluid does not evaporate.
If this is an automatic trans car, I see a visit to a trans shop in its future. Just make sure to go to an independent trans shop that has been in business for at least 3 years. Do NOT go to AAMCO, Lee Myles, Mr. Transmission, or any other chain-run operation unless you want to pay much more money, and get much less expertise.
If it is a manual trans car, any good mechanic should be capable of replacing the clutch.
It is a manual, sorry, that would have been important to know. Clutch it is, dang, I was hoping it would be a cheaper fix. Thanks!
You might be able to adjust the clutch free play. When you press on the clutch pedal, is there some amount (an inch or so, specs vary) of very light resistance from the clutch pedal return spring, and as you press farther down you then feel the stronger resistance of the clutch mechanism itself?
The free play in the system may be adjustable at the clutch pedal itself (typical with hydraulic clutch) or at the clutch end of the cable if it is a cable-actuated clutch.
Adjusting the free play is worth a shot, but I expect OP is looking at a new clutch. Clutches replacements are routine maintenance for standard transmissions and to be expected. While its going to be a little on the expensive side, it isn’t as expensive as a rebuild for an automatic transmission. So count your blessing. You’ll be money ahead since your car has a manual transmission.