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I recently picked up a 92 mx3 1.8 v6. When I started driving it I noticed the tranny having trouble shifting from 2nd to 3rd when shifting the rpm's jump from 3 to 4.5 and then back down to 3 before it shifts hard into 3rd. I checked the fluid and it was pitch black. I had it flushed and the filter changed. Tonight I went to get on it to pass someone and it felt like I had shifted to nuetral but the shifter was still in drive. I coasted to the side of the road where nothing happened no matter what gear I was in. I noticed that when in any gear but park my hold light was blinking. I played with the shift lock button for a few minutes and still nothing so I called my friend to come get me. I decided to give it one last try and it shifted into reverse no problem. I drove home without a problem and now it seems to work okay and no flashing light. I've also noticed that when turning onto a new road it doesn't downshift and takes forever to accelerate. Is there a sensor or something causing this or is it time to retire my tranny? I'd love to swap it to a manual but with the mileage on it I'm not sure if it would be worth it. It has 164,000 miles. I love the way the car handles and the acceleration it has. Would it be rediculous to swap for a 2.5 and a manual tranny? Keep in mind I'm useless mechanically. If I could get a 2.5 and the manual and keep my cost below $5,000 I would do it. I'm also not oppossed to puting another AT in if someone has one cheap enough. I know I asked a lot of questions but if anyone out there could help it would be appreciated big time. Thanks again.

Check the fluid level. Start simple

If you read the post I just had the tranny flushed the fluid is fine.

If you got it "Power" flushed - then its time for rebuild/replacement.
If you just got a simple flush then its possible they didnt install something right and the fluid leaked out - it happened to me and i had the same symptoms you describe. For me the car ran ok when its cold and once the engine warmed up or i did some hard acceleration - it would feel like the car is in neutral. I had to shut-off the engine and wait for it to cool and then it would move ok. There is a procedure for checking tranny fluid level somewhere in the manual - you wont get an accurate reading unless you follow the procedure. Also since the hold light was blinking it might be a good idea to pull codes from the tranny controller - if there are any codes it will tell you exactly what is wrong. And generally its a good idea to install an extra transmission cooler because our trannies run hot and that leads to breakdown.

My tranny did pretty much the same thing yours did. The next day, mines died on me. I hope it is something minor, but, chances are, your tranny is about to go out.