Me again, help with trans shifting a bit hard

ajm786 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 08:42 AM

Man I'm getting tired of this. Just when I get to finally start enjoying my car after all the hard work I put in, something like this pops up.

Let me give you some history. Got the car in May, dropped the trans and changed ALL the trans solenoids to the components that Dave @ Triple Edge sells (all high quality Borg Warner stuff), filled it with Dex 6, and everything was peachy other than needing the engine replaced, which I did in August. The car has had NO problems since then.

So here in MD we just got a lot of snow, and the weather is really cold. I've had no problems for the past few days, was able to drive around just fine; car never got stuck, never gunned the engine in the snow.

Anyway, was driving to work this morning, and I'm cruising at about 30-35MPH. The trans shifts from 2nd gear to 3rd gear, and it shifts HARD. Not hard as in banging, but the car lurches forward at the gear change. I thought I hit a bump, so I try it a few more times, and, yep, it shifts hard from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. 1st to 2nd is perfectly fine. After a little while, it sort of goes away. Also, it might be just me, but I think that 2nd gear is finishing at a too high RPM before it shifts into 3rd. I think. I might be wrong.

When I got to work I checked the trans fluid and the fluid level. It's still red, not burnt, no funny smell, and the level is perfect.

What could be causing this? Would it be the cold weather (I doubt it)? Or is this a far worse problem that I'm hoping is not?

I really don't have any money or time for a new trans or to be messing around with this right now.

Would a shift kit be an easy fix me up?

97GrandPrixGTP · #2 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 11:09 AM

my trans usually shifts slightly harder when it is cold outside and the fluid and everything else is cold. and mine shifts harder to begin with since i have a shift kit in it and modifiy trans settings.

when my car is cold all the shift points are slightly higher(shifts later) but once up to opperating temperature the shift points are where they usually at

ajm786 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97GrandPrixGTP

my trans usually shifts slightly harder when it is cold outside and the fluid and everything else is cold. and mine shifts harder to begin with since i have a shift kit in it and modifiy trans settings.

when my car is cold all the shift points are slightly higher(shifts later) but once up to opperating temperature the shift points are where they usually at

So when you say that it shifts slightly harder, do you actually feel the car lurch forward slightly at the shift point?

97GrandPrixGTP · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 03:42 PM

my car normally shifts like that. i will break my tires loose shiffting into 2nd gear.

but under light acceleration i can feel it more. my car doesnt lunge forwardard because i have a higher stall torque converter so i dont feel the shifts pulling the car much if im below 3000 rpms

n0dih · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 04:22 PM

Wish I could see the PCM cal and see what is up inside the PCM.

Can you check for trans codes? They often do NOT set a light.

Sounds like the EPC solenoid lost power and is at 100% pressure.

ajm786 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n0dih

Wish I could see the PCM cal and see what is up inside the PCM.

Can you check for trans codes? They often do NOT set a light.

Sounds like the EPC solenoid lost power and is at 100% pressure.

Just got back from a shop on my way home.

NO error codes. Nothing. Not for the transmission or the engine.

I really didn't feel it that much driving home. Everything felt normal. Car didn't do anything weird. I also pushed the car a bit, and everything felt normal.

When I was in the shop, I told the mechanic that I changed the trans fluid about 4-5 months ago, and then inquired whether or not it made any sense for me to change it again due to this issue. He said that I shouldn't have to. Since he's not trans privy, he recommended me to another place. Don't have plans to go over there at the moment.

So what do you guys think now? Just do a shift kit?

n0dih · #7 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009, 04:46 PM

Personally, I would think a shift kit would make it worse. Typically they boost line pressure and firm up/speed up shifts.

I would probably drop pan and inspect carefully what is going on, see if you see something that got bumped or pulled off. Look at the wiring extra careful.

ajm786 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 08:55 AM

Me again, just wanted to update this thread and get some more input.

Now, the issue had progressed. It's slightly different now. Hard shifting at 2-3 gear shift has disappeared.

Instead, what happens now is when the car shifts from 3-4, you know when it drops down RPM? If you are giving it a bit of gas and are on any type of slight incline, the car shudders every two to three seconds, randomly. Almost feels like an engine misfire. Goes like ....burp......burp.........burp.....

However, if you stomp on the gas so that the gear shift points are absolutely clear, there's no shuddering, burps, glitches, catches, or anything.

It's not loud or anything. You can just feel it and hear it within the cabin. Otherwise, still drives perfectly. Launches no problem, downshifts/upshifts no problem.

Any ideas?