[mgill3]

91 NY Fifth Ave -- most of the time it's fine, and as long as I'm gentle on the throttle during acceleration and deceleration, shifts are nice and smooth.

However, from time to time it will shift more 'noticeably,' and I'll hear and feel (slightly) a clunk... I think this has something to do with where the gears in the trans are in relation to how hard I press the pedal or something like that, I can't really say for sure.

Anyway, my question is: Is this pretty normal for these cars? And, will the updated computer help it stop doing it? I'm almost positive it's doing it because of the way I'm using the throttle.

It did it earlier today, I think I was coasting (in drive) and pushed the gas. Maybe my foot was a little too heavy? I think I've heard it do that even if I was very light on the throttle as well.

Thanks

 

[mgill3]

I haven't done anything with the fluid yet, as it looks nice and clean. It could be that I am accelerating just when it wants to downshift, or something like that. Maybe just some more time and getting used to it is in order?

I will be updating the TCM next week.

 

[mgill3]

Bear in mind it only does it on occasion, and only at low speeds... like if I'm coasting through town at 25mph and then accelerate again, or something.

All shifts are super smooth at wide open throttle.

 

[mgill3]

Yes, I understood you the first time. I was just adding as much information as I could about the symptoms at an attempt to be as helpful as possible in my description. I already stated I'd be changing the TCM next week, so we'll see what that does. I'll most likely end up doing the fluid and filter as well.

 

[mgill3]

To add, (I just went for a drive) it's really more like a mild 'thud,' as opposed to a 'clunk.' Basically it's shifting okay, just mildly harsher than it normally does... so I'm banking on the revised computer making it work better, otherwise I'll get the fluid changed out. I'll update my findings afterward.

 

[mgill3]

UPDATE

I installed the newest TCM (ending in 6122)... there is a WORLD of difference. This feels like a completely different car. It shifts quite a bit smoother I think, overall. It widened out the gears BIG TIME, and isn't shifting so often. It also downshifts MUCH BETTER and will take off like a scared cat if I punch the accelerator now. I LOVE IT.

Outside of that, it still occasionally gives a very mildly harsh shift. I'm changing the fluid and filter within the next few days and we'll see if fresh ATF+4 helps it any. I figured I may as well do everything I can possibly do to be absolutely sure this transmission has NOTHING to complain about... most likely also adding a transmission cooler as well.

 

[mgill3]

UPDATE

The trans cooler is now installed, fluid and filter changed. It works great, and I think the occasional mild harsh shifting I'm feeling is probably due to my front motor mount, which is fairly worn. The shift itself feels perfectly smooth, i'm just thinking it's felt a bit more due to that mount being bad and rocking the whole engine, depending.

The cooler installation went fairly smooth after I figured out where I'd attach it. I simply used some long zip ties and zip tied it around the metal frame right behind the grille.