98 Chevy tracker transmission harsh shift

[pvtcook]

Just wanted to see if you guys had any advice. I'm getting harsh down shift from 3rd-2nd. It shifts good advancing thru the gears but if I'm in third and push the gas to accelerate and it has to drop to second it's harsh. The guy I bought it from had the transmission completely rebuilt 2yrs ago spent $2000 on it. I was reading the paper work and the symptoms were the same two years ago. Any ideas? Thanks

[GumbyCT]

Originally Posted by pvtcook

Just wanted to see if you guys had any advice. I'm getting harsh down shift from 3rd-2nd. It shifts good advancing thru the gears but if I'm in third and push the gas to accelerate and it has to drop to second it's harsh. The guy I bought it from had the transmission completely rebuilt 2yrs ago spent $2000 on it. I was reading the paper work and the symptoms were the same two years ago. Any ideas? Thanks

Any codes? Assume this is an auto tranny?
How long have you owned it? CEL work?

[pvtcook]

Yes auto. I've only had it a month. I'm not sure if the cel works or not. I'll have to check. Can autozone check it for codes? I checked it has a service engine light. It's not on while driving.

[GumbyCT]

Originally Posted by pvtcook

Yes auto. I've only had it a month. I'm not sure if the cel works or not. I'll have to check. Can autozone check it for codes?

Yes most do.

[Bex]

The check engine light should be on with the key on, and then off once the car is running.
Do you have the 3 speed or the 4 speed transmission? The 3 speed is completely mechanical, while the 4 speed has its own tranny computer and works electronically.
Does the harsh 'downshift' only occur when you floor the car, or does it also occur when the car would be coasting and downshifting as well? And at what speed does this happen at?

[pvtcook]

Ok first let me clarify. Is the service engine and check engine the same? It's a 3spd. This is when I notice it most. If its in high gear and you have to slow down to around 30 mph then you push on the gas to accelerate when it downshifts to second it's really harsh. It shifts a little harsh from 2nd to 3rd but not bad at all.
Thanks

[xxx]

yes, in 98 its s service engine soon, (SAE its MIL) but the check engine light on
this car is OBD2 compliant. if the lamp is out , all is ok , driving.)

(cept in canada where their laws allow misfire and no light,etc, but you never disclosed the country)
my guess is its a 4speed auto. ?
have you seen the FSM reasons list for harsh shifts ?
1: move the P/S switch to S. (standard shift = softer)
2: is the OD lamp stuck on or flashing, that too is a warning
3: and pull the DTC codes ,
btw some tools cant see all A/T codes ,so the autozone cheap tool may miss some.
but of lamp is off driving in USA, there are no codes
but there are what is called pending codes.
only a full scan tool can see them.

the pending are of 2 types.
1: under the Radar. (some DTCs take 2 or more fails to store)
2; intermittent.
not using a real scan tool invites you being blind to what truth/

btw if the tranny drops to LIMP home , you dont get 4 gears, you get 2 or 3.
and guess what, it shifts harder.

the tranny has its own VSS , if that fails (code) it drops to speedo VSS
and again will shift funny.
the 4 speed is complex.
see my page on 4sp
btw they moved your TCM inside the ECU.

Slush pump diagnosis



dont know which you have.
see here

http://kickfix.ac-vw.com/slush-pump.html#ID

[xxx]

3sp, 4sp?.......

[pvtcook]

Guys sorry,but I stated that its a 3spd. Anyway I appreciate your input. Keep it coming. Thanks

[colonelhogan44]

I've heard the kickdown cable induced shift is bone-jarring at speed. I've never been brave enough to try it...I can feel the kickdown cable tension in the accelerator, and release the throttle momentarily and downshift it manually.