Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) AT short shifting

[mraymo]

I have a 1998, 3/4, 4X4, 12 valve with an automatic transmission that seems to be "short shifting" from dead stops. It first shifts at about 5mph and then again about 2 seconds later whether the truck is hot or cold. It seems worse with little throttle as opposed to full throttle. I can't tell whether there is actually a shift or if the torque converter is acting up. It is getting progressivly worse. There is 117K on the truck and has regular maintenance, but has not had a band adjustment to my knowledge. I am going to have it checked out, but do not trust the dealer and am skeptical about other mechanics in my area. (SW Colorado) I wanted to see if anyone here could help me out with suggestions.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

My old Chevy would do that if the transmission detent cable wasn't adjusted right. If you went too far the wrong way, it wouldn't shift until it was almost to the redline. (the 700 R4junk)

 

[AWM]

my '98 did that when I first got it, turns out the detent cable wasn't even hooked up to yhe inj. pump. Bob

 

[rspeers]

I had the same problem on a 97. It turned out to be a problem between the engine mechanic and the transmission mechanic on how to setup the throttle linkage at the pump and the throttle position sender. Once they got it right the kick down cable had to readjusted. Had to show them in my personal shop manual how it is done.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Get that kickdown cable adjusted by someone who knows exactly how to do it!!



Dad's truck used to shift out of 1st really early too... . turns out that the cable was WAY off. Scott at Massdiesel Performance adjusted it all up after we did the DTT upgrade and now it is a LOT better than it ever used to be.



"Stack-shifting" is common on the auto trannies... . it is attributed to cross-leakage inside the transmission, and a proper rebuild will correct this.



Matt

 

[mraymo]

Short shifting/cable adjustments

Thanks everyone for their input. Keep em coming as I want to get as many suggestions as I can before letting some ya-hoo mechanic take a look at it. I can just picture my trans extracted and dissassembled on the shop floor with a worthless mechanic looking at it telling me he "knows" what is wrong. If anyone knows of a honest mechanic in the Durango, Colorado area or Farmington, New Mexico, PLEASE let me know.

Mark