The automatic transmission on this car is very hesitant to upshift. Sometimes I can get it to move from 2nd to 3rd, for example, only by taking my foot off the gas for a moment (similarly from 1 to 2, and from 3 to 4). Is this something that can be fixed by a linkage adjustment, or is it something inside the transmission? Also, the car is unwilling to stay in 4 at under 45 mph. Is there some mechanism that makes it stay in 3, or lower, under that speed?

 

1) check the throttle-to-transmission cable (often called 'kickdown cable'). this should have just a little slack when the gas pedal is at idle, and the little metal 'bead' thats crimped on the cable should be about 1/16th of an inch from the end of the ferrule on the adjuster. when you step on the gas, and press it all the way down to the floor, you should feel resistance somewhat before its floored that you can 'press through' like a notch or cam, this is the actual kickdown.

2) check the condition of the ATF fluid, it should be clear red and not smell 'burnt'. check the level of the ATF fluid too. if its at all burnt I'd plan on doing a transmission flush and refill, using good quality dex-merc ATF. With any luck, this will free up whatever is gumming up the tranmission and making it sluggish to shift.

 

Thanks a lot. I'll try both. pb