93 4.0 auto function observation

[Christobal]

For a few years now but probably only 5-10 K miles, total, since it's a low use vehicle now, when the engine and trans fluid are on the warm but normal side, the trans will do a stutter step or two on the way up through the gears. I don't believe it's slipping, because it doesn't feel that way and the trans hasn't destroyed itself, but it was definitely never that way during the early years. Lockup function is normal. This stutter step usually kicks in right after it shifts to 2nd and remedies itself usually before it gets to 3rd, IIRC. It's like there's an extra downshift and then upshift all while still in 2nd because all the other normal shift can be accounted for including the lockup function.

This trans was rebuilt (probably unnecessarily in my opinion) by the dealer under warrantly at approximately 30K. It has 170K or so on it now.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I've heard these trans aren't considered to be bullet proof and are known to have problem areas/weaknesses. I've considered purchasing a Transgo kit which I believe stated it corrects specific issues with this trans along with firming the shift to one degree or another, which I'd like a bit of, but nothing harsh.

Anyone installed a Transgo or other kit for this trans and had positive results?I'm getting ready to install a new radiator soon, and so will have the cooler lines off, and might as well go in the trans at the same time and change the fluid add a shift kit etc.

 

[jd4242]

do a search for a4ld shift kit your find alot of threads about it

 

[Christobal]

Still observing over time. Here is what I do to make it shift more or less normally though with my manual input.

Start with the selector in 3rd, shift to 2nd, it does it immediately, then through 3rd to 4th and it will more or less shift at the right time. It still delays the 2nd-3rd shift a bit but torque converter lockup and overdrive (4th) occur normally. Once in a while when shifting from 2nd-4th it will come out of gear for a short time and just rev like it's in neutral and then engage the proper gear.

When I get around to I think I need to check any external gear selection apparatus on the trans, haven't looked down there in a while. Probably something internal, but who knows, maybe something's been messed up by road grime/oil/water....