Looking at buying a 2006 Eddie Bauer V8, had some questions regarding 1-2 shift...

[LNCHBOX]

As the title says, I'm looking to buy a 2006. I took it for a test drive today, and the 1-2 shift was way firmer than I think it should be. Part throttle, full throttle, pretty much any condition causes it. I assume this isn't normal. It was a very noticeable kick or jerk during the upshift. Thoughts on what might be causing it? Or have I just been driving manual or CVT transmissions too long? Thanks in advance.

ETA: Truck has 133k miles on it and looks to have been very well maintained.

 

[D Hook]

Has the battery been disconnected lately? If so, it takes a while to relearn the shift points.

 

[pzy3339]

Pretty normal for these transmissions actually. First gear is very low and the change from 1st to 2nd is a large change in gear ratio. There was a programming update years ago to help reduce the issue. You could check with the dealer to see it has the update. If not I would request they do it, then ask to drive it again and see if it is better.

I have a 2006 V8 with 156,x.. miles, had 124,x.. miles when I got it. It has had the update, but still shifts more harshly going from 1-2 than any other gear. Mostly only under light throttle, above around 20% throttle it shifts pretty smooth actually.

From what I have seen, heard, and read about this transmission its really not a reliability concern, just kind of annoying.

For me the issue was reduced a bit with fresh spark plugs. Which is something else to look into before purchase. It can be a difficult job, and expensive to have a shop do. Plus the plugs are $13 a piece. I did the job successfully with no issues at all, but others have had trouble. There is a procedure to follow, and a special tool to keep handy in case a plug breaks. Spark plugs are the only major maintenance I've had to do. And I only call it major because it took a few hours and was a bit tedious.

It may also be worth trying to find another V8 nearby to test drive, even if its not the package you want, just for reference.