4EAT automatic transmission shifting hesitation

[oleman77]

Hey looking for some hints of what could be causing shift hesitation on my 1994 4EAT. I bought this car from someone who didn't care for it very well. Have done a lot to it but now looking at what can be done about shift hesitation. It doesn't hesitate when I go to drive or reverse only while driving. Haven't really noticed one gear being worse than others but it does hesitate every time. Have no idea when the last time the transmission was serviced so my first notion is to perform a complete fluid and filter change. But I have read some posts that say if the transmission has a lot of milage (mine has 250k) not to change fluid as it could brake loose debris and cause more problems. Anyway before I do a service on the transmission I wanted some advice from someone that has possibly had this problem and what they did about it. Thanks fella's.....pete

[Someperson]

Are your bands adjusted properly?

[oleman77]

Are your bands adjusted properly?

I do not know. How do I check them and how do I know if they are adjusted properly?

[Someperson]

This i am not familiar with, josh will prob chime in later. Look it up in the transmission sticky is the best i can give you atm

[oleman77]

This i am not familiar with, josh will prob chime in later. Look it up in the transmission sticky is the best i can give you atm

Well I changed filter and fluid. We'll see if it helps. Might need to adjust break bands but will see....

[Legacy777]

Here's some info on the brake bands

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... andadj.jpg

What gear(s) does it hesitate between?

[oleman77]

Here's some info on the brake bands

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... andadj.jpg

What gear(s) does it hesitate between?

Thanks Josh...Mainly 2nd to 3rd. I have read a lot on the brake band adjustment. The info you provided and a lot of other posts provide a lot of insight. I will see how it goes, haven't really driven it much since I did the service. When I did drive it it seemed better. I will see how it does this week going back and forth from work. The adjustment sounds like a pain but I'm willing to try anything.

[Legacy777]

Ok, yeah the adjustment isn't any fun.

[oleman77]

Ok, yeah the adjustment isn't any fun.

Ok the shifting is better. I really notice a good change when its under torque (when Im on the gas). When I'm just kind of cruising it does feel little better but its really better when Im getting on it a bit. Pretty happy with results. Think I will run it for a while and drain and change oil a few more times. Thanks for all the advice guys....pete

[Legacy777]

Yeah, another drain & fill is probably the best plan.

[scoobydoo94turbo]

I highly reccomend using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF Fluid, its $12.99 here in canada and only canadian tire carrys it but my transmission has 360,000 original km and still performs like new! Car gets the crap kicked out of it every day and tranny holds up no problem!