Hi.

When I first got my 04 Max, the tranny didn't quite shift as smoothly as one of the other 04's we tested, and it turned out that the tranny was a bit low on fluid. Well, tonight I went out to the store and it shifted really rough 3 times (small "thud" and a quick jutter). I've had this happen one other time, but didn't know if anyone else experienced this? I'm starting to wonder if this is a sign of low fluid and my maybe transmission might be leaking some? I'll have to check my fluid levels tomorrow I guess. I have an SE 5-SP AT if that helps.

Thanks

 

Only thing I get is stiff shifting when the car is cold, and that clears up when the fluid warms up. Otherwise it's smooth.

In another thread we talked about situations where you slow down rapidly, then punch it (like when traffic suddenly slows in front of you, then you get an opening and try to jump over into the next lane and goose it) ... when that happens, you sometimes catch it "between shifts" and it thunks hard and shakes the car. I think what's happening is that the lock-up torque converter hangs up during the rapid slowdown, then finally unlocks and slams you into the lower gear you need to hook 'em.

If you have shifting problems that don't meet these two situations, I'd recommend a dealer visit.

Mike

 

Thanks for your reply. It seems that it happens mostly when traveling at "parking lot speeds" and from-stop accelerations (not heavy). Its calmed down a bit now, but I'll keep an eye out..

Thanks again.

 

How do you check the AT fluid level on the 5sp AT?? It doesn't seem to have the same time of dipstick.

The owners manual says to take it to the dealer. Can't we check it ourselves?


Anyone have the electronic version of the 2004 Service Manual?

 

I never read anything that said that we have to take it to the dealer to have the transmission fluid checked. I just followed the guide lines for checking the fluid (drive around for a certain amount of time, etc) and then just pressed in the tab on the drip stick and pulled it out.... hope that was OK

 

Monotaur,

Thanks for the info. It worked like a charm. It is tough to push in the tab but then it was all good. I would have been apprehensive if I didn't have your description.

 

No problem.