Ive noticed lately that when im cruisin and i lightly accelerate to maintain my speed, once I let off the gas, the car jerks 3-4 times (thumping) type sounds. Any idea what is wrong?

 

Are you having any other problems? Mine does almost the same thing, but I think it's an engine misfire, and not the tranny... I've been having major misfire problems, but I am changing all of my ignition coils this week and hopfully it clears it up.....

 

i am having the exact same problem....i will be cruising around 40-50mph and as soon as i let off of the accelerator, i feel a tiny jerk under the hood, as if it is trying to choose what gear to go in... anybody have any suggestions?? i want to be proactive in hopes of preventing any major problems and saving some money! no other problems with the car though...

 

It's the tranny shifting into the later gears, 3-4(OD). Try it with O/D off.

 

Arent I supposed to keep (OD) on? If the jerking stops with OD off, what does that mean and should I keep it on?

 

I just got used to it, oohh 5 years ago. It's not a big deal.

 

I test-drove a 1998 I30 that had the same problem (not the one I own, however).

Welcome to the wonderful world of "shift shock!" It is a problem typically found in early model transmissions (1997-98) and the culprit is a bad torque convertor.

YES! A bad torque convertor, and your only options are to (1) live with the noise, or (2) replace it. If you decide to do so, you might consider getting a stronger one than OEM! There are a number of places that sell performance torque convertors that will improve your overall shifting.

 

would you have any websites or places to get a new tq converter dr rip?

 

its normal, mine does the same thing and jerks a little when it shifts.

 

I would look in your local yellow pages under Transmissions and contact a few, local shops to see if they do tc mods.

There are a few businesses listed on websites that do performance tc mods, but they would require you to ship your existing TC to them. If you like, I will look for them.

 

So would Shift Shock also be when you step on the accelerator when your car is cruising and your car jerks?

 

Well, not exactly.

It happens because the TC is locked up in fourth (the purpose is to keep the car from stalling), and each time you put the pedal to the metal, it unlocks with a shudder.

That, little feature is THE most annoying thing about my car, and I'm taking it to a place this week that specifically builds torque converters.

Now, a valve body modification might also reduce the shudder since it has the effect of raising the stall speed.

What I am going to do first, though, is to take care of the TC...then have the VB mod done.

VB mods are a two-edged sword, though, because while they make a huge difference in firming up the shifts, the resulting effect may be a little too harsh for some who have gotten used to the gentle-shifting feel of the stock tranny.

The main thing to do is talk to others who have had the mod done, or. if at all possible, contact someone locally who may agree to give you a ride in their car and let you feel what it is like.