Automatic Trans Slams into gear

[davzog]

My 92 2.3L convertible is in pretty good condition, and runs very well at 100,000 miles. I have only had is a li9ttle while, but I really like it.

The only issue is when I put it into gear (auto)....going into drive it jumps pretty good....going into reverse it slams real hard.

I have change the fluid and filter, using MerconV...also, I put in a tranny pan drain plug and it leaked, so I had to redo it. When I refilled the tranny, I added a bottle of LUCAS trans "stuff"...real thick and gooey. It seemed to help the "going into dirve", but going into revers is a real "hit"....once it warms up, it is better, but still not right...

Any ins9ight would sure be appreciated...thanks in advance...

 

[GOvert]

Possible problem

It's very possible that one or both of the universal joints located at each end of the driveshaft have some wear and need replaced. Hopefully there is not a problem in the differential causing what you described. I hope this helps !

 

[davzog]

I was told today that a vacuum modulator would help...does anyone know about such an item????

 

[ethangsmith]

I have heard of issues with the A4LD really slamming into reverse. Guy at work had the EXACT same issue with his. He said to install a shift correction kit and it goes away- and also adds a little bit of performance and durability. My 88 LX had one in it when I bought it and it goes into reverse real smoothly. Also shifts really well.

 

[davzog]

What esle can you tell me about a shift correction kit? I did a couple of searches, but that is apparently not a recognized name...any other suggestions?

B&M has a "shift improver" but I could not find a listing for the A4LD transmission....thanks

 

[ethangsmith]

They go by a few different names (shift correction kit, shift improver kit) and can be difficult to track down. I think I had inquired at NAPA about one once and they said they may be able to get one.
http://www.txchange.com/sk.htm

Hopefully that link works for you. It's to TransGo. They did have an A4LD mustang kit available.

 

[GOvert]

First things first

Hoe did the U-joints look ?

 

[davzog]

When I first got the car, I drained all the fluids, put in new plugs (a pain) and wires, cap, rotor, rear brakes and u-jooints....so they have 1200 miles on them.

 

[GOvert]

Did you check them anyway ? I've seen new U-joints fail

 

[GOvert]

davzog, I posted a list of A4LD specialty parts that you can look at. Maybe the man in charge will make it a sticky. You can read down the list and you might see an upgrade part that would coincide with a condition that your A4LD has.

 

[davzog]

Thanks for the list...I'll be sure to check it out...

Regarding the ujoints, they really did not make any difference in the way the transmission engages into drive or reverse...with the old ones or the new ones it drives exactly the same....

I am leaning toward a vacuum modulator problem or servo issue...thanks

 

[GOvert]

Modulator valve

If you are consuming transmission fluid, the rubber diapram in the modulator could have a pinhole in it. It could make it slam into gear like you said yours was doing

 

[davzog]

Nope...since I changed the fluid is has not used a drop...always 2/3 up into the hash marks on the dipstick....It's been about 500 miles since I fixed a leak and topped it off.

 

[mightypoof]

I'm not very familiar with the A4LD but I know it is very common for AT's to have accumulator's designed to cushion the shifting, it is possible that they are sticking? Sounds like a good excuse for a 5spd swap to me...