Automatic Transaxle Question

I have a new HHR(1658 miles) Most of the time, when accelerating, the tranny shifts 4 times. The rest of the time, it only shifts 3 times. It always ends up with the same speed and rpm, 60mph @2300rpm. I don't want to be hurting something if it needs maintenance. Thanks
John Murray
bjohnm1@peoplepc.com

You won't get the 4th shift untill your about 40. If your rolling you could be starting out in 2nd.

The 4th shift you 'feel' is the torque converter locking. It will only do this under certain conditions; engine warmed, steady speed, light throttle, etc. TC locking/unlocking is pulse width modulated on the 4T45E so you really have to look at the tach and listen to engine sound to detect it. What you describe is perfectly normal.

Joel

The 4th shift you 'feel' is the torque converter locking. It will only do this under certain conditions; engine warmed, steady speed, light throttle, etc. TC locking/unlocking is pulse width modulated on the 4T45E so you really have to look at the tach and listen to engine sound to detect it. What you describe is perfectly normal.

Joel

Joel, Thanks for the info. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't hurting anything by driving like this. John

Isn't the transmission in the HHR a four speed auto + the torque converter lock up? At least my HHR says it is a four speed auto. At 70 mph I'm running ~ 2500 rpm.

My ols car that had a 3 speed auto + torque converter lock up "felt" like a four speed.

Isn't the transmission in the HHR a four speed auto + the torque converter lock up? At least my HHR says it is a four speed auto. At 70 mph I'm running ~ 2500 rpm.

My ols car that had a 3 speed auto + torque converter lock up "felt" like a four speed.

Correct, but you only feel the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, lockup. A feeling of 3-4 shifts total. On the old school 3spd auto's w/o lockup, you'd only feel two shifts.

Joel