Trans shifts late from 2 to 3rd

95 Sable, 3.0, dont know what trans. Runs good for the miles on it 212K, dont know how old trans is. Basically it shifts good up to the shift from 2 to 3, then the shift is so long the RPM's rev too high. Eventually it does go into 3rd. Getting on the xway is tough because the shift is soo late. And of course when it does shift to 3rd it kind of shifts hard.
I have been just holding the car and now must decide to scrap or fix. Doubt anyone would buy a car with those miles and a bad trans. I cant lie about it either and just sell to someone. So I would like some opinions from anyone with trans experience.

Does it shift late (engine revs higher than expected) or does it take a long time to complete the shift (no increase in vehicle speed for increase in engine speed, slipping)? Have you checked the condition of the transmission fluid to see if it has a strong odor or rusty color? If you don't have access to a scan tool that can monitor the transmission sensors (shaft speed sensors) then the first place to start might be to change the transmission fluid and filter. The fluid and filter change would likely cost less than the cost to have the transmission diagnosed professionally.

-Rod

Thx for the reply. It does not appear to slip because it seems it stays in 2nd gear, the shift just takes so long that the rpms go real high. If I let off the gas a little bit then it will go into 3rd and drive ok till it shifts back to 1st and it does it all over again.

Thx for the reply. It does not appear to slip because it seems it stays in 2nd gear, the shift just takes so long that the rpms go real high. If I let off the gas a little bit then it will go into 3rd and drive ok till it shifts back to 1st and it does it all over again.

I'm still not quite clear of the situation. I think what you're indicating is that the transmission is being held in 2nd gear longer than it should be, allowing the engine to rev "real high" (how high?) before shifting (without slipping) to 3rd gear. The shift itself doesn't take abnormally long, it just is shifting late.

I still think the first thing to do is pull the transmission dipstick and check the condition and level of the fluid when the engine is up to temperature and idling in park. Next would be to make sure the throttle position sensor (TPS) is working well (easy to do with a multimeter) which it probably is since you don't indicate a problem shifting from 1st to 2nd. Then check the operation of the various transmission speed sensors (which requires a professional scan tool).

There are folks that monitor this forum from time to time that are very familiar with this transmission and will likely be able to offer better suggestions than I can. I know just enough to potentially send you down the wrong path.

-Rod