Transmision shifting hard??

[VinceH]

Hopefuly somebody will be able to help me out with some insight to this. I have 02 rodeo 80Kmi automatic v6. Acouple of weeks ago I left for work and when the car would shift up to 2nd and 3rd it shounded like I just got rearened. It shifted hard and jerked the car. This happens when down shifting as well. BUt here is a twist. It has yet to do it in the afternoon!? So far it has only done this in the morning. We did a tranny flush and filter change about 4500 miles ago. No CE light or codes. Could this be driveline related or tranny going out? Any help would be great!

[amigo-2k]

what is the service history on the tranny? Have you only flused it once at 75k?

you may be feeling drive shaft bump (see the faq's for more info).

[VinceH]

I had the fluid changed at 30k and than a fluid and filter change at 75k. I did have a code come up as trans componant slipping prior the the fluid an filter change and since than it ran great, until now.

[matthew46]

I had the same problem and turned out that it was leaking trans fluid from the accumulator gasket, covered under warranty. Look underneath and see if the exhaust pipes are covered with fluid, if so then this may be the problem. If your the first owner its covered by the dealer. If not it may just be low on fluid. These things don't like dirty or low fluid. Found that out recently.

[amigo-2k]

THat would be the next thing I would check. If the dealer didn't do the work take it to them and have them check the level of the fluid.

[VinceH]

I just changed the oil and filter(crank case) and did not see any fluid heading down stream like that, what I did notice that was a bit bizzar, at the front of the drive shaft at the first U-joint, it seemed to be spraying grease on the under body just above the u-joint. Is this something to worry about? I will check the fluid and double check the area. Another note, If it where the tranny would you be able to feel the clunk (as I call it) by putting your hand on the shifter and the 4wd knob?

[Lakeshow23]

My '98 Rodeo 4x4 had a nasty rough shifting/hesitation/shudder problem, until recently. Dropped the trans pan, cleaned all the gunk and crap out of the transmission valve body. Reinstalled pan, filled with fluid, transmission runs brand new. Car is smooth as butter now. I love my Rodeo.

[pharm_rodeo]

Originally Posted by Lakeshow23

Car is smooth as butter now. I love my Rodeo.

Don't rub it in...lol. Did you clean out the valve body or a mechanic? I've heard that's where a lot of the tranny issues are. I'm still working on my issues.

[Lakeshow23]

Originally Posted by pharm_rodeo

Don't rub it in...lol. Did you clean out the valve body or a mechanic? I've heard that's where a lot of the tranny issues are. I'm still working on my issues.

Had my mechanic do it. I could have done it myself, but didn't have the time...
he spent way more time than usual on a transmission cleaning. Usually guys just flush it and run, then tell you that it needs complete replacement. Naw, he made sure all black deposits were wiped out. Before this cleaning, my Rodeo really made me feel like I was in a Rodeo. Now it's just a name...

[VinceH]

With the difficulty of reaching and checking the tranny fluid while the engine is running, does the engine need to be running if you have to add some fluid? It gets hot under there! Does anybody know what the power train warranty is for a seconded owner?

[marcre]

Originally Posted by VinceH

With the difficulty of reaching and checking the tranny fluid while the engine is running, does the engine need to be running if you have to add some fluid? It gets hot under there! Does anybody know what the power train warranty is for a seconded owner?

yes, the engine needs to be running and in nuetral. If it's not, there will be a mess. When the vehicle is cool start it up and let it run for a few minutes, then slowly open up the check plug. I am not sure, but the warranty may be 5/60000

marc

[amigo-2k]

yup, it is 5yr/60k.

[VinceH]

Ok,
I checked it out further and it seems to have two leaks. First on from the front of the pan just above the drain plug. Gasket? The second one on the passanger side up high. I can't remember what it's called but I beleive there is a service bulliton on it. Any ideas? How much do you think it will cost for the repairs? Thanks for all the help.....

[matthew46]

The one up high might be the accumulator piston gasket. if you are the first owner then it should be covered, 10y/120K, if your the second owner then I think its 5y/60K. Anyway the parts are relatively less than 20 bucks.

[VinceH]

I am a second owner evan thought it a 2000 model year and I bought it in 2000 with only 8k mi. on it. That sucks. Thanks for the help I'll let you know how it turns out.....