Hard Shifting Automatic *Update*

evil510evil510 Band Wagon
in Engine & Drivetrain
I just picked up a super clean 89 2wd auto. But it shifts really hard on the 1 to 2 shift. Why is this? And how can I fix it?

Comments

  • JDMshuttleJDMshuttle Senior Wagonist
    valve body might be getting stuck drain and put lucas
  • evil510evil510 Band Wagon
    I work on my cars, but have never worked on an auto so I have no idea where the valve body is. Guess I should pick up a Hanes for this beast. So are you saying all I need to do is drain the trans and put in lucas auto fluid in it? or do i have to do something with the valve body? thanks!
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    I'd reccommend Honda ATF over pretty much anything else. If you like the lucas, maybe try adding only 1-200mL of it to the Honda ATF as the lucas is way too thick and sticky by itself.
  • duckie8310duckie8310 Senior Wagonist
    mine does that too. but i've learned to live with it
  • evil510evil510 Band Wagon
    Pacifier wrote:
    I'd reccommend Honda ATF over pretty much anything else. If you like the lucas, maybe try adding only 1-200mL of it to the Honda ATF as the lucas is way too thick and sticky by itself.

    So what would happen if I use only Lucas? Is it bad that it's so "sticky"? And do I only have to drain the ATF and replace with new ATF (Honda ATF, Lucas, or some mix)? Or do I have to do something with the valve body?

    Thanks!
  • sic944tsic944t Wagonist
    i think he means the lucas tranny treatment i have had good luck with that stuff but you only add abit to your fluid like a ratio i dunno i put in like a quart to 2 quarts of regular fluid
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    Only thing i would reccommend is Honda ATF, nothing else at all. What i was saying is if you like the lucas, maybe try adding a little bit of it to the Honda ATF, but if it was me, i wouldn't put in anything except Honda ATF.
    Make sure you get new washers for the drain plugs.
  • akiraboyakiraboy HondaCivicWagon.com Founder
    DO NOT USE LUCAS, see the site below

    it is the worst. my trans smelled like it was on fire with that crap. it makes the fluid cohesive whereas it sticks to itself NOT THE TRANS PARTS

    I switched it out like 3 days later & used mobil 1 sythetic ATF afterward.

    I would recommend a good trans fluid first, flush the cooler then see how it feels. It may just need a cable adjustment depending on how many miles are on it

    http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/images/lucas/lucas.htm
  • evil510evil510 Band Wagon
    evil510 wrote:
    I just picked up a super clean 89 2wd auto. But it shifts really hard on the 1 to 2 shift. Why is this? And how can I fix it?

    **** UPDATE ****

    I drained the fluid, it was brown. Put in some Mobil 1 Synth ATF ($6.50/qt!!!) shifts a little better from 1 to 2. 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 is a lot better. The tranny is quiter for sure. Thanks for the help.

    Any suggestions to make 1 to 2 shift better or is this normal?
  • akiraboyakiraboy HondaCivicWagon.com Founder
    I would suggest a technical service manual from helms. There are many steps involved in troubleshooting an automatic trans. It could just be as simple as adjusting the throttle cable coming from the transmission

    I have a helms and it has payed for itself many times over.
  • sic944tsic944t Wagonist
    they all shift a lkittle ruff from 1 ta 2 i have had a crx a wagon and a 4 door all shifted about the safe i personally like the crispness compared to super sloppy slush boxes ...
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