hard 1-2 shift when cold

arengant · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:22 pm

I recently installed euro tc, hot and tcm tunes but I can't say for sure I was having this problem before or not.

When cold, I have a hard shift from 1st to 2nd with light acceleration. After a few miles the shift feels like any other shift point. Would I benefit from a TCM relearn sequence?

I did add more Atf4 with the euro tc and the filter and fluid were changed about 15k ago.

Thanks!

arengant · **Posted:** Sat Jul 14, 2012 1:33 pm

Well the standard TCM relearn hasn't helped. Since it only happens first thing I am thinking fluid quality, or maybe drains back issue. I might try new fluid and filter unless anyone else has an idea?

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:15 pm

Probably not "normal" fluid drain back as that involves fluid draining out of the TC after about 6-8 hrs of being parked. As a result the vehicle won't immediately shift into 1st and sometimes not into reverse. If you do leave it in gear, gun the engine, and try to drive, especially in 1st, that shift into 1st is like BAM and you go about 100' and the vehicle usually stalls.

Sounds more like 1) generally low fluid or low fluid pressure (pump maybe?); 2) not "real" ATF+F; or 3) some odd cold fluid issue. If you are in a DIY position on a fluid and filter change you might want to give that a go as there is not much time or $s involved.

When I say "real" ATF+4 I'm referring to some ATF brands that claim they meet ATF+4 specs or are compatable with ATF+4 but are not on the list of certified ATF+4 fluids.

arengant · **Posted:** Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:54 pm

papaindigo wrote:

Probably not "normal" fluid drain back as that involves fluid draining out of the TC after about 6-8 hrs of being parked. As a result the vehicle won't immediately shift into 1st and sometimes not into reverse. If you do leave it in gear, gun the engine, and try to drive, especially in 1st, that shift into 1st is like BAM and you go about 100' and the vehicle usually stalls.

Sounds more like 1) generally low fluid or low fluid pressure (pump maybe?); 2) not "real" ATF+F; or 3) some odd cold fluid issue. If you are in a DIY position on a fluid and filter change you might want to give that a go as there is not much time or $s involved.

When I say "real" ATF+4 I'm referring to some ATF brands that claim they meet ATF+4 specs or are compatable with ATF+4 but are not on the list of certified ATF+4 fluids.

The poor fluid choice is my first thought because I know I just grabbed cheap fluid that said atf-4... I will look for an ATF certified list. Thanks!

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:17 am

see http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html

arengant · **Posted:** Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:04 pm

Hmm I did use a certified fluid. And I added a few more fresh quarts at the TC change (the fluid still looks brand new).

Maybe it's a pressure problem since it happens under light (read low RPM) acceleration and the pump isn't putting out the correct pressure? I will have to continue and monitor it because replacing the front pump won't be a DIY job anytime soon.

hard 1-2 shift when cold

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