Transmission shifts hard

Hello all,

I would like to know if anyone has had this trouble, and if so.. what was it and can I fix it easily?

Last week I added a quart of transmission fluid because about two months prior I replaced the radiator but did not replenish the fluid lost from the radiator. So I thought I would do it last week (couldn't leave well enough alone, could I?). Well... next day or so on cold startup the transmission when shifted into drive kicks me in the pants. I also get "Service Transmission" on the display. After about 5 miles of driving, I turn off the car and start it up again and lo and behold no "Service" and shift is normal. Also, there is no whine as at first.

Well, I figured I put in too much fluid and the transmission's sensors told the computer that there was a problem... falsely. So I sucked out (used a turkey baster!) a pint of fluid and the tranny started behaving a bit better, but still kicks hard first thing in the morning.

So, if I remove the rest of the fluid (another pint) and disconnected the power for a few minutes (like I had to do for the AC) to reset the computer would I be OK, or do I need professional work?

Signed,
Hysterical

Gabe

Well, for one, the transmission fluid and radiator fluid are two completly different things. If you lost coolant from changing the radiator, you wouldn't want to mess with the transmission fluid. I suspect that in all the draining, sucking, filling of transmission fluid you have the wrong level of fluid in there. There should be an easy way to check it. On my car, you have to get under the car, undo a plug on the tranny and then stick your finger inside. If the fluid comes up to just the lip of the open plug, then I have the correct amount of fluid. There is probably a similar procedure for checking your tranny fluid. Refer to a repair/service manual.

Hi buymeabmwm3,

Of course I am aware of that. However there is a section of the radiator that has transmission fluid flowing through it for cooling. I guess your vehicle has a separate transmission cooler (wish mine did!). It was that fluid to which I was referring.

Thanks for the tip. I will see if there is a plug there somewhere.

Thanks a bunch!
Gabe