1st gear shifting hard in the morning help...
 

When I accelerate slowly in the morning leaving to go to work, I get a push or jerk (not sure how to describe it) from 1st to 2nd gear. Car is still not warmed up fully..... But if I accelerate quickly instead, I don't get that hard push or jerk, only when I accelerate slowly when I start my day. This issue I'm experiencing isn't an issue when the vehicle is warmed up either.

2004 4.4i with 80k...wondering how I can prevent this issue. If anyone has experienced this and have a suggestion for me...I hate going to dealership, and than hearing we can't replicate the issue...

Cheers

every now and then that happens to me in the morning. But if i put it over in sport tap shift it doesnt happen. Seems like its only the initial movement in the morning as well.

Thanks for the suggestion Dark5yde, I appreciate it. I can give that a try tomorrow...I'm just trying to avoid damaging the vehicle knowing something isn't just right...

I wonder if it has to do with air or fuel or oil that could cause this issue when the vehicle is cold. Wonder what the sport mode does, which prevents this hard shift when the vehicle is cold too...

I have read enough on this issue and it seems to be narrowed down to the valve body in the tranny (mechatronics unit). Mine does this to, along with the lurch when coming to a stop. Im gonna call a few local tranny shops and get an estimate on removing, cleaning, and replacing worn parts on the valve body. Wonder what that will cost...?

I get that too. Its just another reason not to drive off without giving the car a min to cycle it's fluids. All fine after that.

that too, if i sit for a minute or so and run through the gears, all is good.

I hear you SlickGT1..how long do you normally wait before you start your day?

Cheers,

1 min. After that, I take it easy till all the lights turn off around my tach.

As a matter of fact, all my auto cars did that when cold and higher mileage. Even my Lexus.

I had the same problem on my 05 4.8is. I bought the ZF Tranny fluid straight from the dealer and changed it myself, hasn't done any kicks or jerks since!

Hmm...Very interesting, thanks Dannypiv for this information... when I visited changing the tranny fluid while back at a local shop, I was told this isn't a good idea unless its a must.

Anyone else have done this change, and experience same result as DannyPiv??

Cheers,