Hard shifting automatic

[Pekin21]

I have a 93' ATX and it shifts hard going from 1st to 2nd. The other gears shift smooth. This problem seems worse when the car is cold, once it's warmed up and has been driven some it shifts smoother. I've read about synthetic tranny fluid helping hard shifting, anyone have luck with synthetic?

Thanks,
Chad

 

[naval-avi8or]

I just had my 94 ATX rebuilt and it shift hard primarily 1-2. ( shop said)If you vary the way you accelerate say give it alot of gas and then let /ease up just before the shift takes place it will shift hard because you've built up the pressure. If you easeily accel and it still shift hard you may need to have it adjusted.

 

[stevetatro]

From what I've heard, that's simply a design flaw, and most '93 ATX's have a hard 1-2 shift. I know mine did.

The cure (at least partial) is to, when you have it rebuilt, make sure the shop rebuilds it to the latest specs, meaning there have been improvements in the design (even past the '95 ATX) that help alleviate the hard 1-2 shifts.

Also, I'd suggest having any rebuilds done by shops that will install aftermarket shift kits (Transgo or otherwise). You'll be much happier with the crisp shifting and the rebuilt tranny should last much longer.

Oh, and if you're still running with the original H3Z (or H3Z2) computer, you could try buying/swapping with a D4U1 computer from a '94 or '95 ATX SHO. I've heard those help firm up the shifts and reduce some of the "slop" that's inherent to Ford ATX's. I've got my D4U1 sitting at home, just haven't plugged it in yet.

Good luck.

 

[Blue95ATX]

I have that problem when my car is shifting into second gear it slams in. But when I have Wide Open Throttle its smooth and normal or if I accelerate very slowly its smooth also. I was told I have a broken front motor mount and am having it fixed tomorrow.

 

[Pekin21]

stevetatro:
From what I've heard, that's simply a design flaw, and most '93 ATX's have a hard 1-2 shift. I know mine did.

The cure (at least partial) is to, when you have it rebuilt, make sure the shop rebuilds it to the latest specs, meaning there have been improvements in the design (even past the '95 ATX) that help alleviate the hard 1-2 shifts.

Also, I'd suggest having any rebuilds done by shops that will install aftermarket shift kits (Transgo or otherwise). You'll be much happier with the crisp shifting and the rebuilt tranny should last much longer.

Oh, and if you're still running with the original H3Z (or H3Z2) computer, you could try buying/swapping with a D4U1 computer from a '94 or '95 ATX SHO. I've heard those help firm up the shifts and reduce some of the "slop" that's inherent to Ford ATX's. I've got my D4U1 sitting at home, just haven't plugged it in yet.

Good luck.

 

[Pekin21]

Let me know when you after you install could you let me know if there's any impovement?

Thanks,
Chad

Pekin21:

stevetatro:
From what I've heard, that's simply a design flaw, and most '93 ATX's have a hard 1-2 shift. I know mine did.

The cure (at least partial) is to, when you have it rebuilt, make sure the shop rebuilds it to the latest specs, meaning there have been improvements in the design (even past the '95 ATX) that help alleviate the hard 1-2 shifts.

Also, I'd suggest having any rebuilds done by shops that will install aftermarket shift kits (Transgo or otherwise). You'll be much happier with the crisp shifting and the rebuilt tranny should last much longer.

Oh, and if you're still running with the original H3Z (or H3Z2) computer, you could try buying/swapping with a D4U1 computer from a '94 or '95 ATX SHO. I've heard those help firm up the shifts and reduce some of the "slop" that's inherent to Ford ATX's. I've got my D4U1 sitting at home, just haven't plugged it in yet.

Good luck.