Questions about SHO automatic transmission

[tbird91]

I am having trouble with the transmission in my 94 Sable. It will not downshift into first properly when I deccelerate. It waits until I have come to a near stop and then abruptly downshifts to first, seriously jolting the car. It upshifts 1-2 relatively smoothly from a slow speed, and aside from this problem there is nothing wrong with the drivetrain of the car. Any ideas on what the problem could be?

Also is the automatic transmission in the generation 2 SHO, the same as the auto transmission in a 94 Mercury Sable GS? I was thinking that the SHO might have a stronger unit that would be a direct replacement.

Thank you very much,
Jeff

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

the gen 2 SHO transmission isnt the same as a sable transmission. if you do decide to put a SHO tranny in your sable (i dont really know if it can be done but i would assume so) you want to have it rebuilt first. SHO autotrannys are weak, there is no two ways around it, they are prone to dying early, especially with an aggresive driver (like me) on the pedal, but when working right they are as smooth as a baby's ass. as far as your shift problem goes, have you tried running the codes? does it only do it after youve warmed the car up, or all the time? i know some others have had your problem here, maybe they can help. let us know how it goes.

 

[tbird91]

So far it has only happened when the car is warm. I have not run codes yet. All I've done so far is check the fluid, and that was fine. Unfortunately beyond that I am clueless about automatic transmissions.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

well if its only happening when the car is warm then it sounds like it *could* be your VSS. thats a classic symptom, shifts like a champ when cold then when the heat from the exhaust manifolds get to it, it causes the car to shift like crap. you should run your codes and see if it gives you a VSS error. theyre a bitch to do on your own though so if thats your problem you may want to take it to a shop. people here have said theyve paid anywhere from $125 to $350 to have a new one put in. let us know what happens. good luck!
Bob