Torque Converter Shudder

[Cl-Slick]

As the title states my '95 ATX has recently developed a shudder around 40mph and stops if I give it the slightest amount of acceleration. I've read that I can use Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder fix (http://www.lubegard.com/SearchByCategory.aspx?CategoryCode=230&title=Dr.+Tranny+Instant+Shudder+Fix#) Are there any other methods of fixing it, or should I try the stuff I posted?

 

[Cl-Slick]

Anyone know if this stuff works?

 

[Rubix]

Are you sure the problem lies with the trans?

 

[Cl-Slick]

Are you sure the problem lies with the trans?

I'm not 100% sure, I've done some reading online and that's what it seems to be. What else would cause it?

 

[itsstan]

Might be bad transmission and motor mounts. If yours are original then you're due for new ones. I had a similar shudder that went away with new mounts. For me the shudder was more apparent in the 1-2 shift under medium to hard acceleration.

 

[sailsorts]

I also have a shudder in 1 and 2 gear. Should I get stock motor mounts or are after market parts that are better? Are tere other things that I can do to smooth out this problem? help will be appreciated!

 

[Cl-Slick]

I'll take a video soon to show what I'm talking about. When I accelerate hard I don't feel the motor slam when it shifts, it's smooth as usual.

 

[Cl-Slick]

I haven't been able to get a video yet, but this problem is driving me insane. It only occurs at 45-50 (1500-1800rps when in 4th gear) which is usually what the speed limit is. I'd compare it to when you're driving a manual car in two low of a gear and trying to accelerate. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[St Louis SHO]

Misfire ?

 

[Cl-Slick]

Misfire ?

I'm a noob, would a misfire happen in only 4th? I'm doing a top 60k on it here soon, so it will be getting new plugs and wires. This is the last major issue and this thing will be in damn good shape!

 

[JRA2000TL]

I drove the car last weekend. You have to let the car shift into 4 around 45mph, then ever so slightly give it gas. There's a light shuddering the car makes; it's almost the same as if you shift into a higher gear at too low of a speed on a manual. The shudder seems to be isolated between the 45-50mph range, once you get past that or step on the gas more, it disappears.

I think he fixed his poor fuel mileage issue with new O2 sensors--went from 179 miles to a tank of gas to 75 miles on 1/4 of a tank, which would be about 300 to a total tank. City/hwy combined driving would net 23 mpg if he fills up with 13 gal when the fuel light (5 gal. warning) comes on.

 

[roadrunner451]

shuddering in od only,

that trans has a band for 4th gear , if its the trans and not a miss under load then i would do a severe duty trans flush, just remove a trans cooler line start car in park, put a rubber hose on the end that fluid flows out of into a bucket ,keep pouring in new trans fluid like 10 qts or so ,shut the car off after fluid stops flowing , drop pan replace filter and gasket , refill with new fluid, 13 qts i think... its a 2 person job.

 

[Cl-Slick]

that trans has a band for 4th gear , if its the trans and not a miss under load then i would do a severe duty trans flush, just remove a trans cooler line start car in park, put a rubber hose on the end that fluid flows out of into a bucket ,keep pouring in new trans fluid like 10 qts or so ,shut the car off after fluid stops flowing , drop pan replace filter and gasket , refill with new fluid, 13 qts i think... its a 2 person job.

I'll give this a shot! Thanks!

 

[kevinspann]

Good luck. It's going to come out faster than it goes in.

 

[Cl-Slick]

Good luck. It's going to come out faster than it goes in.

Tha's what she said.

 

[RonPorter]

I drove the car last weekend. You have to let the car shift into 4 around 45mph, then ever so slightly give it gas. There's a light shuddering the car makes; it's almost the same as if you shift into a higher gear at too low of a speed on a manual. The shudder seems to be isolated between the 45-50mph range, once you get past that or step on the gas more, it disappears.

I think he fixed his poor fuel mileage issue with new O2 sensors--went from 179 miles to a tank of gas to 75 miles on 1/4 of a tank, which would be about 300 to a total tank. City/hwy combined driving would net 23 mpg if he fills up with 13 gal when the fuel light (5 gal. warning) comes on.

Offhand, it sounds like the tranny is in 4th & the TC is locked up. Light throttle wouldn't unlock it, but more throttle would. Light throttle would have the engine lugging a bit with the locked TC. Still "could" be engine & not TC/tranny-related.

 

[notbange]

I had a bad dpfe(egr sensor)in my atx and it caused a similar issue, unplugged it and it stopped. Replaced with a new one and its been fine.

 

[Blackdr16]

sounds like a misfire to me, high load and low rpm = shudder if not well maintained. Let us know what you find. Def not ruling out the tranny but make sure your motor is in good shape first. Save you $$$

 

[JRA2000TL]

I do know that he needs to replace the valve cover gaskets. I pulled a couple of plug wires on the front and the plug wells had oil in them. I told him to bring it over and we'll install new plugs and valve cover gaskets and see what that does. After doing this a couple of times, I'm alot quicker at it.

I suppose that could be the reason for a shudder/stumble. Having 2 MTXs, it's hard to tell if his is ATX related or misfire related.

 

[Cl-Slick]

Problem was a misfire, top 60k fixed it, thanks for all the help guys!