Transmission shifting hard

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

bassgas

Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Posts
70
Reaction score
9
Location
Dreaded state of Illinois
2004 Yukon xl when just putting around Transmission seems to shift more forcefully is this normal. It has 166k on it. Had fluid and filter and flush last summer any thoughts
 

retiredsparky

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2016
Posts
379
Reaction score
121
Have you checked it for codes? Use a $15 hand siphon pump to take a sample of your transmission fluid or drain some fluid into a clean bucket and look for metal particles. Fluid pressure should vary depending on need. The pressure regulator is variable and controlled to ensure good shifts. If you have fluid contaminated by particles, that will cause lots of problems, one of which is poor control of pressure. There isn't any extra room for stray metal and friction plate particles in the hydraulic controls. You can also send in a sample of fluid for testing.

When you have it scanned look for P 0748 and P 1870 codes. You can google those codes to read about what they mean.
 

afpj

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Posts
801
Reaction score
353
Fluid level on these 4l60 trannys Is a matter of debate. Some people think these trannys like a slight overfill. At your mileage however, it may will it be a worn separator plate or valve body issue. Search on this form for hard 1 2 shift and you should come up with several threads on the topic
 

6speedblazer

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2017
Posts
93
Reaction score
42
Fluid level on these 4l60 trannys Is a matter of debate. Some people think these trannys like a slight overfill. At your mileage however, it may will it be a worn separator plate or valve body issue. Search on this form for hard 1 2 shift and you should come up with several threads on the topic

This is what i was going to say.

Most of the time its a worn tcc solenoid bore.
 

01ssreda4

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2014
Posts
1,124
Reaction score
487
Load determines shift firmness, MAF determines load. If the trans is being commanded to shift firm, the MAF is the likely culprit. A scan tool will help determine this.
 

shoplizard

TYF Newbie
Joined
Feb 18, 2017
Posts
25
Reaction score
10
Tcc regulator valve problems were an issue in the mid to late 90's after that the valve bodies were modified to correct that problem which caused the tcc slip codes to set and cause harsh shifts. Another item that will cause a harsh 1-2 shift is a broken 1-2 accumulator spring located in the case above the valve body. On some early models, there were some software updates to correct a harsh 1-2 shift. These are some items I can think of right now addressing your harsh 1-2 shift. P.S. be sure to correct any emission codes in the pcm before checking mechanical issues, some can cause harsh shifts (high line preesure) if they are emission related and cause you to chase your tail if they are current.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,395
Posts
1,867,373
Members
97,046
Latest member
Untouchable520

Latest posts

Top