new(ish) 4EAT in a 2000 Outback. Fluids were changed and are new. between gears it seems to lag on occasion (usually on light inclines). RPMS don't really rise, car doesn't accelerate much or want to shift. Once it shifts, it's fine. Doesn't seem to be slipping. Just lazy on the shift. I'm new with automatics. Any thoughts on this?

Does it get better or worse as the fluid warms up?

Can't really say. Seems the same to me. It happens warm or cold. Not sure if a different fluid could help. Right now it's just Wal Mart ATF.

Sounds like a kick-down solenoid.

Different fluids can make a difference. The 4eat uses dexron 3 spec fluid, so if the fluid you used does not say it meets that spec you should change it with fluid that does.

A bottle of Trans x additive could help improve shift quality if fluid changes didn't help.

Thinking about trans-x anyway. Seems to do good things for Subarus. I used this to correct the delayed forward engagement on the old trans. Pretty sure the fluid I've got meets the standard. I'll double check to be sure.

 

Where would the kick down solenoid be? I have a spare trans so it might be worth swapping to see if that makes a difference.

bump for any further thoughts? trans-x going in this afternoon. We'll see if it helps.

Mine does the same thing. It seems to have gotten worse after a fluid change, mainly more often, not a longer lag, im going to try the dump from the pan one more time, then do the filter, and try the trans x. Let me know if the trans x helps yours