Just bought this vehicle. Its is an auto trans. I notice that shifting hard only happens when driven slow. When driven at half throtlle from a stop shifting tends to smooth out. Should I start worrying or is this normal ? Check trans fluid and fluid is red and clean. Any ideas?

 

thanks

Just bought this vehicle. Its is an auto trans. I notice that shifting hard only happens when driven slow. When driven at half throtlle from a stop shifting tends to smooth out. Should I start worrying or is this normal ? Check trans fluid and fluid is red and clean. Any ideas?

 

thanks

I've got a 99 Forester that occassionally shifts hard like you mention. Did it since it was new. It seems to only do it when you get it going around 20-25mph up a slight incline - it seems like it wants to shift, but will stay down in the low gear until it flattens out, then shift abruptly into the next gear. (As you get used to your new car and get a feel for when it normally shifts, you'll know what I mean.)

 

I've always attributed it to the algorithm the computer uses to determine when to shift. It does some funky things sometimes depending on driving conditions. Like when I'm going down a short hill, just coasting - Some times, the tranny kicks down a gear (like I would've done at the TOP of the hill on a manual!) right at the BOTTOM of the hill... usually right about the time I start accelerating again. Makes for a kinda jumpy ride during the transition. Guess they need to put a little camera on the hood and rig it into the computer so it can see how long the hill is to start with!

 

Not an answer to your question really, just an observation. I HOPE someone doesn't come along and burst my bubble and tell me that my transmission is a lemon!

 

-kurt

thanks Kurt, appreciate the input . I also have a 96 impreza 2.2L and it does not have this abrupt shifting at all. Just wanted to see if others are experiencing the same type of symptoms on there 2.5 motor trannies and should I starting worrying about it. Based on your observation looks like I am not alone and given the fact that you bought yours new.

My 96 legacy shifts real hard when going from idle to about 20-25 mph. It really thuds into next gear.

 

I've heard that the Legacy GT has one of the hardest shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. I read that one on cartalk.com

 

I think it's just inherent in the Subaru line.

I've heard that the Legacy GT has one of the hardest shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. I read that one on cartalk.com

 

I think it's just inherent in the Subaru line.

Mine certainly shifts hard - but it depends on the load. Sometimes if there's a load on the car it shifts smoother than if it was just me.

It's almost like the car WANTS to launch!

I have a 98GT auto thats been doing it for more than 4 years.I got the car with

38,000 miles now I have 90,000 on it with no other problems.So I wouldn't worry.