ROUGH transmission in heavy traffic--anyone else?

[madmac9]

While driving in heavy traffic were you are constantly shifting up and down and slow speeds my transmission gets kind of rough. You can really feel it shift. But when you are doing normal driving it feels smooth. I don't know if this is how all cars are or what....because my last car was a pos 93 Infiniti g20 that had MAJOR transmission problems and it had the same problem. Latter it stop shifting all together and cost $3000 to fix it!! So I don't want the some thing to happen to this car. While the g20 had 120k on it my GA only has 52k. Anyone help me out?

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by madmac9
While driving in heavy traffic were you are constantly shifting up and down and slow speeds my transmission gets kind of rough. You can really feel it shift. But when you are doing normal driving it feels smooth. I don't know if this is how all cars are or what....because my last car was a pos 93 Infiniti g20 that had MAJOR transmission problems and it had the same problem. Latter it stop shifting all together and cost $3000 to fix it!! So I don't want the some thing to happen to this car. While the g20 had 120k on it my GA only has 52k. Anyone help me out?
Sounds like you may be shifting incorrectly and have prematurely worn-down the synchromeshes that help engage the gears.

Take a race-driving lesson and learn how to use the clutch and shifter.
Seriously, your downshifting technique may need improvement.

-Rick

[birdhouse]

he has a 3400, so he has an automatic... Check and make sure that your transimission oil is at the proper level fist, then take it from there (i'm pretty illiterate when it comes to engines, so it might be better to ask someone else if it's not the oil)

[madmac9]

Yes it is an auto

[4kQuad]

Check the trany fliud (oil) it should be bright red and not smell burnt.

The car should be warm and sitting flat and the motor running when it is checked.

Low or old fliud in the trany can cause the problems you describe.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by birdhouse
he has a 3400, so he has an automatic...
DOH!!!

Sorry. What threw me was the statement: "While driving in heavy traffic where you are constantly shifting up and down and slow speeds..."
I thought that meant when you were physically shifting.... nevermind :D

1. So, madmac, you're saying that the automatic shifting of the tranny is rough in stop-n-go traffic.
2. Your '99 has about 50-75k miles?
* Have the tranny fluid and filter changed (the 'cheap' $40 service, not the $80 'power flush').
* GM recommends this service at 50k for vehicles in 'hard service'; Phoenix heat and dust + city traffic = 'hard service'.

-Rick