Rice

Hi all,

I have a 97 LS with 180K miles.
The issue is the initial tranny engagement. When I put the car in Drive in the morning, it takes a couple of seconds and then I get a major kick when it finally engages. This only happens if I don't drive for a day or two. Once I get going, the car performs flawlessly all day as if nothing happened. This happens even when the engine is hot, but I have not driven yet.
Changing the AT fluid did not help - I change it yearly any way...
I have been advised that the 1-2 shift solenoid might be sticking and that it is pretty easy to replace.
My mechanic, who is not a transmission expert, said that it might be the transmission pump... I donno...
Can someone tell me where to buy the shift sensor and how to make sure that I buy the right thing? Are they all the same inside, etc...
Any other advice is also appreciated.

Many thanks!

Rice

BUMP.

Any ideas?

19psi

i'm betting the valve body is clogged. you could try just the solenoid, as that is what controls your first gear, but most likely the rest of the valve body is clogged too and you'll be back in there changing something else shortly. geta new valve body and stick it in. it's actually an easy job; although the part is expensive.
have you tried a good trans cleaner followed by a flush? changing the fluid won't really help a clog situation. you need a cleaner to be run through it first to break up the deposits. kind of like an artery clogged with plaque. getting a blood transfusion won't get rid of the plaque!

Rice

Thanks for the reply!
I'll try the cleaner.
What is a good one to use?

19psi

look for one made by BG. also wynn's.

alsalih

Yeah I would also bet that it's the solenoid. If you're going to replace one you might want to do the rest, especially if you plan on keeping the vehicle.