Automatic Shifting Problems

[96FirebirdFormula]

I got 96 Formula Automatic when i shift from 1st to 2nd it takes it 1 sec after i shift it into 2nd for it to shift and same with 3rd what do u think is problem?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

when you shift it manually?

94 and up have a computer controlled transmission. If you shift it and it's not ready to shift it won't shift.

Does your car have a switch on the console that says something like normal/performance? That switch when set to performance will change the transmission programming to a different table and it delays the shifts so that the engine will be at a higher RPM to produce more power ie performance mode. In normal mode it will shift sooner.

[96FirebirdFormula]

Only switch i got is traction control by console must be only z28? And yes its only when manual shifted

[4THGEN Z]

Only switch i got is traction control by console must be only z28? And yes its only when manual shifted

Nope, that switch only came on Firebirds....maybe it was available only with the 3.23 performance ratio??

[96FirebirdFormula]

Were is switch supposed to be at?

[Joe 1320]

As was mentioned, the transmission is computer controlled. If you try and shift it manually, it's going to appear to react slow. As long as it shifts fine when left by itself, there is no problem.

[96FirebirdFormula]

It says 3.23 Ratio i got the original window sticker from dealer

[Jeff_in_Atl]

If it doesn't have the switch I would bet anything that the software uses the performance table like the Camaro does and that does delay the shift even when normal driving. It's not like the old hydraulic days where you let off and it will shift. Yours won't shift at all until the computer tells it to shift.

Now I do have to say that shifting late (over 6000 rpms) to second at full throttle was the first clue that my automatic was going south.

[Blazer]

Darn now I know what that switch is for. I like it why did they stop useing it.
Blazer

[Z Ya Later]

Didn't they discontinue the Performance Mode button in 95? If so, that would explain why he doesn't have that button.

[Trans Am]

If it doesn't have the switch I would bet anything that the software uses the performance table like the Camaro does and that does delay the shift even when normal driving. It's not like the old hydraulic days where you let off and it will shift. Yours won't shift at all until the computer tells it to shift.

Now I do have to say that shifting late (over 6000 rpms) to second at full throttle was the first clue that my automatic was going south.

my 96 formula shifts over the red line, do you think its on its way out? everyhing seems fine, it runs low 14s and even high 13s at the track all day, i even ran like 7 passes in 2 hours and got almost same times (14.1 )

[Jeff_in_Atl]

my 96 formula shifts over the red line, do you think its on its way out? everyhing seems fine, it runs low 14s and even high 13s at the track all day, i even ran like 7 passes in 2 hours and got almost same times (14.1 )

I'm really not an expert on automatic transmissions. I just think that was my first clue. The second clue was when it started dropping in neutral on right hand turns. I thought it was just sucking air so I put a deep sump pan on it. That didn't help.

I think a stock LT1 needs to shift no higher than ~5500. Anything over that and it looses too much horsepower.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Darn now I know what that switch is for. I like it why did they stop useing it.
Blazer

They probably got rid of it when they switched to the 4L60E from the 4L60. With the newer version the sift firmness could be controlled by the computer. If at full throttle it would shift firm, but if you're just driving around town than the shifts are smoother.

[Z Ya Later]

They probably got rid of it when they switched to the 4L60E from the 4L60. With the newer version the sift firmness could be controlled by the computer. If at full throttle it would shift firm, but if you're just driving around town than the shifts are smoother.

I don't believe so, since Craig has the button on his 94 TA, which is a 4L60E. I heard once from a GM salesperson (the dealer sold all forms of GM vehicles) that it was only on 93-95 Forumlas and Trans Ams.