1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Smooth gear changes?

KRISTINE8

MEMBER
1997 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
1,369 MILES

HI,
My car seems to run smoothly at 50-60 miles an hours. However when I am starting out from a stop or in traffic where it slows and speeds up intermittently I've noticed that the car seems to rev a little harder and pulls back or hesitates before it kicks over to the next gear. My transmission fluid is clean and at correct levels. Do you have any idea what could be causing this? Can I drive it like this or is it something that could create other issues or worsen?
I just bought it as is, engine and interior looked super clean and the engine sounds smooth but now that I've had it a couple days. Well just wanted to see if someone more expert then I has an idea of what it might be.

I was planning to get a fluid change and a tune up with my first paycheck (just started a job) but if I have a bigger issue I need to know before I spend money on non urgent care. :-) Thanks for your help. I don't have a donation for you at the moment but once I've gotten a couple of paychecks and catch some stuff up I will happily donate to service like this. (I promise, you'll see.) It is SO needed. Thank you for what you do.
Warmest regards,
Kristine

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Gear up or down shifting is linear with throttle position (opening). If you press hard on the accelerator, it would rev hard before it up shifts. From your description I don't see any problem.

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Sunday, June 28th, 2015 AT 9:43 AM

KRISTINE8

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3 POSTS

It jerks pretty hard when it transitions which what seemed worrisome.

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Sunday, June 28th, 2015 AT 11:53 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

If it jerks hard when up or down shifting, there are 2 possible areas you should look at. First you need to determine if it is from the transmission or others such as engine mounts and axle shafts.

Try getting a scan done to check for trouble codes.

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Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 AT 10:29 AM

KRISTINE8

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Already did scan, no codes came up. Other suggestion I've received are:
Possibly the shift cellinoid
Transmission needs servicing
A vacuum leak or leak in the fresh air tube between the air filter box and throttle body?
Idle air controller- IAC may have a leak or need replacing
Another was to clean the IAC hole and throttle plate on both sides with choke cleaner.
Would codes have come up if it were any of these issues?

Thanks for your help.

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Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 AT 6:09 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Codes might not come up depending on the possibilities you mentioned.
Without a test drive, it is not easy to determine what could be the cause and it is best to get someone knowledgeable to test drive and determine the cause. Replacing components based on possibilities can be costly and time consuming without coming up with a solution.