Transmission shifting hard when cold

1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
125,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ANDREW1804
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The truck listed above is a c1500. Transmission is shifting hard only when it's cold. The transmission is the fragile 4l60 but it only shifts hard when it's cold, once it's warm it shifts a lot smoother. The previous owner said he replaced something but didn't adjust it and that's what's causing it?
Aug 11, 2021 at 1:00 PM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The hard shift when cold is a very common issue with the 4L60E.
Typically the hard shift will be shifting from 1-2.
But when the transmission and the fluid warms up, it will get smooth.
There is not a simple fix out there for it.
Make sure that the fluid is at the correct level and the fluid condition is good.
When you check the fluid you want to make sure that the engine is at operating temperature and the vehicle is level. Check the fluid with the engine running.
I have attached the factory recommended procedure for your reference.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you.
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Aug 11, 2021 at 2:25 PM
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