Transmission trouble

2001 SATURN SL2
114,000 MILES • 1.9L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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BLUEISMYCOLOR
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Recently my car started shifting a little harder then normal, but it did not seem to shift to where I should worry too much about it (according to mechanic). The other day I went to Walmart and was going at a slow speed through the parking lot and it shifted so hard it jerked several times then stopped and has not done it again. What is your opinion on this? Should I try some Lucas transmission fix? I have done some reading and from what I gathered I should also have the solenoids and accumulators checked, but was also told my another mechanic that the transmission was going bad and to get rid of the car. Problem is you have to have money to buy a new one. LOL. What should I do?
Thanks so much!
Jul 2, 2016 at 7:40 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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That car does not have accumulators I would not use the Lucas in the fluid that is not going to fix the problem. Usually a hard shift is caused by too high of line pressure. But you said it jerked like it was going in and out of gear? Also have you checked for codes in the computer? Or made sure the battery cables are clean and tight? Also had the alternator and battery tested?
Jul 3, 2016 at 8:09 AM
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BLUEISMYCOLOR
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It felt like it jerked into gear not really like going in and out. My battery is new. I have not had the alternator checked I did not think now an alternator could cause shifting problems. It is the weekend so I have not had a computer put on it yet. Why is Lucas not a good idea?
Jul 3, 2016 at 9:42 AM
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BLUEISMYCOLOR
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Also, it seemed to only do it going into first gear.
Jul 3, 2016 at 9:45 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Lucas is a fluid thickener so if you had a seal in the transmission leaking that might help. But a hard shift is not a leaking seal.The transmission is computer controlled with electrically controlled solenoids. So a voltage drop or loose connection can effect shifting. Also I have seen the main power feed to the transmission connector over time become open give intermittent power to the transmission.
Jul 3, 2016 at 2:27 PM
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BLUEISMYCOLOR
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Okay. What should I do to see what the problem is?
Jul 4, 2016 at 1:15 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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good morning

Have you had the fluid changed? the actual condition of the fluid can effect the pressure. I would start with basics before assuming anything else is the issue.

Roy
Jul 4, 2016 at 8:15 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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The thinner the fluid the lower the pressure a transmission service is not going to fix a hard shift.
Jul 4, 2016 at 8:19 AM