Shifts hard from first to second and second to third

DANIELLE SHEELEY

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
V6
AUTOMATIC
208,000 MILES

I was told to start by changing the transmission fluid and have it checked for codes at a transmissions shop. Question is, do I do a transmission flush or just change the fluid? I really don’t want to have to take it to a shop if I don’t have to. Anything I can try before I take it in? I’ve already checked the fluid and it’s not low but does look like it needs to be changed.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 2:27 PM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

It would be best to flush the fluid because this is sure to get all the fluid out but this requires a flush machine. At the very least you will want to drop the pan and clean out the pan. This way you can see if there is any metal in the pan which is a sign of its health. I attached the process for dropping the pan which is something you can do in your driveway.

Then you will want to check for codes just to see if there is an issue there. If the fluid needs to be changed then I would start with this because it very well could fix this issue.

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