Thread: '97 4T65E-HD Very soft/late 2-3 shift..

I recently discovered the "hardline with a rubber hose" going into the accumulator body had slipped out. (2nd time in 50k miles) PCM was commanding high line pressure and car was shifting harsh/poorly. This time I took a small punch to the side of the line (sorry can't think of proper terminology at the moment) so it won't happen again. Against my better judgement, filled with "universal full-synthetic" ATF because I had some on hand.

Now 1-2 shift is all good again, no slipping/firm. 2-3 up-shift is weak, have been letting off the throttle otherwise it does not seem to positively shift at all but 3rd gear is all there once shift has been made. 3-4 seems ok suprisingly. All downshifts and TCC apply feel ok for now. 2-3 shift does seem worse when hot.

Trans has 210K on it and my guess would be 3rd gear clutches are pretty much done? Other possibilities? I've started looking for another trans regardless of the fate of this one but I guess I'd be pretty happy to run this until I have something lined up to replace it with or it blows (would also like to install good shift kit/new PCS/cooler,etc. at that time or pony up for a good reman)

Anyways I'm really hoping someone can help me understand just what mechanically is probably failing on the 2-3 shift? I'm thinking about inspecting and shimming up the 2-3 servo, waste of time?

Any helpful thoughts appreciated.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

On the lube tube popping off. At the end of this is the retainer they make to keep that from happening.
http://www.sonnax.com/system/instruc...C-4T65E-IN.pdf

Likely as you said, it's clutchs for third.

On a good shift kit. Transgo, that's the one to get.

Thanks Billboost, appreciate your response. I doubt I will mess with shimming the servos in this tired unit. I found a recent reman trans that comes with a complete L67 out a totaled car I may pick up soonish, would plan on doing aforementioned upgrades before installing.