a/t hard shifting

[PlanZero]

I just picked up a 96 Tsi today with 148k on it. The original owner, as well as his nephew who owned the car for the last 4 years, actually followed the maintenance schedule and this car looks almost new. Its automatic, and I noticed it shifts hard between 1st and 2nd, and 2nd to 3rd. Above that, no issues. He said it's been like that as long as he owned it. Tranny fluid was changed as recommend. Last time about 4k ago. Fluid looks fine. I'm thinking solenoid? Obviously it's been like this for a long time without causing more damage. I was going to add a bottle of Lucas tranny fix to see I'd it helps, as well as check all vacuum connections.

 

[97 eclenger]

could be a solenoid. some people with the gst or gsx raise the fluid pressure for quicker shifting. its less clutch slippage

 

[hotrodssnova]

Do not use any additives, they are basically snake oil with an over priced plastic container.
Most additives usually target the rubber seals in a transmission, making them soft. I would personally check line pressure and the filter first. If it's been shifting hard for a long time, perhaps it has a shift kit.

 

[PlanZero]

Well this car is completely bone stock, and has meticulous maintenance records. However, I noticed when playing with the throttle there is definite front and back movement to the engine. Also, when shifting from park to reverse or drive there is a pronounced "clunk". No mention of ever changing the roll stoppers on the records, and they appear to be original. I will crap my pants if that's all it is. Would bad mounts only be noticeable from shifting out of park, 1 to 2, and 2 to 3? Not from 3 to 4?

 

[o0GuitarKid0o]

see my transmission shifts hard into drive sometimes same with reverse but i solved my reverse issue or (bandaided it) by shifting into neutral letting it sit for a sec before shifting into reverse,
Im thinking my idles a little high or something when shifting into drive just got a logger so ill see if my idles higher than norm But i have zero issues when the cars shifting 1-2nd 2-3 and 3-od,
tell me if that neutral thing helps abit (btw always make sure to stop fully before shifting ) Im sure you know just throwing that out there < Also check out your grounds doesn't hurt to clean and add dielectric grease to them either hope i helped abit!

 

[hotrodssnova]

Well this car is completely bone stock, and has meticulous maintenance records. However, I noticed when playing with the throttle there is definite front and back movement to the engine. Also, when shifting from park to reverse or drive there is a pronounced "clunk". No mention of ever changing the roll stoppers on the records, and they appear to be original. I will crap my pants if that's all it is. Would bad mounts only be noticeable from shifting out of park, 1 to 2, and 2 to 3? Not from 3 to 4?

You really wouldn't notice a 3 to 4 shift roughness. The torque isn't there. A bad roll stop will definitely make a clunk, especially going from p to r. P to 1 or d will also clunk or bang into gear. If your idle is high or bad u joints will also cause the clunk.

 

[PlanZero]

This car idles perfect, and it's fwd so no u joint concerns. I'm pretty sure it's only the mount. I got one from rock for $30 so I'll keep you posted after I install it.

 

[PlanZero]

Well after much swearing, I installed the new tranny mount and there's no difference. The old one was definitely worn, and the through hole sat much lower than the replacement, but alas, still the same problem. I'm still waiting for the front and rear roll stoppers.

 

[o0GuitarKid0o]

Well after much swearing, I installed the new tranny mount and there's no difference. The old one was definitely worn, and the through hole sat much lower than the replacement, but alas, still the same problem. I'm still waiting for the front and rear roll stoppers.

What's your idle at? If everythings good then you might need a new torque converter if the roll stoppers don't help then it's time to start pulling that trans! :/

 

[PlanZero]

No my idle is better on this car than my Tsi awd. Right at 6-700, and about 1100 in park. Apparently this car has been having this issue for at least the past 4-5 years. The POs uncle owned it before that, and he didn't think it was anything serious because his truck does the same thing. I would assume if it was anything severe it would have gotten worse long ago. I realize I didn't change all the mounts yet, but I was hoping for a little improvement at least.

 

[Jdevil187]

chipped tcu maybe?

 

[PlanZero]

Well I replaced the front mount and noticed a significant difference. I'm still waiting for the rear mount to arrive. I can't believe someone drove like this for at least four years, when it's a relatively cheap and simple fix!

 

[PlanZero]

So yesterday I replaced the rear mount and now it's as bad as before I replaced the front! The old rear mount was cracked all the way through. When the car is shifted from P to R or D, the engine rocks substantially, especially forward. I examined the new front mount (still on the car) and from what I can see it's not torn. Is it possible since the old rear was so bad, by not replacing them together I destroyed the new front in a few days?

 

[hotrodssnova]

It still rocks with the new mounts? You sure you got the big bolt thru the center of the bushing? I know the rubber ones are pretty soft. Have you checked the front one for a tear?

 

[PlanZero]

I figure I'd update this thread for anyone who cared. I wound up putting some prothane inserts into the front mount, which helped significantly. Mind you, this car is fwd so I'm still getting a slight hop when I put her in D. However, the real solution for the hard shift came outta nowhere. Although my idle seemed okay, one day it just started to surge and hold at 1100. This happened sporadically for a few days, so I tested the IAC and sure enough I had a dead coil. Swapped it out, and my idle was still high. I tightened the BISS two turns (it was extremely loose) and now it's perfect. Idles fine, and more importantly no more hard shifting!

 

[mikehuntisitchy]

I figure I'd update this thread for anyone who cared. I wound up putting some prothane inserts into the front mount, which helped significantly. Mind you, this car is fwd so I'm still getting a slight hop when I put her in D. However, the real solution for the hard shift came outta nowhere. Although my idle seemed okay, one day it just started to surge and hold at 1100. This happened sporadically for a few days, so I tested the IAC and sure enough I had a dead coil. Swapped it out, and my idle was still high. I tightened the BISS two turns (it was extremely loose) and now it's perfect. Idles fine, and more importantly no more hard shifting!

I gotta admit, I did not see this coming at all, it's crazy what small issues can cause non related things to act funky. Glad you got this fixed and could def be an issue for future use on other autos!