tranny hesitation

[ScottinMA]

When putting it into drive sometimes there is a 1 to 2 second delay before it engages. I'm planning on changing out the fluid and filter but thought I'd post to see whether anyone has advice.

Scott

[tom4bren]

Is your idle high? That can cause the tranny delay.

[SilverBullet75]

If fluid is low it will do that as well.

[ScottinMA]

If fluid is low it will do that as well.

Idle isn't high but low fluid is my initial suspicion. Just hoping that's all it is!

[Scott Larson]

Just a friendly reminder to do it right the first time 'cuz you won't get a second chance. Quality fluid, quality filter, follow every direction to the letter and take your time, it's not a race!! Best of luck and let us know the results...

[H3_VX]

is there a slight bucking when shifting from park?

[ScottinMA]

Went to local tranny shop with Mobil One synthetic ATF and had them change out fluid and filter. Shifting is smooth and no more hesitation. Dodged that potential bullet!

[tom4bren]

WooHoo!!! Great news indeed.

[evillecutter]

Went to local tranny shop with Mobil One synthetic ATF and had them change out fluid and filter. Shifting is smooth and no more hesitation. Dodged that potential bullet!

if you dont mind me asking how much for fluid and filter change? did you have them flush or just change? for the pros: could i do a filter change and fluid change safely at home myself?

[Scott Larson]

Congrats Scott, whether you do it yourself or hire it done, it's the results that matter! To answer your question EC, yes you can do it yourself safely and efficiently. Run the truck up on some stacked 2x10's to gain a little extra clearance at the front and slide underneath for a little personal one-on-one time with your baby. Don't even think about trying it with the crossmember in place, I'm sure it's been done before but what a hassle that must be. When removing the crossmember, be sure to disconnect the wiring harness bracket on the top right side so as to not let the falling crossmember rip the wires out of the oxygen sensor. Remember to support the transfer case with a jack. (A scissor jack works fine as will a floor jack) Follow all other insructions and helpful forum tips and you'll be fine, just take your time and do it right...Best of luck!

[Triathlete]

Can easily be done at home. Only basic tools needed aalpng with a catch pan. New gasket usually comes with filter. You will also need some sort of fluid pump with a hose...under $10 at harbour frieght. You need to support the tranny/tcase, drop the cross member, remove pan bolts to change the filter (after draining fluid of course). Filter is held in with 2 or 3 bolts. Clean old gasket material off, new gasket, put all back together...don't overtighten pan bolts. Refill fluids per manual....proper proceedure has been posted a ton of times on here.
Have fun!

[Triathlete]

Scott...you type faster than me!

[Scott Larson]

I probably just started a little sooner Billy...

[evillecutter]

ive drained my tranny fluid a few times now and added new fluid just never dropped the pan and replaced the filter but im sure it needs it - i dont think its ever been changed before on this vx - doing it the way i have been only lets me change about 2 - 3 quarts at a time but id like to get as much new fluid in as possible and have a new filter without flushing the system - at 115k miles do you think it would be wise to switch to synthetic or just leave it the was it was?

i know it would be easier to just bring it somewhere but i dont really like other people touching her

[Scott Larson]

DO NOT FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION!!! Doing so seems to lead to problems. I have changed both my VX's to Amsoil Synthetic with no problems, one at 103,000 miles and one at 150,000 miles, but I sure as heck did not flush them! A filter change can only help...

Yes our transmissions are four speeds, what you are most likely sensing is the torque converter locking up at speed, that would be normal...