2004 Vibe FWD delayed shift from 3rd to OD

[Autobacs]

Hello all! Had the car since brand new and now has 108.000 miles.

Noticed this a while back about 20K miles or so ago. It takes a long time before the auto transmission will shift to 4th gear even though the car is warmed up and going fast.

Verified this on a recent 3,000 mile interstate trip. It will downshift when needed (passing maneuver) but it delays shift up to 4th even though throttle position is back at cruise. I had to lift off the gas repeatedly to induce the transmission to shift up to 4th. No check engine lights, Tranny oil (TIV) is good and full, and all other maintenace up to speed.

Any ideas on why it does not shift up to 4th/OD gear as soon as it should?

[zythr]

Hi

Have you checked the tranny solenoids?

[Chiadog]

My guess would be dirty, worn-out tranny fluid. How many miles/years on the TIV fluid? If it is old, I would replace it - all 9 quarts approx. If the TIV is fresh, I would replace it with a compatible synthetic. just my 2 cents.

[Autobacs]

Hi

Have you checked the tranny solenoids?

No I have not. I know I can replace them but how do you check if they are good/bad?

My guess would be dirty, worn-out tranny fluid. How many miles/years on the TIV fluid? If it is old, I would replace it - all 9 quarts approx. If the TIV is fresh, I would replace it with a compatible synthetic. just my 2 cents.

TIV fluid is clean and was regularly replaced every 25K miles. What compatible synthetic do you recommend?

[zythr]

Hi

Have you checked the tranny solenoids?

No I have not. I know I can replace them but how do you check if they are good/bad?

My guess would be dirty, worn-out tranny fluid. How many miles/years on the TIV fluid? If it is old, I would replace it - all 9 quarts approx. If the TIV is fresh, I would replace it with a compatible synthetic. just my 2 cents.

TIV fluid is clean and was regularly replaced every 25K miles. What compatible synthetic do you recommend?

I think you have to drop the transmission pan and hook up a tester to each solenoid and test to see if they are in specs. Maybe someone else has more details.

[Chiadog]

I have never used synthetic transmission fluid on my cars, but I wouldn't hesitate to try it if I was having a transmission problem. Amsoil has a Multi-vehicle ATf that is stated to be T-IV compatible.
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[leemur]

Both of my '04's did and do this. It is really irritating but seems to be a normal glitch in the system. The cruise control downshifting and upshifting in these cars is just cheap. What I do is pull the cruise control lever in to take it off cruise...it upshifts right away...then I pop it back down to reset. It really is the best way to deal with this irritating little design glitch.

[Nasmfell]

Both of my '04's did and do this. It is really irritating but seems to be a normal glitch in the system. The cruise control downshifting and upshifting in these cars is just cheap. What I do is pull the cruise control lever in to take it off cruise...it upshifts right away...then I pop it back down to reset. It really is the best way to deal with this irritating little design glitch.

Do you think later ones are any better?

[leemur]

I can say that the cruise control downshifts and upshifts on my 09' 2.4, 5 speed auto are much much better. Barely noticeable. But as for 05-08, I just don't know. people have posted many times over the engine racing downshifts of the 1st gen,s. What bites is how fast it jumps from the passing gear downshift to actual 2nd gear (3rd?) downshift.