2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Logo
Curtis Weatherford Posted on Sep 30, 2013
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The automatic transmission is shifting oddly and speedometer jumps back and forth. The problem seems to occur when shifting into and out of 2nd gear. It seems like it has a hard time selecting the gear that it is appropriate. I have also notice that if I floor the accelerator the speedometer will go all they way down to zero and will stay there until I reach a lower speed or shut the car off.

  • Curtis Weatherford Sep 30, 2013

    I should also note that before this issue arrose the struts, and k frame were replaced.

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1 Answer

ernesto cuadra

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  • Chevrolet Master 12,223 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 30, 2013
ernesto cuadra
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Please this chart troubleshooting and fix it. God bless you

How to check automatic transmission fluid. An automatic transmission depends on the transmission fluid for transferring engine power to the wheels, shifting gears, lubricating moving parts and cooling down the transmission. Check the transmission fluid when your car is serviced and change it as recommended. Different cars have different ways of checking the transmission fluid level; some require the engine to be shut off (e.g. Honda), some cars don't have a transmission dipstick at all and the fluid can only be checked in a repair shop. Check your owner's manual for proper procedure. This is how the transmission fluid checked on most cars:
The automatic transmission is shifting oddly and - transmission-fluid1.jpg After the vehicle was driven for a while to let the transmission fluid warm up, place your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "P" (Park) position. Leave the engine running. Find the automatic transmission dipstick (your owner's manual will tell you where it is located). Pull the dipstick out.
transmission-fluid2.jpg Wipe the dipstick off with a clean lint-free rag. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the fluid level. A transmission fluid expands when warmed up, so if the car has been driven for a while (20-30 minutes), the transmission level should be between "HOT" marks. If the vehicle is cold, the level should be between "COOL" marks. Check the fluid condition: a very dirty fluid with strong burnt smell is a warning sign of transmission problems. Normally the automatic transmission fluid should be clean and transparent, asThe automatic transmission is shifting oddly and - transmission-fluid3.jpg transmission-fluid3.jpg On most cars the new transmission fluid comes red (photo on The automatic transmission is shifting oddly and - transmission-fluid5.jpgme it becomes brownish, as in the photo below.
transmission-fluid5.jpg This is how the synthetic transmission fluid looks after two years of driving - it's still clean and transparent. If your fluid looks very dark or dirty, check your owner's manual, maybe it's time to change it. Some manufacturers require to change the transmission fluidThe automatic transmission is shifting oddly and - transmission-fluid4.jpgles others specify that you never have to change it - check what's your car owner's manual says.
transmission-fluid4.jpg If the transmission fluid level is low, you can top it up, but be careful not to overfill it. Overfilling the transmission can cause problems. It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid type - check your owners manual or simply visit your local dealer, they always have proper transmission fluid in stock. Incorrect fluid type can damage your transmission. How to top up the transmission fluid: Using a thin funnel, add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe. Wait for a few minutes - let the fluid drain down. Recheck the level again. Don't overfill

3 Related Answers

muttandjeff

Allen Neal

  • 359 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 26, 2008

SOURCE: 1999 Blazer 4wd - Trans jump's HARD to 2nd gear on takeoff

shifts off electric servo controlled by cars computer , see trans guy you can trust could need service ,oil and filter changed or part , like i said see one you can trust .

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emissionwiz

Marvin

  • 85242 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 12, 2008

SOURCE: transmission automatic slips in higher gears

This sounds like the main clutch pack has failed, is the fluid dirty?

Anonymous

  • 4669 Answers
  • Posted on May 06, 2009

SOURCE: 1997 Suburban 4x4 5.7L Transmission whines until it shifts

You rear planetary set is worn from a restricted cooler.

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