IX has delay from throttle to transmission

[prb44t]

Not exactly sure how to explain this one. First off the car is an '89 IX with AT. It has a new transfer case and new front drive shafts (less than 5K). From a stop when I give it gas sometimes it feels like there is delay before the car will start moving forward as if something is slipping and then engages. Typically, I have to give it more gas in this situation, to over come some extra inertia, and then there is a sudden engagement of the drivetrain.

Again this only happens some of the time. If the driveshaft weren't new I'd almost described it as slipping but I don't see an RPM jump when this happens... any ideas on what might be causing this?

Thanks

[Danny]

I would bet your transmission is going out.

[prb44t]

any other possibilities? does the rear drive shaft have splines that wear like the front that could be slipping?

[SpecM]

I've never heard of driveshaft splines slipping, I bet its the tranny

change the filter and try a bottle of Lucas

[Shaka]

I've had the same issue but not too often. My local shop diagnosed the car maybe not making the 2-1 downshift on its own. So when you start to go, that is what you're feeling. My car will move forward slowly, then you feel it grab and go, but you can just barely feel what does indeed feel like a downshift. So I think what happens is the mechanics (remember our tranny is not electric) is in 2nd, you start to go (in 2nd, so very slowly), it downshifts into 1st and then takes off. This was what i was told anyhow... :)

[prb44t]

Shaka -- what you describe sounds exactly what is happening to me. Does anyone think this could be an adjustment issue with the "kick down" cable? (btw nice to see another IX owner in Cleveland)

I'll try some Lucas.. but where is the tranny filter? My Bentley doesn't mention a fllter for the transmission?

[SpecM]

I'll try some Lucas.. but where is the tranny filter? My Bentley doesn't mention a fllter for the transmission?

take off the tranny oil pan (only six bolts iirc)- be warned it full of ATF- and you will see the filter on the bottem of the trans. Two or three small torx bit remove it. Filter and pan gasket kits are cheap (usually less than $15), and Lucas Trans additive is $11 at Advance Auto.

[prb44t]

Just wanted to say I did the fluid/filter change and used some Lucas trans slip oil and it is shifting much better. Thanks!

[SpecM]

Just wanted to say I did the fluid/filter change and used some Lucas gear oil and it is shifting much better. Thanks!

good to hear, but I hope you didn't really use "gear oil"

you used Lucas "Trans Stop Slip", right?

[prb44t]

yup, trans slip oil. My bad. Just edited my post

[SpecM]

yup, trans slip oil. My bad. Just edited my post

good, cuz Lucas does make a "gear oil", and it will do bad things to a auto-box