Original owner. 58K miles, AT fluid looks like new, no AT filter changes. Won't shift to higher gears (from 2-3, 3-4) when cold. Seems to shift normally when warm. Local mechanic/shop says it's okay. All I know is it doesn't shift like it used to (about 10K miles ago)and I'm afraid it's going to get worse? I'm also quite poor!


Thanx in advance,


Ron

 

I had similar problem like the one you describe but with my
Mitsu Diamante car. It had wierd shifting problems specially with
downshifts and it was more prominent when it was cold. I also noticed
that my temp gauge was reading lower than normal. So, I suspected it
could be a thermostat problem.

As is turned out, it was the thermostat that was stuck open and
was letting coolant flow to radiator even when cold. I replaced it with
an OEM NAPA brand thermostat set at 192 deg for $6 bucks and the
problem was solved.

An easy way to check if your themostat is stuck open is to feel
the return hose from the thermostat housing to the radiator (the upper
hose) during start up. It should be cold until the engine warms up and
up until the radiator fan starts. If it gets warm/hot before temp gauge
reaches to normal level, then time to replace your thermostat. OE
thermostat for 3.2 V6 is 170 deg.

Hope this helps!