Well what do you know - flushed and replaced fulid to PROPER level it's shifting like a 940. Thanks for the advice spook and mapleleafer!

Mark

There is a known wear point that affects only 1-2 shift, but it would be harsh when cold too. Inside the hydraulic valve body, one of the nylon check balls can wear out and pass through the small hole it is supposed to seat against. Instead of oil pressure building at a controlled rate, it gets applied harshly to the #2 brake.

There is virtally nothing in common with 2nd gear and reverse on the AW transmission. It is possible from your description that the sump is overfilled - a true no-no on automatics. It causes the fluid to ride in the rotating parts and turns it into aerated foam. Hydraulics don't like that. The delay into reverse when hot might indicate a worn front pump.

If your pan was equipped with a drain plug, empty it and put the plug back in. Refill with some name brand Dexron III fluid. Do not use Dexron V. Dropping the pan and changing the filter is optional but not a bad idea. Don't go nuts with full drain, flushing or synthetic fluids until you do a minor fluid change and correct the fluid level to see what you've got. If the troubles are gone or greatly improved, then a refill with fresh fluid might be in order as good PM. If there's no change, the problem is internal wear or damage so there's no sense in wasting $30-50 in fluid that's going to get dumped for a repair.

Dear Mark,

Good p.m. and hope this finds you well. The AW71 transmissions are hard to ruin. One sure way: to allow coolant to get into the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). This happens, when the ATf cooler - part of the radiator - fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Some signs: ATF is cloudy, instead of being clear/rosy red/pink. Coolant overflow tank will show a pinkish film. on top.

Recommendations: get the tranny flushed with Mobil 1 ATF. You can do this yourself - see the 700/900 FAQs under Site Features. Flushing removes all of the old fluid: 9 Quarts. Have a quart or two spare, to err on the side of caution.

If the ATF is brown/black, it is dirty. If it is orangey, it is burnt. If it is watery (pink, but watery), it has been overheated. If it is milky, there's coolant in the fluid.

In any case, part of your preventive maintenance should be to flush the tranny. I'd guess this will ease shifting problems.

You should also replace the radiator (unless you have documentary proof, i.e., maintenance receipts). These radiators have a 10-year working life. Failure mode: cracks/breakage at the nipples, where the hoses connect, especially at the top.

Radiator Failure mode: rapid, total loss of coolant. Failure results: overheated engine and a headgasket replacement.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

spook