Here is an easy, free mod you can do when you service your auto transmission for fluid and filter change, or whenever you have the pan off. I found this while developing my new plug-in "tuning box" for these transmissions (an ugly but functional working prototype is in my car right now)
Here is a picture of the valve body from underneath the car, with the pan and filter removed:
Here is a closer view of the area around the adjustment:
The funny cap srew with the "star-shaped" notches is what you will turn to make the adjustment. Here is a picture of the hex wrench in the appropriate location:
About the only "special" tool you need is this shortened 3mm hex wrench. I ground mine down to about half the length onthe short end so it would fit. The fitting is actually for a T-20 torx, but it is a very tight fit unless you want to remove the valve body from the transmission, not recommended. 3mm hex works in a pinch if it is shortened.
***Warning***
DO NOT TURN THIS "SCREW" IN THE OUT DIRECTION TO TRY TO LOOSEN IT. YOU WILL BREAK THE LOCKIING TABS THAT LOCK IT IN PLACE.
Here is a fuzzy closeup picture of the star-shaped adjustment, from the valve body on my workbench. Note the locking tabs are broken.... Here's your chance to learn from my mistake, do not try to loosen them, only turn this in the righty-tighty direction.
How far do you turn it? On the workbench I got about 30 "clicks" out of it- you will see what I mean. In the car only about 20 clicks. Maybe I could get more if the wrench was ground a little shorter to get in there better, but it was enough.
The result: much more positive shifts. you need to see for yourself. /images/graemlins/cool.gif
Here is a picture of the valve body from underneath the car, with the pan and filter removed:
Here is a closer view of the area around the adjustment:
The funny cap srew with the "star-shaped" notches is what you will turn to make the adjustment. Here is a picture of the hex wrench in the appropriate location:
About the only "special" tool you need is this shortened 3mm hex wrench. I ground mine down to about half the length onthe short end so it would fit. The fitting is actually for a T-20 torx, but it is a very tight fit unless you want to remove the valve body from the transmission, not recommended. 3mm hex works in a pinch if it is shortened.
***Warning***
DO NOT TURN THIS "SCREW" IN THE OUT DIRECTION TO TRY TO LOOSEN IT. YOU WILL BREAK THE LOCKIING TABS THAT LOCK IT IN PLACE.
Here is a fuzzy closeup picture of the star-shaped adjustment, from the valve body on my workbench. Note the locking tabs are broken.... Here's your chance to learn from my mistake, do not try to loosen them, only turn this in the righty-tighty direction.
How far do you turn it? On the workbench I got about 30 "clicks" out of it- you will see what I mean. In the car only about 20 clicks. Maybe I could get more if the wrench was ground a little shorter to get in there better, but it was enough.
The result: much more positive shifts. you need to see for yourself. /images/graemlins/cool.gif