I have a slipping transmission issue I am trying to diagnose.

It shifts from 1 to 3 smoothly but when going from 3rd to 4th (drive/overdrive?), it experiences a momentarily burt significant "slip" before it shifts.

The slip doesn't occur for trhe first couple of 3-->4 shifts when the drivetrain is stone cold,,but once it warms up a bit, the slips presents itself.

Similarly, when the slip is otherwise present, if I manually shift from 3rd to 4/D, at the same time coming off the accelerator/RPMs and then easing back onto the accelerator, I avoid (most of) the slip.

Not knowing much about automatic transmissions, could this be a shift/speed band issue or maybe a sticky solenoid or something else?

 

How many miles on the trans? The D2 trans is exceptionally reliable and rarely has a solenoid or clutch issue. Any recent service to trans or problems (leaks)? I would start by checking the fluid level per the RAVE manual instructions

 

Fluid level is good using the RAV "method".

200K miles on the tranny. Transfer case replaced at about 185-190K.

FYI, the slipping is now shifting between 3rd and 4th speed and between 2nd and 3rd speed.

 

Unlikely it is solenoid, more likely a front pump seal wear issue. Unlikely a simple fix, these transmissions are very durable and reliable and rarely fail but when they do it is not a simple fix. They are pretty cheap due to their being so reliable that there is not much demand and between wrecks and rusty frames and blown motors there is plentiful supply from scrapped vehicles. Likely most cost effective solution.

 

Was afraid someone would say that. The solenoids would've been easy, sounds like if I were to drop the tranny to replace those seals, I may as well just swap in a lower mileage unit.