Hard downshift when 2007 H3 is cold

[racksonblacks]

Hard downshift when 2007 H3 Need Help!!

I have had my h3 now for a few months and I have noticed that when first started and driven a few blocks when stopping, there is a a hard downshift to 1st, after a few stops it seems to go away. Anybody else had this problem? or is it a problem at all? I know that the transmissions tend to be an issue on the H3 after about 100k miles. Mine is at 97k. Any opinions on whats going on?

 

[alrock]

Could be a combination of tired fluid, and cold fluid. I would do a drain and fill and see if that improves the situation. Tired fluid loses its slip/grip properties but maybe it improves just enough when it's warmed up.

 

[KingpenM3]

I have had my h3 now for a few months and I have noticed that when first started and driven a few blocks when stopping, there is a a hard downshift to 1st, after a few stops it seems to go away. Anybody else had this problem? or is it a problem at all? I know that the transmissions tend to be an issue on the H3 after about 100k miles. Mine is at 97k. Any opinions on whats going on?

Get some new ATF (automatic transmission fluid in there) and see how it does. I just dumped and filled 5 fresh quarts in and was amazed at how much smoother she is shifting now. I did it similar to the way that the guy at this link did:

http://www.hummerforums.com/forum/hummer-h3-17/changed-transmission-fluid-18967/

I didn't drop the pan, I just let 5 quarts pump out from where the transmission fluid lines connect into the radiator (everything is stock on mine, I don't have the cooler like the guy in the link did). But I was familiar with the transmission lines because I had just replaced the radiator. And while I didn't change out the atf filter, from what I understand, most dealerships just vacuum out from the top and replace, so they aren't changing the filter either.

So... to do it my way:

1- remove front skid plate
2- get a big open drain pan and mark lines at where 5 quarts fills up to (pour that much water in the pan and then scratch in marks at this level)
3- remove the clip from the drivers side transmission fluid line where it connects to the bottom of the radiator
4- open the atf filler cap in engine compartment
5- have someone start the truck until 5 quarts are pumped/leaked out (check to make sure no coolant is mixed in)
6- kill truck
7- put 5 quarts of new atf in (I used dexron VI)
8- follow user manual for checking atf level
9- repeat if you want to flush out even more old fluid (the system holds 11 quarts total)

 

[SedonaBound]

Get some new ATF (automatic transmission fluid in there) and see how it does. I just dumped and filled 5 fresh quarts in and was amazed at how much smoother she is shifting now. I did it similar to the way that the guy at this link did:
...
5- have someone start the truck until 5 quarts are pumped/leaked out (check to make sure no coolant is mixed in)

When you drain it this way does the fluid come out under pressure, i.e., messy, or an easy-to-catch flow?

 

[KingpenM3]

When you drain it this way does the fluid come out under pressure, i.e., messy, or an easy-to-catch flow?

It seemed to burp out a decent splatter at first, and then was pretty steady. But only took about 20 seconds to empty out the 1.25 gal. But I still have a mess in the driveway from that splatter.

 

[Panzer07]

Draining the transmission fluids this way, it doesn't messes up the transmission in any way shape or form...I am of the idea that starting my truck to see which hose was the one that pumped the fluid to the radiator when I was installing my transmission cooler, was what messed up my transmission and gave me the transmission problem I been having now...specially since they are all electrical. I only had my truck thurn in for no more than 5 seconds. Yet I'm still of the idea that this is why my transmission got problems now...since it was fine before then and all my problems began after doing the transmission cooler inhalation.


Torres

 

[racksonblacks]

Awesome Ill give it a go and see what happens. thanks for the help