TLDR; Should I mess with the TV cable if I've noticed that shifts are now actually perceptible (though still smooth and normal) instead of so smooth that I literally have never felt one unless I floor it?

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Fall has finally arrived in Tucson and with it I've noticed that my 94 automatic's shifting has changed its tune. I'm not really sure how to describe it, I may just be a young guy paranoid that something is afoot...

I suppose if the "before" condition was shifts that I could only perceive by looking at the tach - I could not feel them whatsoever unless I put my foot in it and then only just barely - then the "after" is still shifts that I'd call totally buttery smooth, but if I had to draw an analogy to a manual, it's started to feel like the clutch is releasing and engaging much faster and leaving the engine at higher rpms after a downshift and waiting for higher rpms before it upshifts. It makes for shifts that are quite perceptible, especially the 1-2, up as well as down. Again, this change hasn't resulted in anything I'd call harmful, and if it had been like this on the day I first drove the car I'd think nothing of it.

I've read online that messing with the TV cable will affect shifting points. Based on my description, is this something I should try, or should I have my mechanic take her for a spin?

I should note that I drive with the automatic overdrive on, but recently I had it turned off for about an hour's drive, and a few days later I started to notice this when I went back to having it on again. Maybe related? The trans fluid is as red as its possible to be, but I'm not sure about the OD side of things. Air filter is clean, MAF and throttle body soon to be. The weather is getting colder though, and my commute is only barely long enough for the engine to get up to temp in the first place.

Advice and experience appreciated, thanks!

 

Well that's a relief. Is it something I can live with for another five weeks until my schedule clears up, or is this something that's mission critical? I'd rather do it myself from a learning standpoint, but if it's that easy I'd bet I'd be in and out of the shop in an hour. (Unless I'm sorely mistaken by your description).

If I'm in there and the springs really are that easy, it might just be worth it to do them both.

Edit : The internet would suggest that both of the springs are the same - is that true?

 

This is not correct. The 3-4 accumulator works that way but the 1-2 shift is cushioned by accumulator fluid pressure, originating in the accumulator valve. The OP seems to be describing a flair shift, not a harsh shift. Hard to tell - maybe he can clarify.

 

I did not mention anything about the 4L60. I also did not design and write the GM 4L60E Tech Guide, published by the GM Powertrain Group. The diagrams and description describe its operation. I can post a copy of the page if you wish, along with the preface where you can maybe email them and tell them they are incorrect.

 

A "flare" shift is a much better way of describing it. Hard to get across with words... I wouldn't call it harsh, just less smooth, where if it was any less smooth I'd call it "jerky", and the next order of magnitude would be "harsh" or "slam shift". I just got back from a quick errand after reading the advice about harshness with broken springs, and I could certainly see it.

Accumulator valve... I'll add that to my list.

Edit : Oddly enough, once in a blue moon it won't do it and shift like butter. Just noticed that while I was out. It was "normal" exactly once

 

Dogs! Control yourself. You are letting your ego get in the way of your thought process again. Your last post makes no sense. "Authority" has no bearing. You posted incorrect information - I corrected it so others may get the correct information. No, I did not "write the book for GM". But! I do own one and am quite adept at reading it.

"What makes you the Forum Authority on MD8/M30 transmissions?" This statement just BEGS for me to say "What makes YOU the Forum Authority". Especially when you keep posting wrong information, then lose your **** when someone corrects you. Delete time!!!