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My '02 se is having a shifting problem. While driving under normal or quicker conditions, my transmission shifts hard, as if someone kicks the car every time it goes to shift up in gears. I've tried the Transmission additive stuff that rejuvenates the o rings and seals but didn't seem to work, unless it takes awhile for the rings to be reconditioned.

Other then that and a total rebuild just to change the, "shifting solenoid" (think that's what it's called). Is there anything else that might be causing it?

How's the marshmallow mount?

I agree that checking the front mount is a good place to start. If the engine moves a lot, it can make it appear as if the transmission is shifting hard.

Which additive did you use? If the mount is OK, and you haven't yet, try some Seafoam Trans Tune. That is designed more to clean out the crud that can cause the pressure control solenoid to stick, causing harsh shifts. If the PCS is sticking, installing a shift kit can help with that problem. A total rebuild is not necessary to replace the PCS, but the side cover has to come off, which requires dropping that side of the transmission.

DEFINITELY CHECK THE FRONT MOUNT! I had this issue almost 2 years ago. Shifting hard, sloppy shifts, etc. Took it to Aamco and they ASSURED me that my transmission was shot and was dangerous to drive. Quoted over $2,000 for the repairs. Thankfully, they also shot themselves in the foot. Another Aamco mechanic said to me "your front trans mount is also bad, see how much the engine shifts?" and that got me thinking! Replaced the mount myself, and the problem was solved.

For good measure, I ran a can of SeaFoam TransTune through it, and had it flushed. I haven't had a single issue for almost 2 years and 20k+ miles.

More than likely your front mount, but besides that, its still a good idea to keep up with maintenance, regardless of the presence of abnormal feeling or sounds. As mentioned, Seafoam Trans Tune, drive 100 or so miles, and flush or drain twice, and change the filter every 30-50k. 50k seems more sane if you're upgrading to Dexron VI, or if you've got a massive cooler with Dexron III.

If the trans has not been serviced every 30-50k since new, a 10-15k follow up should occur with the same treatment.

I had the tranny fluid flushed and synthetic put in this past summer.

Where exactly is this marshmallow mount located?

In the front of the car, if you're standing in front of the bumper, look straight down behind the radiator. You'll know why it's called a marshmallow mount when you see it.

oh i was looking at that the other day. a black rubber thing. I thought that was the hockey puck mount

How do i know if it's shot?

In this picture it is square, yours will be round. Stand next to the car and have someone put it in gear (with foot on brakes) and see if the motor jumps and looks like it want s to roll over.

Night Crawler wrote:oh i was looking at that the other day. a black rubber thing. I thought that was the hockey puck mount

How do i know if it's shot?

Most people replace it w/ hockey pucks. It's fluid filled from the factory, and it can go bad.

is it hard to replace? do i need and engine hoist to hold the engine?

no it is really easy


jack up the car, and place a jack stand under the engine, SLOWLY (emphasis) lower the car till the engine's weight is off the mount. Remove three bolts on the engine and the bolt on top and bottom of mount and remove

ok, now i'll have to wait till Friday to see if it moves then see if the dealership actually carries the mount or if I have to order it, like everything else for my car.

Most local shops carry it too. I got my first one from Napa. It runs a little under $100. They usually don't last long, that is why most go to a hockey puck mount or some other form.

what's the difference between the hockey punk mount and the factory mount?

hockey puck is solid, whereas with the stock mount, when you give it the gas, the engine cocks back,, then you take off, whereas the solid mount puts the power right to the ground and saves wear of various hoses etc on the enigne. some feel vibration with the solid mount, i did at first, added rubber bushhing to under side, vibration gone.

cool. so it's only the one mount? I always thought there were two of them

this is the most common one

There's 4 mounts, IIRC, but let's not get into that discussion.

would that mount make it lag when accelerating around corners?