I recently picked up a 89' Hardbody Z24i with an automatic transmission. It runs great and hope to keep it running for a few more years to come. Lately, I've noticed that the transmission 'slips' when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. I've also noticed that when coming to a stop it shifts down roughly, most likely when going from gears 2nd to 1st at low speeds (ie. parking lots). It isn't too bad right now, but you can definatly notice the slight roughness. I pulled the A/T dipstick and the fluid looked clean (bright red) and there was no burning smell. I haven't had the time to do a proper check of the A/T fluid level (it's -3 celcius right now), but I will tomorrow when it warms up. Should the A/T fluid be ok where should I go next? Could it be that it just needs a trans. flush? What other components would cause these types of problems and what would the cost be? One last question, for 89' is the tranny a 3sp or 4sp? My Haynes manual states that model years 80-85 are 3sp while "later models" use a variety of 4sp A/T's. It also says that 90' models were updated with "many new features", including a built in overdrive as well as a lock-up torque converter. I'm somewhat skeptical of this information that Haynes provides. Thanks for your input.
