Autobox slam/jerk between reverse and drive

[Quickbrownfox]

Hello and thanks in advance for any advice. I've searched the forum but overwhelmed by 289 pages of related searches so hopefully it's an easy one and I won't take up too much of your time.

When I reverse and then change into drive. Unless I wait a number of seconds between gear change the whole car jerks quite violently when pulling off. Its hard to describe its one single jerk/slam and feels very unhealthy for the van.

Is this just a commom thing or is this indicative of an underlying issue?

I obviously try and leave it long enough between reversing and accelerating in drive but it feels unusually long compared to the other autos I've owned over the years and sitting in the road with waiting traffic for me to get out the way it's somewhat concerning

BR

Andy

[g8dhe]

No its not common!
Have you checked the ATF oil level ? Its Dexron III if its low, needs to be measured in a specific way;
Warm the engine and gearbox up with a run for a few minutes,
leave the engine running, lift the drivers seat have a some paper towel handy as you will need to wipe the dipstick,
pull out the dip stick from the gearbox (it slopes backwards from the drivers side of the engine towards the gearbox),
wipe it clean, then dip it back in quickly and out, check the level, wipe it, repeat a few times because the oil is flowing and splashing about it can take a few goes to get a good clear indication. The oil should be a transparent cherry red, if not then its time for a change of oil in the gearbox! Otherwise if its below level then top it up with Dexron III, you top it up down the dipstick tube so its a slightly slow process.

[Quickbrownfox]

Thanks for the reply. I checked the levels when I bought it late last summer and all was well. I'll check and let you know.

[Quickbrownfox]

Bit of a belated reply. Fluid seems to be at correct level, retains a tinge of red and doesn't smell burned just a little chemically

Noticed as well as jerking between reverse and drive, if I free wheel in drive then accelerate suddenly I get the same jerk so not looking great.

After advice on expert bongo auto box service/repairs in North West UK now so help me God!

Thanks

[g8dhe]

Best I can suggest is check the Garage list in the Members area, living in the SE not sure what is available to you. Otherwise have a ring around the auto-gearbox specialists, lots of garages won't touch the boxes and not sure I would trust most garages either!

[Doone]

In the north west forum, I found 2 garages mentioned by owners who'd had gearbox problems: viewtopic.php?p=364686&hilit=Gearbox#p364686
And
viewtopic.php?p=207315&hilit=Gearbox#p207315

[Quickbrownfox]

Thanks for the replies. Much obliged