It seems to shift at the appropriate point, but the engine seems to fall short on powering it, that's the impression I get. But with trannys and engines being so closely related, it's hard to tell.

Tranny fluid is at an appropriate level and seems clean.

J

Ha, what you describe there (not a 'misfire') is indicative of
many systems..... You're traveling slow, with a little load,
and the trans controls are at a point of being 'between' gears.

The combination of RPM and load is sensed, and the controls
are saying "up a gear, no wait, don't", then small signals
from throttle position say "down a gear" and this very small
difference, when actually shifts, puts the trans in a position
where it doesn't know if it should go up or down a gear,
and a 'clunk-hesitation-misfire' appearance is evident
to the driver.

Slow speed shifting when you're right on the edge
of 'up or down' is tricky and causes weird shifts.

Let's see what happens there tomorrow.

.

"Let's see what happens there tomorrow." what do you mean by this, Bill?

Are you suggesting I should "wait'n'see"?

I'm planning to go speak with the folks who sold this to me 6 days ago at lunch today. I don't know if that will bear any fruit, but I feel I should try.

J

You apparently travel this same section every day,
I just wanted to see if you get the same result in the
same area.

But, go have your chat......

.

Yeah, we've got a handfull of significant climbs on the way to and from work each day. We've made the trip about 7 times in the last 6 days.

It isn't completely consistant on when it does its weirdness. I've done several drives with no weirdness. It did it this morning on only the last hill, and was very subtle.

Any guidance on how worried I should be? I know info is thin right now.

Any suggestions on how I might approach this conversation with the dealer?

I've only ever bought 2 used cars in my life. I've got noone near from whom to seak advice.

J

Well, I'm back.

Went to the dealer, he asked that I take it over to their affiliated mechanic shop. Tells me "whatever it is, we'll get it fixed".

Drove over to the shop, and their mechanic, a gentleman in his mid-late 50's who is definately experienced had a listen to me, and a look at the car. He checked sparkplugs (all good looking NGK platinum units, quite white insulators). I was unable at the time to reproduce the problem in a brief drive.

At the shop, after he checked codes (and like me found nothing), he asked me to try an interesting test. Started the car, put it in gear, and with brake held, briefly held RPMs up to 2200. A ping was noted.

He suggested injector cleaning, and now with the gas at about half a tank, I'll add seafoam tonight, and we'll see if that gets any change.

And the beat goes on.

J

.
.
So, for now, that's two "wait and sees"!?

.

Yes. It would seem.

However, I am leaning strongly towards believing the diagnosis as being injector related. Goofyness has (in retrospect) always been accompanied by "pinging". I genuinely do not believe at this time that this is actually anything but an engine issue.

The car has seemed to improve since adding Seafoam. I ain't closing the case yet, but I'm feeling more confident.

I'll keep you in-the-loop,

J

I own an Olds with that transmission. Yes, it did feel like it was missing. Rebuilt the transmission a couple of years ago, and the new lock-up torque converter and solenoid doesent do this at all anymore.

"However, I am leaning strongly towards believing the diagnosis as being injector related"......

GM has a very good injector cleaner, aint cheap but its good.
Get it from the dealer. Follow instructions on can. A friend has used it twice (2 different cars) w/very good results. He also uses it as maintenance once a year or so. I've never had a need to try it, but I trust his word.

HTH..good luck...notnew.....