I've got an 89 V6 Auto with about 197,000 miles. It is regularly maintained and runs great. However, when I come to a stop, it seems that the tranny does not shift down right. I feel a kick when I come to a stop. It seems as if the tranny did not shift all the way back down to first gear. Also, when I take off, I feel the same kick as if someone bumped into me from the back. Fluid is good, red, and again, regularly maintained. I've had it flushed already with no avail. Are there any adjustments to this?? The tires are stock 225 75R 15's. THanks for your help.

 

Could be the shift solenoids in the tranny . Does it go into first if you manual it?

 

corbit- yes, if i can manual it into 1st, shift into 2nd, and so on. In terms of the solenoid, what does that take to repair? A complete tear down?

 

Are you getting trouble codes from the trans ? Although it has been noted solenoids can go without alerting the ecu, you should see codes on the OD light in the 6x range.
Solenoid surgery is reasonably non-invasive; if you want pix, somebody here did a valve body job with Level10 and posted pix on another site .The solenoids are clearly visible...Google is your friend

 

Rear brakes (ABS)