A442 harsh shift 1-2

[Jason Read]

Hello, My 1992 1hdt powered 80 series has the hydraulic version of the A442. It has an intermittent harsh shift from 1st to 2nd. If I really put my foot down it shifts fine, hardly notice the shift. But at 1/3 throttle shifts through town etc the 1-2 change is very harsh. I towed a heavy trailer up a hill the other day and stopped on the way up and then floored it. No problems shifting through the gears at all, no slipping and changes felt fine. It seems to be the light load change that is harsh. If I'm really gentle ie just idle through the gears it is also good.
Any suggestions? Thanks guys.

 

[ianmcoutback]

How old is the clutch this can happen with stock clutches I found it much better buy fitting Heavy duty clutch kit.
I think yours might be getting low on clutch plate. Hope it helps.

 

[StarCruiser]

The A442 is an auto box so it may be worth checking your throttle position cable. Try a search on here for this as there’s some info on it from @Chris and probably others too. It should pull out easily then snap back smartly and have a certain distance from the end of the tube.

 

[bbto3r]

I believe it would be difficult for you to find answers if looking for A442F when you are clearly talking is about an A440F...that being said, change oil and filter, sometimes something very simple does the trick

 

[Jason Read]

I believe it would be difficult for you to find answers if looking for A442F when you are clearly talking is about an A440F...that being said, change oil and filter, sometimes something very simple does the trick

Sorry mate but I am talking about an A442f. It says so on the vehicle id plate. Mine is an Hdj81 Japanese import version. Most of the A442f transmissions were electronic but they did make a hydraulic version for them and I've got one in my truck.

 

[LkB]

I know this is an old post, but have just purchased a LC 80, 1995 / HDJ 81 with the A442F automatic gearbox and am experiencing what sounds like a simliar issue when shifting from 1st to 2nd, genearlly only when driving at low rpm around town etc.
The oil and filter have been repalced just before I purchased the car. Initial thoughts was to check oil level. Found then, when cold (after 24hours of no driving) the level on the dip stick is quite high, on the HOT mark of the dipsitck. Logic tells me me that a diptsick with a hot and cold indictation mark has these marks for a reason.

Is is possible that something as simple as oil level being too high coudl cause this? Possiblty foaming up too much?

Did you find the solution to the issue you had @ Jason Read?

Thanks

 

[Dave]

Probably more a case of ‘they all do that’, at least mine has for the last 26 years anyway. Not too bad usually, but a bit harsh if you back off just before it changes.

 

[LkB]

Thanks Dave, I did think it might be a case of "they all do that" but just wanted to get some 2nd opinion, being a noob to the LC 80 club!

 

[chapel gate]

They are fussy about oil level/condition. Make sure its where it should be, you need to check with the engine running. Hot means hot, check after a good run.

Check the throttle cable to see if its set correctly and moves freely.

 

[W.G. Bigelow]

Similar issue in my 1990 HDJ81, settles down after the truck is warmed up. The first drive after the truck sits for a while, I manually shift through the gears, seems to help until it’s warmed up.