Questions and Answers

Chevy Celebrity Harsh Downshift Q. Hi, I saw your article about diagnosing automatic transmission problems and one of the symptoms is a problem I'm having. I own a 1988 Chevy Celebrity Eurosport wagon, with a 2.8 liter V-6 and an overdrive automatic transmission. The problem I'm having is that it has a very harsh downshift from 2 to 1.

About three months ago I had a new engine put in, everything was fine. A week ago the transmission started this harsh downshift. We changed the filter and oil, the problem disappeared for a few days, then started up again. The fluid level is good, but we just discovered that the kick-down cable was no longer connected, turns out the plastic clip broke, also the cable appears to possibly be stretched. Could that be the reason for a harsh 2-1 downshift? I'm really hoping it's not the more severe problems you list.

Ian

A. I would first replace that cable and have it adjusted properly. Then go from there if problem still exists.