Shift Condition Definitions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Bump: A sudden and forceful apply of a clutch or a band.

Chuggle: A bucking or jerking. This condition may be most noticeable when the converter clutch is engaged. It is similar to the feel of towing a trailer.

Delayed: A condition where a shift is expected but does not occur for a period of time. This could be described as a clutch or band engagement that does not occur as quickly as expected during a part throttle or wide open throttle apply of the accelerator, or during manual downshifting to a lower range. This term is also defined as LATE or EXTENDED.

Double Bump (Double Feel): Two sudden and forceful applies of a clutch or a band.

Early: A condition where the shift occurs before the car has reached proper speed. This condition tends to labor the engine after the upshift.

End Bump: A firmer feel at the end of a shift than at the start of the shift. This is also defined as END FEEL or SLIP BUMP.

Firm: A noticeably quick apply of a clutch or band that is considered normal with a medium to heavy throttle. This apply should not be confused with HARSH or ROUGH.

Flare: A quick increase in engine RPM along with a momentary loss of torque. This most generally occurs during a shift. This condition is also defined as SLIPPING.

Harsh (Rough): A more noticeable apply of a clutch or band than FIRM. This condition is considered undesirable at any throttle position.

Hunting: A repeating quick series of upshifts and downshifts that causes a noticeable change in engine RPM, such as a 4-3-4 shift pattern. This condition is also defined as BUSYNESS.

Initial Feel: A distinctly firmer feel at the start of a shift than at the finish of the shift.

Late: A shift that occurs when the engine RPM is higher than normal for a given amount of throttle.

Shudder: A repeating jerking condition similar to CHUGGLE but more severe and rapid. This condition may be most noticeable during certain ranges of vehicle speed.

Slipping: A noticeable increase in engine RPM without a vehicle speed increase. A slip usually occurs during or after initial clutch or band apply.

Soft: A slow, almost unnoticeable clutch or band apply with very little shift feel.

Surge: A repeating engine related condition of acceleration and deceleration that is less intense than CHUGGLE.

Tie-Up: A condition where two opposing clutch and/or bands are attempting to apply at the same time causing the engine to labor with a noticeable loss of engine RPM.