Simply put, gear changes are delayed, and you have to either slightly release the gas pedal or depress it further (for it to speed up) to shift. As an example, you're doing 80 km/h (50 MPH), and should be in overdrive (4th gear). But you're in 3rd with the RPMs at 3,000 km. If you very slightly take your foot off the gas, the transmission shifts into 4th and the RPMs drop to 2,000. Alternatively, if you put your foot down further, the engine will rev higher as the vehicle accelerates and then you're in 4th gear. The shifts are also a bit hard and sudden, almost like a neutral drop. I donÆt know what the cause is, although .

Not answering this as a transmission expert, but because I also own that year Montero.

Usual questions: trans fluid level, age of trans fluid?

Engine Coolant Temp sensor (ECT) may be acting up as trans won't shift into OD until proper engine temp reached.

Might also want to check trans cable adjustment at throttle body.

thanks
1)flushed trans fluid
2)adjusted at throttle body.
will try the Coolant Temp sensor (ECT)

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Tyty, I was going to say that pcc was onto something there with the throttle kick adjustment comment. The way you are describing the late shifting and letting off the throttle, that would be my first guess, but you are telling us you already adjusted it. Hmm... What else would cause this? It's a mechanically driven transmission, not electronic.

Is that cable taught? Or is there a little slack? You may want to adjust it some more and make sure there is a little slack. You will know quickly if that was the issue or not. The tighter it is, the higher the shift points are.

I actually adjusted my trans cable a few more turns tighter to get better downshift response. I was not having any problems since its always been like that since new, just slower than I wanted downshift. Improved a little.