OK i have a new truck that someone before me didn't take care of it and now i am trying to fix the problems with this truck.
1. Transmission Automatic: The transmission doesn't seem to be shifting right. It wonts to stay in first gear way too long before it shifts to second gear. If i slowly give it gas it stays in first gear until i gas it(floor it) them it shifts very hard. I have read the manual about adjusting the bands but i have never done that before so i don't know if that will help or make it worse.

adjusting the bands is only half the answer.
and it is a somewhat precise task.
somewhere there is a modulating valve or control.
It will have to be adressed also.
97 would make it an electronic control.

I have also been told that something as simple as too much transmission fluid can cause problems....good luck

Will check that out. The radiator was full of rust and the thermostat was full of rust as well. I couldn't find the drain plugs that where located on the side of the block. Wished i had a lift....

You might also wanna check the "speed sensor" which kinda manages the speed which your tranny will shift. They'll sometimes go out, which will make your truck wanna shift real high and then clunk out of first gear. It should be an easy fix, too- it's just a plug-in thingy that will either go into your differential, or in your tranny (or both).

As far as newer cars are concerned, always try to look at the sensors first, as they tend to go out before anything else. Save working on the serious stuff (like working on transmission bands) if you know your sensors are properly working.

any other advise?

simplest....check for a vacuum leak.....
then back flush the tranny!!!!

ok will check for the vacuum leak the fluid is fresh

have it back flushed!!!!

It sounds like a vacuum problem.Typically automatic transmissions are shifted by vacuum from 1st to 2nd gear.Trace the vacuum tube going to the transmission and check it to see if it is leaking.Sometimes there is a check or one way valve connected to the tube.These are often causes of problems since they get stuck or plugged up.Too little transmission fluid will cause the transmission to slip or cause the engine to reev up with out shifting.

Thanks ..It shifts hard when i slowly give it gas but when i get the lead foot it a little ok...still seems weird

Still sounds like the speed control sensor to me. My Ranger did the same thing whenever I tried to accelerate out of a dead stop.

Is your engine light on?



My 98 Jeep was doing the same, it was the throttle position sensor.

yes, I'm always changing Vehicle Speed Sensors in chryslers.
they go bad a lot.

but the harsh upshift bodes ill for your wallet.
how big IS your wallet?

I seriously doubt it's the bands.
most band problems are from the frictin material wearing off
soo.... no shift at all.
flushing won't fix the tranny one little bitty.
this most likely is a hard fault in the valve body it'sself
so
your in need of a good tranny shop.
don't go messin with your trans's valve body !!!
way too many check balls and springs and spoolvalves.

or ! you could try a trans from a junkyard.
make sure it's a 'known good trans'