New to forum. Hesitation from 1st to 2nd.

[Physiks]

I recently traded my tahoe for a 98 GMC jimmy 4.3 4x4 2-door.

The problem I'm having is sometimes it hesitates going into 2nd gear. I don't think it's the transmission because it doesn't do it all the time. If I put my foot down a little more and get the RPM's up it doesn't do it either. usually only when you take off a bit slow. when it doesn't do it it shifts fine, all the other gears shift fine.

I just got it on the road and I know its close to spring but I live in northern MI and were still getting snow here, Im going to start with a tune up and go from there.

Thought I would ask here for any other advice as to what it may be.

 

[Physiks]

Also, the "hesitation" seems to feel like more of a misfire to me than a transmission slip.

 

[Molson02536]

Also, the "hesitation" seems to feel like more of a misfire to me than a transmission slip.

Start with the simple and inspect all your vacuum lines and replace any that's damaged from dry rots causing cracks. Also clean your throttle body and give it a seafoam treatment.

This should help and keep us posted also feel free to ask the forum any questions when your ready to do your tune up.

Molson02536

 

[Physiks]

I have a bit of knowledge in automotive, I grew up with it so I should be okay doing the tune-up. Thanks for the quick response though. I haven't heard any vacuum leaks but I'll take a closer look today.

I know my brother had the same problem with his 98 blazer but his problem would normally get worse when it rained, I seemed to be having the same issue but without the rain symptoms, that's why I was thinking there was a gremlin somewhere in the ignition system? That's why I was going to do the plugs/wires etc. with the tuneup. Do you think that could be an area of concern after I check the vacuum lines? I want to get this problem solved, it's a really nice truck and I'd like to keep it around for awhile, after I fix the terrible stripes people seem to keep putting on these things...

 

[Molson02536]

I have a bit of knowledge in automotive, I grew up with it so I should be okay doing the tune-up. Thanks for the quick response though. I haven't heard any vacuum leaks but I'll take a closer look today.

I know my brother had the same problem with his 98 blazer but his problem would normally get worse when it rained, I seemed to be having the same issue but without the rain symptoms, that's why I was thinking there was a gremlin somewhere in the ignition system? That's why I was going to do the plugs/wires etc. with the tuneup. Do you think that could be an area of concern after I check the vacuum lines? I want to get this problem solved, it's a really nice truck and I'd like to keep it around for awhile, after I fix the terrible stripes people seem to keep putting on these things...

For the caps and rotors, the 4.3 Vortec's are very fussy when it comes to secondary ignition parts: (Spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap & rotor, and ignition coil). AC Delco parts should be used, especially cap & rotor.

When the cap is replaced, a dab of silicone dielectric grease should be applied to each terminal, inside and out. When spark jumps from the rotor to the cap, the grease crystalizes... normal, it's supposed to be there.

Also while the cap is removed, make sure the vent screens are removed, (factory TSB). This will help ventilate the cap and reduce condensation inside the cap. This would probably be best time to check camshaft retard, and adjust it if necessary. But it can only be done with a scan tool capable of accessing the data stream.

The other area that is commonly missed is the condition of your Catalytic Converter. Inspect it to make sure it has not gone bad and is restricting the flow of your exhaust gases.

Keep us posted and be safe

Molson02536