[martins8589]

I am so excited, I just picked up my new 1997 JLX Vitara. It's auto with the J20 engine and has a 70lt fuel tank from factory! It is in excellent condition and has done 215000km's.
The only thing I need to ask is it normal for the gearbox to be clunky when going from park into gear and shifts a bit clunky? Can these autos be served and repaired sucessfully if need be?
Any knowledgeable answers appreciated.

[Gwagensteve]

Depends on how quickly it's shifting. If it shifts quick that's fine. if it's slow, especially from D to R, then that's a sign of wear. Transmission is an AW-4 and is generally very durable.

It's possible the clunk isn't from the auto at all but is from a worn rear A arm ball joint or worn uni joints.

[martins8589]

Thanks. It clunks going from park to drive/reverse. Shifts ok whilst driving. Sometimes a little lag. Will check the joint and uni's.

[britvit]

My guess is the kickdown cable is sticking, this controls the line pressure in the trans, it's a common fault.
Try unhooking the cable from the throttle then shift between D N R to see if it improves.

[jdk81]

Aw4 doesnt use a kickdown cable.

[fordem]

It most certainly does - although I believe it's now called the TV (throttle valve) cable.

[Gwagensteve]

I was going to say mine does too.

[dlrowmas]

Im pretty sure mine has a vacuum actuator valve not a kickdown cable ?

[britvit]

Call it what you want. It's the cable from the AW4 trans to the throttle body, it sometimes gets stuck & causes the problem the OP has described.