Cadillac Repair: Transmission problem, vacuum modulator, engine vacuum

Question
My transmission in my 1995 eldorado shifts
hard. The car jerks when I shift to reverse and
drive. I replaced the motor mounts but that did not solve the problem.

Answer
Hi Marshall, The first thing to do is check the fluid level and condition. If it looks brownish and smells burnt then it is probably tranny replacement time. If the fluid is good then safely put your car on ramps or jackstands and with a helper have him/her shift between R and OD with their foot on the brake and make sure ALL the engine and trans mounts are ok. If the idle speed is too high it will affect the shift. Also if your engine is the 4.9 liter engine make sure that the vacuum line going to the vacuum modulator is on and that it has engine vacuum. If the modulator has a hole in the diaphram then that would allow shift problems. Those are the easy checks...after that you will need to take it to a Caddy dealer or trans shop for diagnosis. Hope that helps. Bill