Define hard shifting

So I see problems here and there about "hard shifting." Could anyone define a "hard shift"? I notice that only from first to second i can "feel" the shift, but it doesn't jerk my head back or anything...i can just feel the gear change in the seat which differs form the other gears which typically shift so seamlessly i cannot feel the shift AT ALL. It also doesn't do it all the time...it depends on what rpm/throttle position it changes the gear...it still seems smooth when shifting up a gear too, although from 2nd to first is harsh, but I think that's more due to oem mounts, oem struts and the torque whiplash caused by the L67...

Just looking for some clarity, I'm sure I have nothing to worry about, it seems ok to me.

I've been looking for a definition to hard shifts too. I have the same experience as u when it comes to gear shifting. I have a 95' buick park avenue with the vin k 3800 and 4t60 transmission.

Mine doesn't seem to follow the "trend"...to me you can just feel the shift, but it happens even when cold, not just when the car has warmed up. I just don't know how smooth the transmission should be. It does shift gears therefore there's an interruption of power, but I don't know how much that should be felt...for all I know i could have just some worn motor mount bushings if there's even a problem at all.

I heard someone say the "hard shift" is when it's shifting hard enough to "snap your head back"...but that sounds excessive.

I'm used to driving manual transmission, so I have limited knowledge of automatic and I don't pay enough attention to my friend's cars to notice if mine is "normal".

Most cars that I have driving seem to shift hardest from 1st to 2nd gear. Some worser than others. Its harder to feel the shift when you're a passenger so I guess its normal or when u pay to much attention u notice it more. But if u have the 4t65 transmission the PCS issue could come up which symptoms are hard shifting.

Yeah, well I guess we'll see what the guys say here...but if it sounds like any cause for concern I'll take it in somewhere with a trans scanner...

I'd think hard shifting is something you'd notice whether you want to or not...if I turn the music up at all and just drive, I don't notice one bit.

Neither of you guys should be concerned...

Hard or Harsh shifts will seem like the tranny is slamming into gears, and usually can be heard even with the windows closed as a loud CLUNK. If a PCS is the problem, this harsh shift will happen in all gears, not just 1-2 shifts.

BTW, my car's 1-2 shift is a little more noticable than all the rest at certain RPM's. Its been like that since I bought it, and all GTP's I drove shifted the same.

If your worried, drop the pan, and install a new filter and new dexron III fluid. I did mine just before winter and was suprised when the old fluid was very clean and had hardly any clutch particles in it.

Hard or Harsh shifts will seem like the tranny is slamming into gears, and usually can be heard even with the windows closed as a loud CLUNK. If a PCS is the problem, this harsh shift will happen in all gears, not just 1-2 shifts.

That's what I figured.

My roommate's Cavalier's transmission is pretty much dead and I read up a lot of GP's so i was wondering why I'm lucky this time around...normally my cars shit a brick too, but this one seems OK for now. I guess I'm just a nervous wreck with cars.

just drive it nice and keep it maintained.

Besides Cavvy's are pretty much junk from day one.