I am having a downshifting problem with my 94 se. when it is downsifting from 2nd gear to 1st gear it makes a loud noise and bangs. It upshits fine, goes into overdrive fine etc, just downshifting. It does this when you slow down to turn or comming to a complete stop. It also does not do it all the time. I have about 110,000 miles on the car. Any ideas on what the problem might be?

sounds like a broken spring in the 1-2 accumulator. this can be found in the bottom of the trans. take the pan off, and you'll see a roughly triangular shaped 'housing' bolted to the trans case with a few pipes coming out of it. drop this out as an assembly, and take it apart, there are 2 pistons inside it with springs in each one. i would be wiling to bet one of the springs is broken. the springs put tension on the pistons, and as fluid is routed to the piston bores, the spring counteracts the fluid pressure, up to a certain point, then the spring 'gives' and the piston can do it'* job. when the spring is broken/weak, it just lets the piston move as soon as fluid pressure is applied, causing the banging/harsh shift condition.

hope this helps.

before i answer, i have another question for ya. how does the trans feel when you shift from park to reverse, or reverse to drive? i know, it sounds crazy, but it is relevant.

yes, a little bit. when i get a minute, i will look at my power flow charts. i have an idea, but i want to confirm my idea before i offer an answer. no sense in wasting money if you don't have to.