Transmission shift woes

[MapleLeafMerc]

I've had my 03 MM since Nov 03. Had a 96 Impala SS before. IMO, the MM outhandles the SS (I've driven on route 44 in northern PA with both), but disappoints in regular city driving. The transmission is relentless in seeking a higher gear, leaving you in a hole if you want to move quickly. Unfortunately I am not in a position to spend a lot of money on this. I was wondering if there is a list of what can be done from less money/warranty risk to more money/warranty risk, as deerejoe described it. Or can the changes I've heard about for 2004 be retrofitted? Car Review talked about "...softening up the transmission shifts and adding dual knock sensors to improve acceleration response at low speeds" I have asked my dealer but thought I would ask here as well.

Also: the rattling/buzzing rear speaker area- another disappointment, as I thought I would finally get a decent factory stereo. The dealer's had a go at it twice, but it hasn't improved.

Thanks for any advice!

[capt512]

Maraudercan,
The rattle in the back is a fairly simple fix. My son fixed mine with some home ac ductwork insulation. check out the search feature on this site and type in speakers or rattle and I think it will come up.
Unless your really lucky dealers are a waste of time.
I Know.
Good luck,
Mike

[67435animal]

Look at Superchips microtuner. It can change your shift points. There is a lot of information here, mainly under Cole Performance. I intend to buy one and download the new program myself.

I have a little rear speaker rattle but I also plan to replace the speakers in several months so I don't plan to mess with them until I do.

Bob

[RCSignals]

The Superchips Microtuner may do it for you. There is a group buy going on now
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4805

If you want "more", check out Reinhart automotive and Dennis Reinhart.

[RF Overlord]

I don't know why anyone would want to "soften up the transmission shifts"...if anything they need to be firmer...

...and yes, the stock shift schedule is WAY too conservative...getting the ECM re-flashed or adding a chip ( www.reinhartautomotive.com or www.fordchip.com ), or using the Superchips tuner, will absolutely fix that right up for you...

As for the subwoofer rattle/buzz, pull off the driver's side rear speaker grille, and you can shove some foam or dynomat between the cheap-o fibreboard and the metal of the package shelf...that generally shuts the rattle up pretty well...it really IS a decent stereo; not outstanding, but decent...

[Brian]

Check out the 'Reviews' section of this website for an article of various subwoofer woes and possible fixes. The mastic knockout issue can cause a rattle. Other causes of rattle may be a loose fastener on any of the rear deck speakers or subwoofer. or any contact between the rear deck carpet backing material and the mastic pad. Some have had good success with putting in a bit of foam between the two for this problem.

[deerejoe]

These 300 A/B transmissions WILL perform satisfactorily when properly adjusted!!

Its really lamentable that the consumer has to be the one to grapple with these QUALITY CONTROL issues!!

Tell the dealer to FIX IT RIGHT or TAKE IT BACK !!