I recently purchased a 2003 STR with 74k miles on it. The car would lurch while coming to a stop and also when accelerating from a rolling stop. I did a lot of research here and decided that my first test would be a simple drain and fill with Castrol Multi-Import. I purchased a transfer pump ($8) and IR thermometer ($20) at Harbor Freight and the Castrol was readily available at Advance Auto for $6 a quart. I followed the procedures in the How-To section to change the fluid.

When changing the fluid I noticed what looked like a small leak near the rear of the transmission pan, so low fluid may have been a factor in my lurch symptoms. The stain did not look fresh and was not dripping so I really have no idea if the fluid was low or not. I did not check fluid level before draining.

Anyway, I have driven the car for a few days now and the lurch is gone. Again, I can't definitively state whether the new fluid or proper level was the cure, but either way its fixed. When I have more time I do plan to purchase the pan, sleeve and LG6 to finish the job properly. The fluid I took out was very dark so I believe it was original.

I would recommend this test for anyone with similar symptoms, especially before spending big money on the whole kit or reflash/reset from the dealer.

 

Way to go Aaron. Better new fluid than a new trans.