Adjust shift points with a tune or just change the tranny fluid?

[sprocket]

My Toreador '96 feels like it shifts late when going uphill at around 35mph. I can feel the weight of the car in the pedal. Once it downshifts it's fine and the car has plenty of power. It had a broken EGR tube and rather than replace it, I blocked it. I have never had the EGR tuned out, so I always have the CEL on.

I have never changed the tranny fluid and have had the car about 1 1/2 years.

I'm just looking for advice as to how to best proceed....

 

[chris2523]

my aunts 97 downshifts as little as possible. you really have to stick your foot in it to get it to downshift. this sounds normal.
my car is quick to shift, but it has a tune.

 

[OchoMarko]

Just for peace of mind, I'd change the fluid to Mercon V and a new filter. Replace the 1-2 accumulator piston and springs if it hasn't been done. Drain the torque convertor and then refill with 12(?) quarts of Mercon V. You can reuse the pan gasket if it hasn't dry rotted and do not over tighten the pan bolts, cause it'll distort and leak.

 

[Right on the Mark]

How about BOTH?