So recently bought a 1996 John Deere 544G with the 4 speed transmission ( 1,2,3, and D). Anyway, when going from neutral to forward or reverse it clunks hard once as it shifts and then drives and runs fine, it clunks again as you shift from first to second to third to drive, no matter what gear you hit, it clunks hard once as you shift. Even at a dead stop on flat ground. But no other audible noises from the transmission. Good oil level too on the trans. Is that normal for this era of transmissions for this machine? Could I Possibly be losing the transmission? Or could it be a solenoid going out?
Welcome to HEF JohnDeere247 ! Please post complete machine serial number. That machine has modulated shifting. How hard it is engaging could be an interpretation issue. Does it "slam" in, or just a slight clunk? Modulation can be checked with a pressure gauge. Are there service codes? Do you know how to access codes in the monitor? Has the filter been removed, cut open and inspected for debris (see video on how below)? Oil Filter Inspection
Honestly it's a bit of both. It slams hard enough sometimes to shake the cab a little. Other times it's a lighter clunk. I'll get numbers today at some point